This document discusses mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) in the Philippines. It outlines some common misconceptions about only using a student's first language or that it hinders learning a second or third language. The goals of MTB-MLE are to create literate, critical thinkers who are lifelong learners and preserve cultural heritage. Data from early grade reading assessments show inequities in performance between students and a need to address issues like exposure to reading and a culture of learning. Problems implementing MTB-MLE include a lack of materials, unprepared teachers, and differing ideologies. Solutions proposed are increasing awareness through training and empowering communities while lessening misinformation. A shift in ideology is

1. Mother Tongue-Based
Multilingual Education
The Viability of Educational
Systems and Programs in the
Philippine Setting Group 2
A Ten Talks presentation by
Theresa Iana Tan
Eng 10 – WFV3
How Much Do Filipinos
Actually
Know About It?
Kaon? Kain.

2. Some common misconceptions
L1 only
Unimportant
Hinder L2 & L3 learning

3. Mother Tongue
Education
Multilingual
L2
…L3
L2 only!

4. GOALS
image from philippinesbasiceducation.us
Literate
Critical thinkers
Life-long learners
Preservation of
cultural heritage

5. Early Grade Reading Assessment
2013
2014
• Inequities in performances
• Doubt on grade 3 students’ strong-enough
reading skills
• Filipino & English reading performance
nearly equal except in comprehension
• Inequities in performances : Exposure to reading
& culture of learning
• Inequities across country & classroom – (in)adequate practice time
• Materials & teaching issues

6. Problems
• Lack of materials
• Teachers’ lack of mastery on subject matter
• DepEd !
– Authority, yet unable to truly comprehend MTBMLE
• Different ideologies

7. Solutions
…government cannot solve everything yet
• AWARENESS (through trainings, workshops, online etc)
– Inspire volunteerism & initiative
– Empower
– Lessen the spread of misinformation
Herminia Osting
School Principal
Image from “The Unstoppable MTB-MLE Caravan and the Reconfiguration of the MTB-MLE Discourse in the
Philippines.”

8. Time to leave the Old Paradigm
• Effect a shift in ideology
• Experts already have most answers!
• What’s left is practice… and much patience
“My view is that we should become tri-lingual as a country.
Learn English well and connect to the world.
Learn Filipino well and connect to our country.
Retain your mother tongue and connect to your heritage.”
– Pres. BS Aquino III

9. Media Used / References
• Arzadon, Maria Mercedes. “The Unstoppable MTB-MLE Caravan and the
Reconfiguration of the MTB-MLE Discourse in the Philippines.”
Presentation: 4th International Language and Education Conference. Bangkok. 6-8 Nov. 2013. Web. 12
May 2015.
• Cruz, Isagani. “Learning areas.” Philippine Star. 17 May 2012. Web. 12 May 2015.
• Nolasco, Ricardo. Personal interview. 5 May 2015.
• Pimentel, Manny. "MTB-MLE: Tool for the Development of Beginning Reading and Fluency from Grades 1
to 3." DepEd, Division of Malaybalay City. 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 4 March 2015.
• United States Agency International Development. “PhilEd Data: Strengthening Information for
Education, Policy, Planning and Management in the Philippines.” Education Data For Decision Making.
RTI International. 2013.
• ---. “Analytical Support for Early Grade Reading in the Philippines.” Education Data For Decision Making.
RTI International. 2014.
• Background & design ideas: picktochart.com