The document discusses Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in the Philippines. It notes that the Philippines has over 170 living dialects. MTB-MLE aims to address linguistic discrimination in education by using students' native languages as the primary language of instruction, while also teaching them Filipino and English. The program was implemented nationally in 2012 as part of expanding basic education to K-12. Advocates say MTB-MLE helps students gain proficiency in their mother tongue, Filipino, and English. It provides benefits like literacy development, building on prior knowledge, and confidence building.