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Families who want their children to learn Filipino language at school could have more options starting next year.

On Thursday, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley announced the provincial government will develop a K-12 Filipino language and culture program, to be ready for interested schools by 2020.

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It may expand the availability of Filipino language classes to younger grades and more locations, depending on whether school districts choose to offer the program.

Some districts, including Edmonton Catholic Schools and Leduc-based St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools, offer Filipino language classes in a handful of schools with courses that were developed locally.

Education Minister David Eggen said on Thursday the ministry will build on those existing courses to develop a curriculum for all grade levels.

“I’m feeling excited just talking about it,” he said. “It’s not just the language. Language is where culture resides, and also, teaching language is a sign of respect and acknowledgement.”