THE UST College of Science has encouraged its faculty members to incorporate Filipino in teaching general and technical courses as part of its longstanding advocacy to integrate the national language into science education.
In a memorandum dated Feb. 24, Science Dean Rey Donne Papa called for academic staff to include Filipino into their teaching practices, course plans, and learning materials, as long as it does not hinder the learning of students who may not be as fluent in the language.
“We encourage academic staff to use Filipino in their teaching whenever possible, in both general and technical courses. Course plans and learning materials can also be adapted to Filipino,” the memorandum read.
Papa also noted that faculty members may use code-switching, alternating between Filipino and English, to ensure inclusivity.
“While we advocate for the use of Filipino, we recognize that many students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Please ensure that your use of Filipino does not inhibit the learning of students who may not be as familiar with the language.”
This initiative formalizes the long-standing advocacy of Professor Emeritus Fortunato Sevilla III, who has long promoted the use of Filipino science education. Sevilla served as the ninth dean of the college from 2002 to 2008.
“Advocacy niya (Sevilla) ‘yan for the longest time, ‘yong paggamit ng Filipino sa pagtuturo ng agham. Pero walang formal parang policy na nagawa para suportahan yung advocacy niya,” Papa told the Varsitarian.
“We now formalize it.”
Other initiatives by the College of Science include collaborating with the Department of Filipino and student organizations to host seminars, symposia, and discussions that highlight the Filipino language, as well as publishing research articles in UST Hasaan, the university’s interdisciplinary refereed journal in Filipino.
“This will not only contribute to the body of work in the language but also serve as an inspiration for students who aim to write and research in Filipino,” Papa’s memorandum read.
“We look forward to your support in this important initiative, which will enrich the academic experience and contribute to the growth of the Filipino language in academic settings.”
The UST Department of Filipino welcomed Science’s move, noting that such initiatives began in the 1990s.
It also said the directive would contribute to the intellectualization of the Filipino language.“Isang napakalaking tulong ang ganitong hakbang tungo sa patuloy na intelektuwalisasyon ng wikang Filipino at pagpapalaganap ng agham para sa lahat,” the Filipino department said on a Facebook post.
“Nawa’y pamarisan din ng iba pang kolehiyo sa loob at maging sa labas ng unibersidad ang ganitong uri ng pagpapahalaga.”
