A few years ago, I visited a small elementary school in Mindoro. The Grade 1 classroom was colorful, filled with charts, books, and eager faces. But when the teacher read a story in Filipino, some students froze. Later, I learned that a handful of children spoke mostly Tagalog or a local dialect at home. That moment stuck with me—if students can’t access the lesson in a language they understand, learning slows down, no matter how creative the teaching is.
This real-world classroom snapshot shows why DepEd’s new Language Mapping Process (LMP) for K-3, under DepEd Order No. 035, s. 2025, is such an important development. It’s designed to systematically identify learners’ primary languages so teachers can make informed decisions about the Medium of Instruction (MOI).
What Exactly Is the Language Mapping Process?
In short, the LMP is a method to figure out which language students are most comfortable with from Kindergarten to Grade 3. With this information, schools can decide whether to teach in Filipino, English, or the students’ mother tongue.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
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Evidence-based: Builds on 10 years of research and prior DepEd orders like DO 55, s. 2015.
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Inclusive: Consulted with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, universities, and regional reps.
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Practical: Identifies four language-use scenarios for accurate MOI decisions.
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Future-ready: First cycle begins in SY 2026-2027, ensuring nationwide consistency.
Did You Know?
UNESCO studies show that children who learn in their mother tongue in early grades develop stronger literacy and numeracy skills and feel more confident in class.
What Teachers and Students Gain
Based on classroom observations across the Philippines, there are clear benefits to applying LMP data:
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Tailored lessons: Teachers can adjust activities to match students’ strongest language.
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Clear MOI guidance: Schools can plan whether lessons are delivered in Filipino, English, or the local mother tongue.
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Cultural respect: Indigenous and regional languages are recognized, giving students a sense of belonging.
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Better engagement: Students understand lessons faster, participate more, and gain confidence.
One school in Cebu, for instance, started storytelling sessions in Cebuano for Grade 1. Teachers reported that students not only followed the story better, but also started asking questions and sharing their own stories—something that rarely happened in Filipino-only sessions.
Mini Activity: Classroom Reflection for Educators
Even as an observer, I’ve noticed that small teacher-led reflections make a huge difference. Here’s a simple three-day challenge to understand language diversity in your classroom:
Day 1: Note which languages students speak at home or with friends.
Day 2: Observe which students respond better in which language during lessons.
Day 3: Try adjusting one activity (reading, storytelling, or instructions) to match the students’ mother tongue.
Reflect on what changed—sometimes small tweaks make engagement skyrocket.
Why This Matters for Filipino Classrooms
Language mapping is more than paperwork—it’s a tool for inclusive, effective education. It ensures that no student is left behind simply because of language barriers. By understanding and respecting students’ mother tongues, teachers can make lessons more meaningful and interactive.
For classrooms across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, this policy supports:
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Better literacy outcomes
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More equitable learning
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Stronger teacher-student connections
It’s a reminder that in education, understanding comes before instruction.
Reflecting on the Big Picture
Thinking back to that Mindoro classroom, I can see how much of a difference language awareness can make. With the DepEd Language Mapping Process, Filipino teachers will have the data and tools to reach every student, no matter their linguistic background.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: when teaching meets understanding, learning blossoms.
Teachers, administrators, and parents—how do you already embrace multilingual learning in your schools or homes? Share your experiences, celebrate the wins, and reflect on what’s next. Every story helps build a stronger, more inclusive classroom.