Use of Arabic as a Medium of Instruction in Schools/Areas in the Philippines Where Use Thereof so Permits

April 28, 1973

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 71-A

TO : The Secretary of Education and Culture

WHEREAS, Arabic is now becoming one of the languages often use in international conventions, and is at present spoken by millions of peoples in the Middle East and other parts of the world;

WHEREAS, Arabic is also spoken by a sizeable number of Filipino especially in predominantly Muslim-populated areas in Mindanao;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3(1), Article XV, of the Constitution, Arabic is mentioned as one of the languages in which the Constitution is required to be translated;

WHEREAS, many Filipino leaders who speak the Arabic language have continuously petitioned for the government's protection and promotion thereof;

WHEREFORE, I hereby direct the Secretary of Education and Culture to allow and authorize the use of Arabic as a medium of instruction in schools and/or areas in the Philippines where the use thereof so permits.

These instructions shall be implemented immediately. acd