Current Issues and Concerns in MTB-MLE (Philippines)

 On July 21, 2021, I was invited by the PhD English Language Studies of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila through Dr. Andrew Bernardo to give a lecture (originally exclusively for his class but was opened to the graduate students and faculty) on the "Current Issues & Trends in MTB-MLE." Though I was given only a few days to prepare, I appreciate the chance to consolidate and organize my notes from my recent study and readings on MTB-MLE. 

Thanks to UST for giving me a copy of the video recording. I am sharing it here hoping that researchers would see the broader terrain of MTB-MLE. I noticed that most MTB-MLE research topics were perception studies. I hope that through this lecture, there will be deeper and productive engagements. 

Here is the broad outline of my presentation (it was delivered mostly in Filipino):

• What is MTB-MLE? 
• Research supporting MTB MLE 
• Previous MTB-MLE-related initiatives in the Philippines  
• MTB-MLE programs in Africa and Asia-Pacific
• MTB-MLE brought shifts in literacy instruction 
• MTB-MLE brought shifts in teaching additional languages
• Framework for Functional MTB-MLE Program in Philippine context
• Official languages for MT subjects in the Philippines 
• Enabling Policies
• MTB-MLE Curriculum
• Teachers’ Training and Deployment
• Localized Production of MTB-MLE Learning Resources
• MTB-MLE Partnerships 
• BASA Pilipinas Findings  
• BASA Pilipinas’ Recommendations 
• International assessments and language of testing    
• Challenges (from DepEd-BCD Consultations) 
• Possibilities 

I discussed the components of functional MTB-MLE program for country-wide implementation. I color-coded the ones needing urgent attention (yellow as urgent and red as more urgent). 

  

Key references cited in the presentation:

Areola, L. (2021). Updates on MTB MLE implementation.  International Mother Language Conference and Festival. February 22, 2021  

Arzadon, M. (2021). Policy Enactment in MTB-MLE Big Book Making Among Teachers in Buguias, Benguet. Unpublished Dissertation, College of Education, University of the Philippines. 

DepEd Order 21 s. 2019. Policy Guidelines on the K-12 Basic Education Program

DO 74, s. 2009 Institutionalizing Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MLE)

Republic of the Philippines. (2013). Republic Act No. 10533: An act enhancing the Philippine basic education system by strengthening its curriculum and increasing the number of years for basic education, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes

Monje, JD.; Jr., Orbeta, A., Francisco-Abrigo, KA; Capones, EM (2019). ‘Starting Where the Children Are’: A Process Evaluation of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education Implementation. Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

 

USAID (2018). Basa Pilipinas Program 

The video clip from a dual language class (Spanish and English) can be viewed in its entirety here:  SEAL.org