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KWF, DepEd cite language's importance to culture

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) stresses that Filipino and other ethnic languages are not only a medium of communication but an integral component of the nation’s culture.

In an interview, Senior Language Researcher Angelica Ellazar from the KWF said language and culture are anchored on and interdependent with each other in jointly illustrating the Filipinos’ unique cultural identity.    

Elementary pupils attend a reading program at Sibalom Central School. (File photo of Maricel Sibugan)

Ellazar noted that the Philippines is a linguistically-diverse country, with an estimated 135 languages, including Filipino Sign Language (FSL) per the latest data of the KWF. 

KWF believes that the presence of a diverse set of languages indicates a robust linguistic ecosystem, which shows how different ethnic groups have successfully kept their languages and cultures alive despite the colonization the country experienced in the past. 

With the rich linguistic ecosystem that the country has, studying Filipino as the national language is necessary if effective communication, common understanding, unity, and collective national growth are sought by all Filipinos.

With the theme “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan,” this year’s celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa seeks to give emphasis on the importance of Filipino and the many ethnic languages of the country in achieving peace, security, and inclusivity. 

Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) Senior Language Researcher Angelica Ellazar

Meanwhile, in a radio program, Education Program Specialist II and Division Information Officer-designate Eric Cortejo of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) Antique said the continuous learning of the Filipino language and other native languages is crucial not just among children but for the rest of the community as it strengthens cultural ties.

DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO) Antique Education Program Specialist II and Division Information Officer-designate Eric Cortejo (center) assures the KWF of the support of the education department in the protection, conservation, and development of the Filipino language and other ethnic languages during the radio program "PAGPA-ATHAG" of PIA Antique.

Cortejo added that the education department is a partner of the KWF in the protection, conservation, and development of the country's many languages.

Hence, the efforts of DepEd Antique's Education Program Supervisor in Filipino Dr. Aurelio Odiong, enhance the teachers' competencies in both using and teaching the Filipino language. 

He noted that constant technical assistance is provided to school teachers to also improve their teaching methods and strategies to maximize learning among students.

Cortejo, on behalf of Dr. Odiong, also expressed support for the establishment of campus publications or school papers using the Filipino language to promote further and integrate the Filipino language among students. 

Every August, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa is observed throughout the country to celebrate the richness of the Filipino language and other native languages and to raise awareness of Filipino culture and identity. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)

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Bernard Ceasar Susbilla

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Region 6

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