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Official Language and Symbol – 2001

Based on the language of the 1996 peace agreement and RA 9054, implementation requires that the GRP accept the use of Arabic or regional languages in the ARMM region. Article 14, Section (j), of Republic Act 9054, passed in 2001, declares that “the official languages for instruction in the public school system are Filipino and English, even in the ARMM public schools.” The legislation allows Arabic to be used as an auxiliary medium of instruction – if chosen by the student. Section 1 also states that “regional languages may be used as auxiliary official languages in the region where used.”