THE Philippines is probably one of the very few countries in the world that does not speak a primary language on a national scale. This situation, unfortunately, has grave disadvantages, more directly in political and educational development and, hence, ultimately in economic development.

By primary, I mean the language that is commonly used in speaking and writing in practically all situations such as in government, business, schools and even at home and other informal occasions. A primary language becomes necessary in uniting the people when there is a concurrent presence and use of several languages in a country. Call it 'lingua franca' if you will.