Vancouver school could be first in B.C. to offer Filipino language class

A high school in Vancouver could be the first in the province to offer a course solely focused on Filipino language and culture.

Joy Jose, a multicultural liaison worker with the Vancouver School Board, says the course is proposed to be offered at the Sir Charles Tupper Secondary school for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students.

A long-time advocate of the program, Jose says the course could be a positive step for further inclusivity in schools.

“Offering the Filipino language course will allow students to be seen in the curriculum and this is important,” Jose said.

She adds that the course would potentially cover key aspects of the Filipino culture.

“What this course will cover is reading, writing, and speaking in Tagalog. The activates will revolve around cultural themes, which will include history [and] traditions,” she explained.

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Jose has been pushing for the creation of the class, and says Filipinos make up five per cent of the city’s population.

“For decades we have tried to advocate for Filipino language and culture to be taught in the public school system,” she said.

“Maintaining and preserving the cultural identity and developing the appreciation for language and history will help strengthen our identity as a people.”

The beginner class would be the first of its kind offered at a B.C. school, and the Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Sign suggests it may not be the last.

“The Ministry of Education is always ready to make our schools more diverse, more welcoming, and if that’s something our Filipino community is looking for — we’re here to support them.”

School Board Trustees are expected to vote on the implementation of the course next week.

With files from Arvin Joaquin

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story said the class would only be offered for grade 11 students, but grade 10, 11, and 12 students can take the class.