Netizens slam SC ruling to make Filipino, Panitikan optional in college

MANILA, Philippines– Filipino and Panitikan (Philippine literature) no longer required in college? The Filipinos have spoken, and they are not happy.

In a resolution dated March 5, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld its October 2018 decision to remove Filipino and Panitikan as core subjects in college after petitioner Tanggol Wika failed to offer “any substantial argument” on the case.

Netizens took to social media to slam the High Court’s decision and most of them made their point in Filipino.

Netizen Jonathan Vergara Geronimo said the SC decision  Geronimo said that with threats to the Philippines’ sovereign rights, now is a crucial time to strengthen nationalism among Filipinos. He added that disregarding Filipino and Panitikan would hurt the chances of the Filipino language to shine on the global stage.

Azure Gianan Quiñones stressed that the Filipino language embodies the “spirit” of the Filipino identity. He also pointed out that the subjects are vital in promoting creative and critical thinking in college-level discourse on social issues.

A number of netizens echoed the same sentiments, arguing that the decision dealt a blow to the Filipino identity and culture.

‘Delving deeper’

Some netizens also explained that tertiary-level Filipino and Panitikan promote deeper appreciation of the language and Philippine heritage, as compared to introduction courses in the primary and secondary levels.

Not relevant in college

There were also netizens who came to the defense of the SC ruling, explaining that Filipino and Panitikan are offered anyway in both elementary and high school curricula, and are no longer relevant to their respective degree programs.

Netizen Carl Kacak said that the college curriculum should focus on technical subjects instead.

Those who favor the ruling pointed out that English proficiency comes in more handy after college, especially when most job interviews are done in English.

Meanwhile, others suggested putting in foreign language subjects instead, saying that learning other languages are “a good step towards global competitiveness” compared to learning the national language.

With the SC decision final, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) can now implement Memorandum Order No. 20 (CMO No. 20). – Rappler.com