President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. at the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa, July 31, 2023 | Photo from INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to recognize the importance of Filipino language.
The Chief Executive made this statement in view of government’s observance of ‘Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa’ or National Language Month.
Marcos said Filipinos should pay attention to the power of the native language as they use it, not only for communication, but also as they narrate stories from one generation to another.
“Sa pagkakataong ito, ating bigyang-pansin ang kapangyarihan ng wika, hindi lamang sa pagbuo ng ating kaisipan at paraan ng komunikasyon, kundi pati na rin sa pagkintal ng ating patuloy na pagsulong at pagdala ng kolektibong karunugan sa bawat henerasyon,” he said.
(At this point, let us give attention to the power of language, not only in developing our minds and methods in communication, but also in marking our continuous progress and in bringing our collective knowledge to each generation.)
“Higit isang taon na ang lumipas mula nang maramdaman natin ang tamis ng tagumpay at alab ng ating pagkakaisa sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na ating kinahaharap,” he noted.
(It has been over a year since we felt sweet victory and the flame of our unity in the midst of the challenges that we face.)
“Sa katunayan, naniniwala ako na sa ating pagsulong, dapat nating alalahanin ang halaga ng ating wika, pamana, at kultura na nagbubuklod sa atin bilang isang bansa,” he added.
(In fact, I believe that as we progress, we should remember the importance of our language, legacy and culture that unite us as a country.)
Marcos also asked Filipinos to show their love for the Filipino language, which is a manifestation of their identity.
“Sa pamamagitan ng wikang Filipino, ating ilahad ang mga kuwento at karanasang magiging matibay na saligan ng ating pag-unlad,” he asked the people.
(With the Filipino language, let us tell stories and experiences that will lay the strong foundation for our development.)
August was declared as ‘Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa,’ or National Language Month through Proclamation Number 1041 signed by former President Fidel Ramos on July 15, 1997.
The date was chosen as it coincided with the birth month of late former president Manuel Quezon.
Quezon is hailed the father of Philippine national language.
He initiated the concept of a national language.
He was born on August 19, 1878.
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