(Eis
7 REGEINGO A

TE

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2985
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The phenomenon of globalization inevitably resulted in a closer and stronger international
integration among nations. In 2018, the Philippines was named as the second top
globalization destination in the world, according to global strategic advisory firm Tholons.’
Said “globalization index” evaluates and ranks countries based on the availability and quality
of talent in the area, business catalyst or the level of industry-related activity and
organizational support, cost of doing business, infrastructure, innovation, and risk and quality
of life among others.”

The significance of globalization to a country has always been viewed under an economic
lens. However, it cannot be denied that the impact of globalization also touches upon an
important aspect of culture, which is language.

Truly, our fluency in English has paved the way for more opportunities for investments and
‘employment here and abroad. Nonetheless, considering that not all nations use the English
language as a medium of instruction in schools, it is indubitable that communication barriers
still exist among countries. This only hampers our country’s progress to be the top
globalization destination in the world.

Thus, this measure seeks to mandate all schools to include in their respective curricula for
Senior High School level, the instruction of foreign language as an elective subject. This
way, students will have the opportunity to study, learn, and be fluent in another language,
which may come in handy in the future. Evidently, fluency in, or at the very least, familiarity
with another language adds premium to one’s value which will be beneficial for seeking
employment

The immediate passage of this bill is collectively sought.

" https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/20/18/philippines-is-worlds-second-top-globalization-
destination-index
? Ibid.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 2985

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

AN ACT
MANDATING ALL SCHOOLS TO INCLUDE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CURRICULA FOR
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL THE INSTRUCTION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE OTHER
THAN ENGLISH AS AN ELECTIVE SUBJECT

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Under this Act, all schools, public and private, are hereby mandated to
include in their respective curricula the instruction of at least one (1) foreign language other
than English as an elective subject

SEC. 2. The Department of Education (DepEd) shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations as may be necessary to implement this Act.

SEC. 3. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be
charged to the appropriations of the DepEd under the current General Appropriations Act.
Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers.

Approved,