DepEd orders Filipino, English in K-3 classes starting SY 2025-2026

Starting School Year 2025-2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) will teach classes from Kindergarten to Grade 3 primarily in Filipino and English.

Teachers may use regional languages as auxiliary media of instruction to support the transition between languages and can continue using learners' languages if they meet specific criteria for monolingual classes and Indigenous Peoples Education Program schools.

The order also mandates the use of Filipino Sign Language for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, aligning with DepEd's commitment to inclusive education.

DepEd Order No. 020, s. 2025 implements Republic Act No. 12027, sponsored by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, which discontinues the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Teachers' groups like the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) have opposed this move, arguing it undermines foundational literacy skills development and detracts from resolving educational issues.