1. Philippine Report

2. Key messages
L1 is a bridge to L2. Learners from ethnic communities should learn first in their mother tongue (MT) to be able to acquire oral and written fluency in the national language.
Using child’s MT as the main language of instruction in basic education and transitioning gradually to the use of language of wider communication (Filipino) is of critical importance in enabling the Philippines to achieve EDUCATION FOR ALL.
Promote the use of MT from pre-school until Grade 2 and introduce oral FILIPINO and ENGLISH. Offer a subject in the Mother Tongue (3 hours a week). Topics on local culture (songs, folklores and values). Gradual transition from LI to L2 (Filipino) and L3 (English) starting in Grade 3.

3. Who needs to hear these messages?
Regional
SEAMEO INNOTECH
UNESCO National Commission
UNICEF
National
Secretary of Education and DepED Officials
Office of the President
Legislators
Parents, teachers and the community
National EFA Committee (NEC)
Local Levels
Teachers and administrators
Local Government Units
Community Leaders

4. Relationships Advocates- Education Officials- Networks-equal
Co-partners-
SEAMEO INNOTECH,
UNESCO National Commission
UNICEF
Collaboration and partnership
SI will lead research/conducts MT mapping/ collaborative research
Resource sharing between and among partners

5. How will you communicate the key messages?
National Conference on MLE to be initiated by BEAM Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao-March 2008
DepED Policies on the Utilization of Mother Tongue in Basic Education
Media Forum on MLE

6. Mapping on utilization of mother tongue and dissemination of results- April to May 2008
Documentation of Success stories on the use of MT- June to November 2008
Inventory of Existing materials for IPs/EMGs

7. Additional Resources Human /Technical / Financial SEAMEO INNOTECH
Documentation Specialist
UNESCO UNICEF
World Bank