‘BUWAN NG WIKANG PAMBANSA’ CELEBRATION

source: mb.com.ph

THE month of August is “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” (National Language Month) focusing on the importance of Filipino as the National Language and to further strengthen its use.

The observance is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1041 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos on January 15, 1997. The celebration coincides with the birth month of former President Manuel Luis Quezon, the “Father of the National Language,” who was born on August 19, 1878 in Baler, Tayabas (Now Baler, Aurora).

This year, the country is marking the 75th year of the declaration of Tagalog as the basic language of communication. Commonwealth Act No. 184, approved by the National Assembly in 1936, created a committee which recommended Tagalog as basis for a national language. Executive Order No. 134 in 1937 called for the development of a national language based on Tagalog.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution states that “the National Language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.”

The government has lined up activities for this month. Each week has a theme: August 1-7 highlights the 75th year of Filipino in education and its use in official communication. August 8-14, 2012, is about Filipino and other dialects in the context of Kindergarten-to-12 and Mother Tongue Based Education. August 15-21, 2012, centers on the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” and “Panatang Makabayan.” August 23-28, 2012, celebrates Filipino as a universal language that promotes a stable society. August 29-31, 2012 caps the celebration with school activities consistent with “tuwid na daan (straight path).”

We join the Filipino nation, headed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay; the Department of Education, led by Secretary Armin A. Luistro; the Commission on Higher Education, headed by Chairman Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan; and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, led by Chairman Jose Laderas Santos, on the celebration of “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.” CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

source: mb.com.ph