Filipino is a beautiful language that is quite easy to grasp. Filipino subject is one of the most important one in learning Filipino language. It gives emphasis in the Filipino children which are starting to learn the Filipino language. They can learn different Filipino structure, such as grammar and this time in the context of the old Filipino alphabet. As a student approaches toward a higher education the level of comprehensiveness should also adjust such as going deeper into the Filipino language by knowing its origin, structure, essence, by seeing it in different perspectives, and exploring the culture and tradition that surrounds it.
In our present times, the Filipino subject has been removed in college but not totally removed in our education. This change came about due to the curriculum shift that occurred due to the change from the ten-year educational system that we had to the twelve-year educational system that the rest world has. What basically happened was that the General Education subjects such as Filipino was moved to Senior Highschool, in Grades 11 and 12 by reason of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum.The removal of Filipino subject from college was because the subject was made redundant by the Kto12 reforms. Some of the Filipino lessons and lectures are supposed to be taken in the first two years of college. Now, they are to be taken in Grades 11 and 12.
The article by Oliver Emocling entitled “Why is it important to study Filipino even in college?” , stated that in our generation now,in the present age of globalization, we still have to study the Filipino language, it is important to understand and know how to use. Many students or millennials now do not know how use the simple Filipino terms like “ng” and “nang”.
Yes, it is important for the Filipinos to be able to communicate very well in English. But everyone who thinks of himself as Filipino has also the responsibility to love the country of his birth and naturally his own language. It is only in their language that the Filipinos are able to distinguish themselves from other people of Asia. It is only the language that seem to be remaining link to the Filipino spirit and his potential towards a lasting national identity. Filipino subject can teach us different things that we have to know in our past. We are needed to learn or know those things because we are born Filipino. Because when you are asked to share something about your country you can’t say anything because you didn’t study Filipino subject which you ca tackle about the past of the died Filipinos. That’s why it is important to study Filipino subject. Not only you can benefit but also you can share some knowledge to other people when needed.
Another significant stuff was stated in an article “Filipino subjects should be excluded in the college curriculum” by Rosella Madriaga. It is important for us people to explore and enhance ourselves in pursuing for development. Individuals will become more powerful again more earnings, they would contribute a lot to the country’s economic growth. She stated also that there shall have the possibilities that more foreign students will enroll to Philippine colleges. As a result, the country will have more migrates, leading to more income. Also, more foreign schools in the country would be established.
Somehow, it saddens upon hearing thousands or even millions of fellow Filipino citizen being favor of the removal of the Filipino subject to the education curriculum. I know that Department of Education has a point that it will be redundant if college will take again but as time flies dozens or even decades are not preserving and protecting our beloved language. Now, we just took the blood and sweat our heroes have poured for the country for granted by removing one of the only things left that can teach the younger generations about the Philippines.
In an article written by Karlo Mongaya of Global Voices which entitled “Removal of Filipino language and literature as required college subjects sparks opposition” tells about the significance of our national language to the youth and how it is important to the vitals in deepening the critical, creative, free and liberating capacities of students and people, whatever their courses, discipline and fields of expertise. The study of language and literature in college is no duplication but an expansion of theory, practice and its usage in the university, the nation, and life.
Remember what Dr. Jose Rizal quoted, “Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda.”
If we want a national language, and respect for all our Philippine languages, our young must grow up hearing and using these languages as part of daily practice not just for casual conversation but as the language of transaction for science, business and also arts. It must be a daily practice that becomes part of us, part of the way we think and live. We must love our own country and culture first before loving another.
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