There have already been discussions of switching back to English and Filipino as the primary languages of instruction, particularly for the first three years of primary school. And what other government agency than the Department of Education will be at the forefront of the discussion, under the new direction of Vice President Sara Duterte, who also holds the position of Secretary of Education.
However, it's unclear who made the original push, their objectives, and what beliefs they support. Even while we may always anticipate modifications or a review of previous initiatives under every new administration. For other initiatives that they may easily be linked with, the new leadership would start an assessment and seek for ways to renew or even reform. Something that people might easily remember and the persons who started it when their term is through.
However, one thing is for sure; they will still give it some thought and confer with experts before making such a decision. Any significant change or even innovation must be the result of efforts supported by evidence. It is necessary to consult experts who have invested their time in enhancing a program, product, technique, or system. They are the key to discovering the truths and realities underlying phenomena.
Studying a language or languages fosters a knowledge of the relationship between language and human nature and teaches and promotes respect for various cultures. For instance, learning a foreign language can broaden one's perspective, liberalize one's experiences, and increase one's adaptability and tolerance.
Prior to creating language regulations, it is important to understand the complexities of human learning and development because learning a new language is difficult and complex, necessitating research. A thorough investigation has been done before the mother tongue-based policy became official. Even after it was adopted as policy and during the first years of implementation, there were still opponents.
There is a need for language researchers or research institutes to share information about ongoing research projects publicly. There is a gap that needs to be filled by inviting concerned government officials to conferences or research presentations, or by planning specific events that bring together policy makers and researchers, sending notes and abstracts to pertinent agencies, and disseminating research to both government agencies and NGOs, who may also be its users. Once we have contacted legislators, be prepared to discuss the ongoing work with them. Try to establish direct communication, for instance with negotiators, by giving them concise summaries of pertinent research findings. Contact the appropriate agencies and establish a long-term partnership.
To inform policymakers about requirements, researchers must be included in policy discussions and the policy-making process. Another is to create alliances, multi-sectoral groups, or policy forums where academia, business, and policymakers may meet and talk about objectives and methods for national growth. To expose them to pertinent issues, think about including researchers in official delegations and inviting prominent researchers to take part in trade policy assessments. Make it easier for academics to obtain pertinent data, for as by setting up a "trade data desk" within the trade agency to support dissemination efforts.
The entire process is complicated, but if it is followed and respected with proper consultation, we will not change a significant policy overnight that will have a greater impact on our children's future.