The Philippine Consulate and the International MoTHER Movement (IMM) jointly led the celebration of the “Buwan ng Wika” (Language Month) last Tuesday, August 22, at the community hall of the Philippine Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles.
Consul General Edgar Badajos extolled the importance of a common national language of the Filipinos. He cited the language, more popularly called Filipino, for being a “language of peace, security and inclusive implementation of social justice.” The ConGen said that Filipino is a language that unites the people in the homeland.
“It also raises the consciousness of nationhood of our kababayans”, he added. Through the Tagalog-based Filipino language, the ability to express the people’s goal, dream and aspiration is developed and enhanced.
ConGen Badajos further underscored the role of national language in “strengthening our culture and national identity.”
Through the Tagalog-based Filipino language, the ability to express the people’s goal, dream and aspiration is developed and enhanced.
Likewise, the very active, amiable and nationalistic ConGen cited Filipino language as an effective instrument in developing various goals and programs, enriching and propagating folk songs, literary writings such as poetry and story writing, as well as native songs and other native cultural endeavors
For her message, Perla Bermudez Santos, IMM founding president and chief executive officer, congratulated those who strive for the development and dissemination of Filipino language.
She enjoined the audience to be united and dedicated toward achieving fully an active and pulsating language for the Filipinos. Bermudez Santos said “no stone should be left unturned but rather be fully made a tool for national growth and progress.”
Toward the end of her speech, the IMM versatile and dynamic leader announced her plan to help make the language vibrant and attuned to the present needs.
She bared a plan to make Filipino language more easily understood and used by the masses.
A narration of history of the beginning and sustained development of the Filipino language and its roles and importance in the country’s unity and development was done by Prof. Eusebio Salvador San Diego of the Philippine Normal University. He also worked for Surian ng Wikang Pambansa (Institute of National Language) for several years.
The event also featured the delivery of poems by Teresita A. Nones and Minda M. Quinto.
The attendees, including ConGen Badajos, actively participated in and immensely enjoyed the competition of riddles, aptly called “Bugtungan” hosted by Consul Marie Chris Chieng, who also emceed the program.
Prof. Elizabeth C. San Diego of the University of Asia and the Pacific and a former supervisor in the Department of Education in the Philippines, sang a vocal solo titled “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal?”
This musical number was followed by a dance performance staged by Dr Art Flores and Gloria Resurreccion to a song “Ikaw ay Akin” rendered by couple Cres Go and Rosito Go. A Filipino folk dance called “Pandanggo Oasiwas” was performed by the MoTHER-FYS group.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee Gamble mentioned that the theme of this year’s National Language celebration in Filipino as: “Filipino at mga katutubong wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Inklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan.” She stressed the roles and importance of a national language in developing and promoting the people’s unity.