NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
S. No. 71 R
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of tl)c £^.:^rrrar(j)
*22 JUL18 PI 56
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE OTHER THAN 
ENGLISH, AS AN ELECTIVE COURSE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION 
CURRICULUM
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) issued Memorandum 
Order No. 20 referring to the General Education Curriculum (GEC) for the tertiary 
level. The GEC met controversies for making Filipino and English language subjects 
optional and was accused of being 'anti-Filipino'. But in 2019, the Supreme Court 
upheld its decision In 2018 that the GEC is constitutional and can now be 
implemented ail colleges and universities1.
The GEC Is the culmination of several years of study and consultation by the 
Technical Panel on General Education across the country, and was designed to 
complement the K-12 curriculum and the Philippine Qualifications Framework. It also 
aimed to correct the old GEC which covered limited disciplines but had too many 
required subjects. The new GEC contains general and interdisciplinary subjects. The 
English and Filipino subjects were also not abolished altogether but were transferred 
to the Senior High School2.
Nevertheless, the new GEC opened freedom and flexibility to Higher 
Education Institutions (HEIs) in the offering curricula that may include language 
proficiency that will make graduates regionally and globally competitive."
While learning the Philippine language connects us to our history, culture and 
identity as Filipinos, learning foreign languages also has its own set of advantages. 
Foreign language skills is an Important 21st century social skill that fosters 
intercultural and international awareness, knowledge, and understanding, critical 
thinking, and effective communicative skills. Moreover, the Organization for 
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said that "global competence
1 Rappler. (2019 June 9). {OPINION] Part 1: Why language subjects in college are better optional. 
https://wvwv.rappler.com/voices/imho/232597-part-l-why-language-subjects-ln-college-better- 
optional/
2 Ibid.


requires numerous skills, including the ability to: communicate in more than one 
language; communicate appropriately and effectively with people from other 
cultures or countries; comprehend other people's thoughts, beliefs and feelings, and 
see the world from their perspectives; adjust one's thoughts, feelings or behaviors to 
fit new contexts and situations; and analyze and think critically In order to scrutinize 
and appraise information and meanings.3" It also expands their global 
opportunities for employment, travel, cross-cultural exchange, diplomacy, 
international education, and business.
This measure seeks to institutionalize the integration of foreign languages, 
other than English, as an elective course in the Higher Education curriculum. This 
shall be a 3-unit beginner course taught by accredited foreign language teachers as 
recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
In view of the foregoing, imrriediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
GRACE
3 https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/043fc3b0-
en.pdf?expires=16455075618Lid=id&accname=guest&checksum=0DCF32E6EACC3D19A2F62EE2D03
D46A6


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SEN 
S. No
of tljc S?' n'prar!p
*22 JUL18 PI 56
RECEIVED SY;
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE OTHER THAN 
ENGLISH, AS AN ELECTIVE COURSE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION 
CURRICULUM
Be ft enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Foreign Language
2 
Education Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. •* The State recognizes the fast growing global
4 
economy and the need for Filipinos to remain competitive in the global arena that Is
5 
composed of different people, cultures and languages. It shall therefore be the
6 
policy of the State to include foreign language education, other than English, as an
7 
elective course In the higher education curricula, with the goal of equipping Filipinos
8 
with sufficient aptitude and skills to be more competitive and thereafter, enjoy better
9 
job opportunities, travel, business, education, among others, globally.
10 
Sec. 3. Foreign Language Education. - The teaching of a foreign language
11 
other than English, as an elective course, shall be included In the curriculum of
12 
higher education.
13 
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), pursuant to its mandate under
14 
Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994", shall
15 
determine the specific foreign languages, the start of the integration, and other
16 
necessary guidelines and policies to implement this Act.
17 
The foreign language elective course shall be a basic course for beginners
18 
designed as a three (3)-unit subject to be offered in all higher education institutions.


1 
Sec. 4. Foreign Language Teachers. - To attend to the needs of foreign
2 
language teachers In higher education, CHED shall promote a field of specialization
3 
In each of the identified foreign languages. CHED shall coordinate with education
4 
offices or similar offices of foreign embassies in formulating the foreign language
5 
training programs and curricula for Filipino teachers. Teachers and college graduates
6 
who will take up a Master's degree in the corresponding foreign language shall be
7 
accredited as foreign language teachers. CHED shall also include the teaching of
8 
foreign languages as a field of study in the teacher education program.
9 
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
10 
effectivity of this Act, the CHED shall issue the rules and regulations as may be
11 
necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
12 
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. -If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
13 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected shall remain
14 
In force and effect circulation.
15 
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions,
16 
rules and regulations contrary to or Inconsistent with any provision of this Act are
17 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
18 
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
19 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general.
Approved,