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WHEREAS, it is a declared policy of the State to promote education as a means to achieve and maintain an accelerating rate of economic development and social progress;

WHEREAS, there is a need to develop the aptitude, competence and proficiency of our students in the English language to maintain and improve their competitive edge in emerging and fast-growing local and international industries, particularly in the area of Information and Communications Technology [ICT];

WHEREAS, strengthening the use of the English language as a medium of instruction also depends on the improvement of the entire educational system, particularly in the training of educators and the provision of learning materials and resources;

WHEREAS, the Department of Education [DepEd], the Commission on Higher Education [CHED] and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] fully support the policies sought to be established herein and have favorably endorsed the issuance of this Executive Order;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policies. - The following policies are hereby established:

1. English shall be taught as a second language, starting with the First Grade.
2. As provided for in the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum, English shall be used as the medium of instruction for English, Mathematics and Science from at least the Third Grade level.
3. The English language shall be used as the primary medium of instruction in all public and private institutions of learning in the secondary level, including those established as laboratory and/or experimental schools, and non-formal and vocational or technical educational institutions. As the primary medium of instruction, the percentage of time allotment for learning areas conducted in the English language is expected to be not less than seventy percent (70%) of the total time allotment for all learning areas in the secondary level.

It is the objective of the foregoing policies to develop the aptitude, competence and proficiency of all students in the use of the English language to make them better prepared for the job opportunities emerging in the new, technology-driven sectors of the economy.

SECTION 2. Institutions of Higher Education. - Institutions of higher education, including State Colleges and Universities [SUCs], are hereby encouraged to adopt the use of the English language as the primary medium of instruction in the tertiary level. The CHED shall adopt measures to promote and encourage the use of the English language as the primary medium of instruction in the tertiary or higher education level.

SECTION 3. Proficiency of Teachers. - The DepEd, through the National Educators' Academy of the Philippines [NEAP], the Educational Development Project Implementing Task Force [EDPITAF], the CHED, the TESDA, as well as through the educational institutions in the private sector, shall evaluate the proficiency of educators in the English language and conduct training programs nationwide to develop and improve it.

SECTION 4. Support Mechanisms. - The implementing authorities specified in Section 5 hereof shall undertake to secure the funding support necessary to provide adequate learning materials and resources that will develop the aptitude, competence and proficiency of students in the English language. They shall also collaborate in developing an evaluation instrument that will make it possible to monitor the progress of educators and students in achieving the policy objectives established herein.

SECTION 5. Implementing Authorities.  - The DepEd and the TESDA are hereby directed to take active steps to ensure the implementation of this Executive Order and monitor compliance therewith in all public and private institutions of learning in the elementary and secondary levels, including those established as laboratory and/or experimental schools, and non-formal and vocational or technical educational institutions.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -    The DepEd, the CHED and the TESDA are hereby authorized to issue the appropriate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the policies established herein.

SECTION 7. Report to the President. - Within thirty (30) days from the issuance of this Executive Order, the DepEd, the CHED and the TESDA shall submit to the President a plan of action to effectively implement the provisions of this Executive Order.

SECTION 8. Use of the Filipino Language. - Pursuant to the Constitutionally-mandated policy of the Government to ensure and promote the evolution, development and further enrichment of Filipino as the national language of the Philippines, the Filipino language /shall continue to be the medium of instruction in the learning areas of Filipino and Araling Panlipunan.

SECTION 9. Guarantee of Academic Freedom. - Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed as limiting the academic freedom of institutions of higher education.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - All executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon approval.

City of Manila, MAY 17, 2003

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary