By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
The House of Representatives, in a landslide-vote, approves H.B. 6069 or the Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act. Photo courtesy of Rappler.
The House of Representatives approves House Bill No. 6069, or the Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems Act, on Tuesday, November 28, with 251-0-0 votes.
House Speaker Martin Romaldez initially proposed the bill alongside select legislators. The law recognizes the promotion, preservation, and protection of the indigenous and traditional writing scripts as cultural treasures of the Philippines and expressions of traditions and symbols of national identity.
The law shall be included in subjects of basic and higher education, such as electives or specialized courses in higher education. It will follow the guidelines from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Local Government Units (LGUs).
The assigned agencies are expected to begin planning in January 2023, 60 days after the bill’s approval.