JOJO RINOZA / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN
by Merlina Hernando-Malipot, Manila Bulletin
Following the decision Commission on the Filipino Language or Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), the Department of Education (DepEd) directed public and private schools nationwide to stop using “Filipinas” in the teaching and learning process.
The DepEd Memorandum No. 74, s. 2022 signed by DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Epimaco Densing III dated Aug. 26 reaffirmed KWF’s decision to revoke Board of Commissioners Resolution No. 13-19.
Issued to bureau directors, directors of regions, superintendents of schools, and heads of public and private schools, the DM No. 74 s. of 2022 was DepEd’s response to the decision of KWF Chairman Arthur Casanova on the matter.
As per KWF’s decision, DepEd directed schools to bring back the use of “Pilipinas” in the teaching and learning process because the official name of the country is “Pilipinas” and not “Filipinas” as stated in the 1987 Constitution.
“Pilipino” should also be used when referring to the people and culture of the Philippines.
Despite this, DepEd said that there is no need to change the spelling — from “Filipinas” to “Pilipinas” — when it comes to printed materials such as books, Self-Learning Modules (SLMs), Weekly Home Learning Plans, Learning Activity Sheets, and other types before the release of the said memorandum.
“Iwasto na lamang ng mga guro at kawani habang ginagamit sa proseso ng pagtuturo (Teachers and personnel simply need to correct it while using it in the teaching process),” DepEd said.
Moreover, DepEd asked schools to use the correct spelling prescribed by KWF in instructional materials and correspondence that will be officially released.
In 2013, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, who was then the chairman of KWF, pushed for the use of “Filipinas” as the international name of the country.
