Colonized in English, Still Governed in English
Spain ruled the Philippines for more than three centuries, yet most Filipinos never spoke Spanish. Within a few decades of American rule, English had become the language of schools, government, courts and success. The difference was the classroom.
The Thomasites
In 1901, the American colonial government set up a public school system with English as the medium of instruction. That same year, hundreds of American teachers arrived aboard the USS Thomas — they became known as the Thomasites — and more than a thousand American teachers came in the first years. Their job: make English the language of every Filipino classroom.
Speak your language, get punished
Under the American system, students were discouraged — and often penalized — for speaking their home languages at school. English carried the subjects that mattered: science, math, history and civics. Local languages were pushed to the margins.
English = opportunity
English became the key to government jobs, the professions and political power. It wasn't just a language policy. It built a class divide into the tongue: those fluent in English rose, those who weren't were left behind.
Constantino called the decision to use English as the medium of instruction the "masterstroke" of colonial education policy. It changed not only what Filipinos learned, but how they saw themselves.
Independence came. English stayed.
The Philippines became independent in 1946, but the elite who took power had been educated in English. English stayed in government, the courts and law. The 1987 Constitution names Filipino as the national language and keeps both Filipino and English as official languages.
Today, laws are written in English and court proceedings are largely in English. A Filipino who isn't fluent in English can be disadvantaged in their own country.
Why it matters
This isn't an argument against speaking English — it's a global language and an asset. It's about asking why our own languages were made to feel second-class, and who benefits when they stay that way.
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Wear the history. These Ugat pieces carry the roots behind this post:
Know History, Know Self. No History, No Self.
Ugat means root. We design Filipino streetwear rooted in our history, from Baybayin tees to our oversized barong-style jerseys. Follow us on Instagram at @ugatclothing.
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