To: Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Presidents, State Colleges and Universities
Heads of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities
Vocational School Superintendents/Administrators

1. Pursuant to Paragraph 3, Section 7, Article XIV of the 1986 Constitution, which provides that “Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis,” Spanish will be offered as an optional subject but will no longer be a requirement for graduation, starting with incoming freshmen of SY 1987-88. Following standard DECS procedures on phasing in curriculum changes and introducing these to incoming students only, students enrolled prior to this Order must still comply with the Spanish requirement towards graduation. Individual schools, however, retain the prerogative of requiring Spanish courses for specific academic programs.
2. Because of the unique place of Spanish and Arabic in the development of Philippine history and culture, schools are encouraged to continuing offering courses in these languages. Any school offering foreign language courses must include Spanish or Arabic.
3. Tertiary level institutions need not request approval of the revision of their curriculum pertaining to Spanish, provided that they shall submit a copy of their curriculum to the regional office.
4. This Order, which shall take effect starting SY 1987-1988, supersedes DECS Order No. 33, s. 1987 and other department issuances regarding Spanish.
5. Compliance by all concerned is desired.

References: BPS Circulars: Nos. 12, s. 1952 and 20, s. 1957
DECS Order No. 33m s, 1987
Allotment: 1-2-3-4—(M.O. 1-87)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
COURSE OF STUDY, COLLEGIATE
LEGISLATION
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SCHOOLS