Use of Arabic as a Medium of Instruction in Schools/Areas in the Philippines Where Use Thereof so Permits
Letter of Instructions No. 71-A, issued on April 28, 1973, directs the Secretary of Education and Culture to promote the use of Arabic as a medium of instruction in schools, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations in Mindanao. This decision is based on the increasing international importance of the Arabic language and its relevance to Filipino communities. The instruction aligns with the constitutional mandate to translate the Constitution into Arabic. The implementation of this directive is to occur immediately.
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