MANDARIN 1

FOUNDATION: The Matatag Curriculum

LEGAL BASIS:

The Department of Education (DepEd), through the then Bureau of Secondary Education (BSE), began the implementation of the Special Program in Foreign Language in 2009. The Program was continued by the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) – Special Curricular Programs Division (SCPD) after the DepEd rationalization. Among the legal bases for the inclusion of Foreign Language are:

 • RA 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013); 

• 1987 Philippine Constitution; BP 232 (Education Act of 1982); 

• RA 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001); 

• DepEd Order No. 88, s. 2010 the 2010 Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education; 

• Vision and Mission statements of DepEd; 

• Memorandum Order No. 276, s. 2007 (Directing the Department of Education [DepEd], the Commission on Higher Education [CHED], and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] to restore the Spanish language in Philippine Education); 

• DepEd Memorandum No. 490, s. 2007 encouraging secondary schools, both public and private, to offer basic and advanced Spanish language as an elective in the 3rd and 4th year levels in Philippine education; 

• DepEd Memorandum No. 560, s. 2008 ordering the offering of a Special Program in Foreign Language in public and private secondary schools.

 • DepEd Order 55, s. 2009 the Guidelines on Offering Foreign Languages like Spanish, French, and Nihongo (Japanese) as Elective Subjects in the Thirdand Fourth-Year Levels of High School

 • DepEd Memorandum 149, 2. 2011 the Career Pathways for High School Students 

The Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) is designed to provide learners with varied significant experiences in learning a foreign language through exposure to other cultures. This leads to a broader understanding of diversity, thus enhancing the social and global skills of the learners and making them more competitive in their future careers 

VISION 

To equip learners with skills and competencies in a foreign language, providing them with greater opportunities through an enhanced research-based curriculum, a competent roster of teachers, supportive administrators, and strong collaboration with program partners. 

MISSION 

The SPFL envisions a multilingual Filipino learner who is globally competitive and equipped with 21st century skills in a culturally diverse environment while preserving his/her national identity. 

OBJECTIVES

The Special Program in Foreign Language aims to:

• equip completers of junior high school for meaningful interaction in a linguistically and culturally diverse global community; • prepare learners for senior high school tracks and strands ;

 • prepare learners for senior high school tracks and strands;

 • promote lifelong learning through the awareness of cultural diversity, making them more sensitive to the needs of others; and 

• intensify partnership with various stakeholders to foster collaboration, support, and resource-sharing for SPFL. 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

• Teaching foreign languages is essential in the development of global citizenship. 

• Understanding a foreign language develops deeper cultural literacy and cultural appreciation. 

• Learning a foreign language is a tool for learners to develop deeper relationships with people with different nationalities. 

• A skill in a foreign language is essential in promoting meaningful economic and cultural collaboration with other nationalities. • Foreign language leads to the development of important values, thinking skills, and life skills.

 • Competency in a foreign language strengthens an individual learner’s self-esteem, optimism, and commitment to personal fulfillment.