By KC Santos
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond Palatino has filed a resolution seeking an investigation of schools allegedly penalizing students who speak in Tagalog and other local dialects.
Palatino recently filed House Resolution no. 1567 and stated: “We understand the importance of English in today’s world. But our country’s attempt to integrate in this globalized community of English tongues should not be done at the expense of our vernaculars.”
“Penalizing students for speaking their native language in schools is a crime to our culture and it should be stopped,” he said.
Palatino expressed dismay on the “misdirected valorization” of the English language that has repressed the use of some 150 native dialects in the country.
He cited the prevalent practice in schools wherein students who are caught speaking in Tagalog or another local dialect are penalized in the form of monetary fines and demerits.
“This colonial attitude” towards English language affects the learning process and self-appreciation of students, most of whom begin their early development with the use of their mother tongue,” said Palatino.
Because of this practice, he said a “balance” between Filipino and English language use will not be achieved.
“There is no doubt that we should teach English in our schools, just like we should other foreign languages. But we should do so in a manner that does not trample on our native languages and the learning development of our students,” he said.
