CHED urges more PH HEIs to teach, harness ASEAN languages
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) urged more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines to teach languages of different countries under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"May mga gumagawa nang pamantasan na diyan, sana padamihin natin ng mabuti ito (There are universities that have been doing this, we hope there will be more)," said CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera in a televised public briefing on Thursday, Aug. 10.
De Vera said that in 2015, the Philippines expressed commitment to the ASEAN Integration.
“Dapat nagsimula na noong 2015, naka-walong taon na. Parang mabagal ang ating pag-push at pagdevelop ng ASEAN Integration. (This should have started in 2015, it's been eight years. It seems that we are pushing the development of ASEAN Integration slowly)," he said.
De Vera stressed that CHED's commitment to ASEAN Integration aims to develop a spirit in which Filipinos can identify themselves as part of ASEAN.
“Pero dahil tayo’y nakahiwalay sa main ASEAN. Ang maraming Pilipino hindi nila masyadong alam, siniseryoso at hindi mahal ang ating mga kalapit-bayan. (But because we are separated from the main ASEAN. Many Filipinos do not know, take it seriously and love our neighbors), he continued.
Despite this, De Vera said that the Philippines can still fulfill its commitment to the ASEAN Integration by harnessing the languages of neighboring countries in Philippine schools, colleges, and universities.
Aside from teaching ASEAN languages in schools, De Vera suggested that the HEIs in the Philippines should hold more regional events in various fields.
For instance, De Vera said that contestants in songwriting competitions or even declamation contests may use other languages of ASEAN instead of English.
De Vera noted that emphasis on ASEAN languages and identity can strengthen the country's potential. He added that such events may even encourage ASEAN ministers to watch and implement such concepts in their countries to strengthen partnerships.
For De Vera, focusing on the languages in the region and practices will increase the free flow of ideas, cultural exchanges, and skills among students.
As some universities already started teaching ASEAN languages, De Vera remained hopeful that more institutions will soon follow. (Rhowen Del Rosario)