The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) underscored the need to preserve local languages, emphasizing the importance of diversity to our sense of nation through a roundtable discussion entitled “Umpukan sa Nayon: Wikang Nagbubuklod” held on August 12 at the IVC Teatro in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.
During the opening remarks, NPF executive director Gertie Duran-Batocabe reiterated that the history of every language reflects not only the history of the people but the most important stages of its cultural development as well as its importance in shaping national identity.
Among the resource speakers during the roundtable discussion were University of the Philippines (UP) Professors Jesus Federico “Tuting” Hernandez and John Carlo Santos, UP researcher and editor Christine Marie Lim Magpile, and Gemma Arella-Suguitan of the Southern Luzon Association of Museums. The discussion was moderated by Roy Rene Cagalingan, Senior Language Researcher of Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino (KWF).
During the discussions, Magpile encouraged Gen Z and young millennial writers to use the Filipino language that fits the audience and matches the purpose.
Arella-Suguitan, on the other hand, sees the diversity of languages as an opportunity to learn more things from other cultures.
Professor Hernandez supports the call for the government to provide the Filipino translation of records. Santos stresses that the public should use the Filipino languages in their day-to-day lives. He also reminds the youth that English is not a measure of intelligence or success.
The NPF Umpukan sa Nayon Project is under the Heritage Space Program. It was designed as a series of multi-sectoral consultations for the development of programs for the future NPF Cultural Park and Creative Hub. Through the Umpukan sa Nayon Project, the Nayong Pilipino Foundation was able to foster multi-sectoral partnerships and expand its network.