DepEd, partners reaffirm commitments dedicated to language, inclusion
The Department of Education (DepEd) and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to achieving inclusion and respect for language diversity in basic education programs.
(Photo courtesy of DepEd)
“We have made significant strides to strengthen our inclusion programs, and we vow to continue these efforts until everything is in place for our learners to flourish, so that they have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and be in a positive and non-threatening environment,” said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte during the first-ever Language and Inclusion Summit held last week. Among the commitments of DepEd to be dedicated to language and inclusion is to improve English proficiency while recognizing linguistic diversity. “We will work towards the goal of English language proficiency within the context of a multilingual nation,” Duterte said. Duterte said that DepEd will also review the implementation of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education Policy “guided by the principle that, among others, learners learn when taught in a language that they understand.” DepEd, under her term, will also continue with the establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) and provide assistive mechanisms such as audio-assisted technology, braille, and large-print test materials to disabled students. “We will introduce digital textbooks for certain core subjects in senior high schools,” Duterte said. DepEd, she added, will also work with regional offices and partners to facilitate the development of learning resources for special needs learners, specifically visually and hearing-impaired learners. Moreover, Duterte said DepEd will ensure that all school-age children, youth, and adults in disadvantaged situations participate in “inclusive basic learning opportunities and receive appropriate quality education.” DepEd also plans to undertake initiatives to provide schooling to many more children and youth in situations of disadvantage, regardless of gender, abilities, psycho-emotional and physical conditions, cultural and religious identity, and socioeconomic standing. To strengthen its inclusive education programs, including the alternative learning system, last-mile schools, and programs for IP learners, learners with disabilities, and Muslim learners, Duterte said DepEd “will endeavor for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, to afford quality learning opportunities and services.” To put these plans into motion, Duterte sought the help and support of teachers. “I humbly ask our teachers to maintain their fervor in teaching,” she said. “May you serve our learners in disadvantaged situations with compassion,” she added. Likewise, Duterte also called on education partners and stakeholders to “break the barriers in education” and put a “premium on supporting our teachers so that inclusive education can happen in every classroom.” During the summit, DepEd also gathered commitments from policymakers and stakeholders to support its implementation of language and inclusion programs. Senator Loren Legarda discussed fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian rallied to support alternative and inclusive learning.

“We have made significant strides to strengthen our inclusion programs, and we vow to continue these efforts until everything is in place for our learners to flourish, so that they have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and be in a positive and non-threatening environment,” said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte during the first-ever Language and Inclusion Summit held last week. Among the commitments of DepEd to be dedicated to language and inclusion is to improve English proficiency while recognizing linguistic diversity. “We will work towards the goal of English language proficiency within the context of a multilingual nation,” Duterte said. Duterte said that DepEd will also review the implementation of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education Policy “guided by the principle that, among others, learners learn when taught in a language that they understand.” DepEd, under her term, will also continue with the establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) and provide assistive mechanisms such as audio-assisted technology, braille, and large-print test materials to disabled students. “We will introduce digital textbooks for certain core subjects in senior high schools,” Duterte said. DepEd, she added, will also work with regional offices and partners to facilitate the development of learning resources for special needs learners, specifically visually and hearing-impaired learners. Moreover, Duterte said DepEd will ensure that all school-age children, youth, and adults in disadvantaged situations participate in “inclusive basic learning opportunities and receive appropriate quality education.” DepEd also plans to undertake initiatives to provide schooling to many more children and youth in situations of disadvantage, regardless of gender, abilities, psycho-emotional and physical conditions, cultural and religious identity, and socioeconomic standing. To strengthen its inclusive education programs, including the alternative learning system, last-mile schools, and programs for IP learners, learners with disabilities, and Muslim learners, Duterte said DepEd “will endeavor for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, to afford quality learning opportunities and services.” To put these plans into motion, Duterte sought the help and support of teachers. “I humbly ask our teachers to maintain their fervor in teaching,” she said. “May you serve our learners in disadvantaged situations with compassion,” she added. Likewise, Duterte also called on education partners and stakeholders to “break the barriers in education” and put a “premium on supporting our teachers so that inclusive education can happen in every classroom.” During the summit, DepEd also gathered commitments from policymakers and stakeholders to support its implementation of language and inclusion programs. Senator Loren Legarda discussed fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian rallied to support alternative and inclusive learning.