THE HOUSE Committee on Basic Education and Culture has approved a measure that seeks to promote indigenous and traditional writing systems.

In a virtual hearing chaired by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, the panel approved House Bill 10469 or the proposed Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act.

The measure was primarily authored by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Manila 3rd District Rep. John Marvin Nieto.

It aims to promote, protect, and conserve the country’s indigenous and traditional writing systems.

Under the bill, the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education will include writing systems in relevant subjects of basic and higher education curricula and create an elective or specialized course in higher education.

“Sa pagkakaroon ng ‘Baybayin’ bilang elective subject sa kolehiyo at panibagong asignatura sa elementarya at high school, lalo na natin maitatanim ang pagmamahal sa sariling bayan at wika, ang pagiging makabayan at ang nasyonalismo sa ating mga kabataan,” Nieto said in his sponsorship remarks.

The panel moved to make HB 10469 the primary bill in merging it with House Bills 490 and 5984. The two other bills have been approved and are in the process of being consolidated.