[ LETTER OF INSTRUCTION NO. 71-A, April 28, 1973 ]

TO : The Secretary of Education and Culture
WHEREAS, Arabic is now becoming one of the languages often used in international conventions, and is at present spoken by millions of peoples in the Middle Bast and other parts of the world;

WHEREAS, Arabic is also spoken by a sizeable number of Filipinos especially in predominantly Muslim-populated areas in Mindanao.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3(1), Article XV, of the Constitution, Arabic is mentioned as one of the languages in which the Constitution is required to be translated; and

WHEREAS, many Filipino leaders who speak the Arabic language have continuously petitioned for the government's protection and promotion thereof.

WHEREFORE, I hereby direct the Secretary of Education and Culture to allow and authorize the use of Arabic as a medium of instruction in schools and/or areas in the Philippines where the use thereof so permits.

These Instructions shall be implemented immediately.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND S. MARCOS
President
Republic of the Philippines