Improving the Translation Competence of Grade 8 Students in Filipino Subject Through Contextualize (Habi-Wika) Strategy

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of contextualized HABI-WIKA strategy for the translation competence in Filipino subject of Grade 8 students at Bangcud National High School, school year 2025-2026. The primary goal of the study was to determine whether the HABI-WIKA strategy, a step-by-step framework focused on understanding context, analyzing vocabulary, and refining meaning, could improve students’ translation competence. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, involving 53 students split into two groups: 27 participants who used the new strategy and 26 who followed traditional translation instruction. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests. Initial assessments confirmed both groups had nearly equal translation abilities, with average scores of 11.3 and 12.0 respectively. After the intervention, the group exposed to HABI-WIKA recorded a notable improvement, achieving a mean score of 17.3, while the other group only reached 11.9. The findings verified that this approach effectively enhanced translation competence among the students exposed. The study concludes that HABI-WIKA is effective and recommended for use in Filipino instruction. It served as a practical teaching tool that can be adopted in classrooms to improve instruction and learning outcomes, while also providing useful insights for further studies in language education.