Today, August 1st, the country observes the month-long “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2024.”
I find this year’s theme, “Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya,” timely and relevant for the sad truth is that colonial mentality remains strong. This is very much evident in our appreciation, or little appreciation, of our local and indigenous languages. For many Filipinos, the ability to speak fluent English is still a sign of intelligence and progress.
The Commission on the Filipino Language, or better known as the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), has therefore an uphill task of developing, preserving and promoting various local Philippine languages.
The KWF underscores the importance of language as “mapagpalaya.” History has demonstrated the value of language in pushing for ideas in the advancement of freedom. This is as clear as daylight in the works of Francisco Balagtas, Herminigildo Flores, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce, Antonio Luna, and of course, Jose Rizal.
To understand the word “laya,” we must not merely confine the concept to freedom from bondage or slavery. It can likewise mean the state of no obstacle or hindrance and the natural power of individuals to choose.
Having said this, the KWF added that the Filipino language must not only be used in schools but could be adopted in the wider professional arena such as in the conduct of job interviews and standard professional examination — a choice given to the applicant.
KWF’s thesis is summed up as follows: “Maaari kasing sabihin natin intelektwalisado, itinuturo ng mga guro sa mga mag-aaral sapagkat sinasabi nating dahil sila ay makabansa, makawika. Pero kung pagkatapos nito, haharap sila sa isang standard professional examination na nakasulat sa Ingles, lalagapak sila. Sapagkat nakahulma ‘yun sa kaisipan at sikolohiyang Ingles. Kaya ang pagbuo ng isang eksaminasyon, dapat ay panlasang Pilipino rin.”
There are an estimated 135 wikang katutubo in the Philippines, according to KWF and the agency has spearheaded initiatives attuned to the times.
KWF, for one, has made pioneering efforts to come up with a Glosaryong Pangkalikasan at Pangkaligtasan (GPP) and Glosaryong Kaalaman ng Katutubo (GKK).
The best innovation of KWF, I think, is the KWF Diksyunaryong Wikang Filipino (DWF), which is now online and will soon be an offline app. We can now use – for free – the DWF App in our smartphone and tablet before the end of this month.
KWF’s resourcefulness, notwithstanding is limited financial resources, is laudable indeed.
While I commend KWF in promoting local and indigenous languages, especially local and indigenous languages at risk of becoming endangered and facing extinction because of rapid urbanization, we must not also forget that in this era of globalization and digital connectivity – according to the World Economic Forum – speaking more than one language can boost economic growth.
The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines is a good case in point. While we are familiar with BPO call centers requiring proficient use of English, there is now a high demand for customer support who can speak Spanish, French, Chinese or Korean.
Learn a foreign language. But be a master first of your own language.
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Dennis Ting is a former director of the Department of Budget and Management.
