WHEN Filipino was included in the curriculum, this was viewed as a positive direction towards a more effective learning experience for students.

But although we are Filipino, we find it difficult to study the subject. Why is this so, when the Filipino language should make it easier for us to understand and embrace the subject?

Sadly, a lot of youth nowadays have forgotten some Filipino words because of the prevalence of the internet and social media. There should be further studies on how to prevent this from happening.

Our language is important, but students find it boring to listen to a teacher speaking in Filipino. Hence, it also bores them to learn about the subject. How do we awaken their senses? How do we make them understand that Filipino is just as important as English?

Teachers should find innovative ways to introduce the love for Filipino. For example, during Filipino class, no one is permitted to speak any other language. This will be a challenging task, and will encourage them even to research about particular Filipino words they are unfamiliar with.

Teachers should encourage students to appreciate our national language as well as the literature being taught at school, because this is the foundation of our being Filipino. The government should also find ways to develop the national language and disseminate this nationwide through the schools.

By: Sylvia D. Gatus | Teacher I | Orani National High School | Orani, Bataan