KWF, DepEd recommend to stop using ‘Filipinas’ when referring to country’s name

By Gabriela Baron

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the Department of Education (DepEd) recommended to stop using “Filipinas” when referring to the country’s name.

In a memorandum dated Aug. 26, DepEd directed schools to bring back the use of “Pilipinas” in teaching because the official name of the country is “Pilipinas” and not “Filipinas” as stated in the 1987 Constitution.

DepEd also instructed schools to use “Pilipino” when referring to the people and culture of the Philippines.

However, DepEd Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said there’s no need to revise printed materials such as books, self-learning mode, weekly home learning plans, learning activity sheets, and other learning materials published prior to the memorandum.

“Iwasto na lang ng mga guro at kawani habang ginagamit sa proseso ng pagtuturo,” Densing added.

DepEd also asked schools to use the correct spelling prescribed by KWF in instructional materials and correspondence that will be officially released.

Then-KWF Commissioner National Artist Virgilio Almario ordered the use of “Filipinas” in 2013 instead of “Pilipinas” when referring to the country. –ag