Mother tongue for better learning

The government policy to use the mother language in the elementary level is a welcome development. For one, studies have shown that children do better in school if they are taught in classes using the mother tongue. The use of the mother tongue has been proven to make children learn the English language better both in oral and written form.

I have long advocated the use of the mother tongue because I cannot see the logic of imposing Tagalog under the pretext of using the “Pilipino” language in the schools. A classic example is the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. We can follow the tune but listen to the pronunciation of Visayan people when they sing the lyrics. What is worse is that many people don’t understand what they are singing.

With the use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction the result that we have feared would no longer happen. I am referring to the death of some mother tongues with the imposition of Tagalog as medium of instruction. I think many advocates for the use of the mother tongue are happy with this development and are now focusing on making the new policy of the government work by introducing the correct terms in Cebuano.

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The case of Senior Supt. Noli Romana is quite intriguing. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has been asking that the Philippine National Police (PNP) to follow the law in the appointment of the Cebu City police director. Clearly the PNP failed to observe the law in the appointment of Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr., the current police chief.

Some quarters are justifying the appointment of Natuel as chief of the Cebu City police. But I think they miss the point. The issue here is the observance of the rule of law and clearly the PNP violated the Local Government Code. Natuel is not the issue because Mayor Mike has nothing personal against Natuel.

The PNP included Romana in the shortlist that the mayor will choose from for his next police chief. Now PNP Regional Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. has ordered the relief of Romana as head of the Negros Oriental provincial police. I’m not aware what would be the decision of the mayor when it comes to the appointment of Romana after he was relieved reportedly because of his dismal performance in the battle against illegal drugs and gambling.

With this development I think Rama should evaluate very carefully this sensitive issue to protect his administration from the opposition’s adverse propaganda that he is coddling a suspected drug lord. Rama should investigate the real circumstances surrounding the relief of Romana, whether it is justified or politically motivated, to satisfy his queries and the people’s.

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It was reported that some sort of animosity has arisen between Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale over the appointment of Capitol department heads.

I think some recommendees of Magpale were not considered by Davide, who appointed people whom he trusts. To put it it in the proper perspective, it is the governor who has the power to appoint officials in the executive department and I believe that Magpale knows this and respects the decision of the newly elected governor.

Knowing Magpale and Davide, they can resolve this issue between themselves especially since they are both reasonable persons.