MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the public to promote the Filipino language as the country celebrates Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month).

In his message, the President cited the importance of the national language in advancing the goal of transforming the Philippines into a more united and prosperous nation.

"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 karunungan sa bawat henerasyon (This time, let's pay attention to the power of language not only in the development of our minds and means of communication, but also in enriching and advancing our collective knowledge to every generation)," Marcos said.

"Sa pamamagitan ng wikang Filipino, ating ilahad ang mga kuwento at karanasang magiging matibay na saligan ng ating pag-unlad (Through the Filipino language, let us tell the stories and experiences that will be the solid foundation of our development)," he added.

The President also called on every citizen to demonstrate their love for the country in their own way, to elevate our language and culture in developing the identity of the Filipinos.

By virtue of Proclamation 1041 signed in 1997, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa is celebrated in August of every year. It is an opportunity to promote and celebrate the Filipino language and the country's rich cultural heritage.

This year's celebration carries the theme "Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Inklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan." (PIA-NCR)