BUWAN NG WIKANG PAMBANSA

Marcos urges Pinoys to 'intellectualize' the Filipino language

As the country observes the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on the public to empower the Filipino language as he believes that speaking the foreign language is not the sole measurement of intelligence.

"Inaasahan ang bawat isa na makilahok sa intelektuwalisasyon ng Filipino, nang sa gayon ay mabago na sa ating kamalayan na ang pagsasalita ng banyagang wika ay hindi ang natatanging pamantayan ng karunungan," Marcos said in his message.

(It is expected that everyone will join in intellectualizing the Filipino language in order for us to do away with the notion that speaking the foreign language is the measurement of intelligence.)

"Tiyak na sasagana, sisigla, at liliwanag ang ating kinabukasan kung itataguyod natin nang buong dangal at pagmamahal ang ating wikang pambansa," Marcos added.

(Our future will surely progress, perk up, and brighten if we showcase our love for the country's language.)

He also reminded the public that the Filipino language is not limited to Tagalog  but a collection of other dialects in the country.

"Napapanahong paalalahanan natin ang ating mga sarili na ang Filipino ay hindi limitado sa mga salitang likas lamang sa Tagalog, bagkus ay isang kalipunan ng iba’t ibang wika sa buong kapuluan, na naglalayong magbuklod sa ating lahat tungo sa pagsulong ng mas maunlad at nagkakaisang Republika," Marcos said.

(We should remind ourselves that the Filipino language is not limited to Tagalog words but it extends towards other dialects in the country, which aims to unite each one of us in ensuring a developed Republic.)

The President also stressed that the country's language would highlight the country's culture.

"Ngayon, higit kailanman, panatilihin nating matatag ang ating lingwistikong pundasyon sa Filipino, dahil ang sarili nating wika ang ating magiging batayang lakas sa paglinang sa ating kultura habang nakikiayon sa agos ng makabagong panahon," said the President.

(Let us ensure the strong foundation of the Filipino language as this will determine and highlight our culture in this modern age.)

"Isaisip at isapuso natin na tayo lamang ang makapagpapatibay ng wikang taal sa ating pagkakakilanlan," he added.

(Let us put in our minds and hearts that we are the only ones who could empower the Filipino language.) —KG, GMA News