MANILA, Philippines – Students may soon hear their “Sukgisan” (Geometry) professor discussing his subject frequently, if not entirely, in Filipino.

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) is pushing further for the Filipino language to be used as a medium of instruction and discussion for certain courses in college, especially those which specialize in science, mathematics and law.

Benjamin Mendillo Jr., KWF translation department head, said in a briefing last Monday that using Filipino in some subjects can provide better language proficiency and deepen the learning competence of students.

“We have read studies that proved students who learned these subjects using their mother tongue learn better and can explain topics better,” he said.

Using Filipino in discussing these subjects can boost classroom interaction and confidence among students, Mendillo added.

The 1987 Constitution states that Filipino is the country’s official medium of instruction.

The KWF has been organizing fora since November last year focusing on the use of Filipino in certain courses, particularly science and mathematics, economics and finance, computer studies and information technology, engineering, medicine-allied professions, and law and jurisprudence.

The KWF had invited National Scientist and Academician awardees who discuss their subjects in Filipino, with one actually showing the periodic table written in Filipino.

Mendillo said these fora will lead to the Pambansang Kongreso para sa Intelektuwalisasiyon ng Filipino or Kongreso 2016.

The Kongreso, to be held in Baguio City from Aug. 3 to 5, will gather teachers, professors and instructors from various disciplines to discuss how to enhance the use of Filipino in teaching their courses.

The convention also aims to encourage educators to create and develop learning tools, including a glossary of jargon used in their respective disciplines, using Filipino.

Mendillo is hoping that the outcome of the congress will encourage lawmakers to draft a bill that will mandate the use of the Filipino language in tertiary education.

He stressed that such a law should not penalize those who would not abide by its provisions. “Like any other law, it should uphold a citizen’s right to express himself,” Mendillo said.