A GROUP of Filipino language advocates opposed the decision of Congress to suspend the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education as a medium of instruction for learners in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

“While the implementation of MTB-MLE has not been very effective in many areas due to problems related to the lack of ample resources (instructional materials, funding for teacher training etc.), suspending it is not a solution to the current education crisis,” Tanggol Wika said in a statement.

“Suspending MTB-MLE is a regressive move that will not serve the interest of students and our local communities,” it added.

On Monday, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 6717. The measure gathered 240 affirmative votes with only three lawmakers voting against it.

HB 6717 provides that the suspension will be implemented until the Department of Education certifies to Congress that it has completed its books, teaching materials, and supplies to effectively implement the use of mother tongue to learners in kindergarten to Grade 3.

Tanggol Wika said that Congress should allot more funds to ensure the efficient implementation of the program.

“Congress should also democratize the process of reviewing the education system through a bottom-up approach where inputs from all stakeholders will be valued and considered rather than set aside in favor of bureaucratic top-down schemes,” the group added.