By Cyrus A. Natividad

 

Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal encouraged young Centralians to develop a deep appreciation for the Filipino language.

On the month of August, all levels in the University were encouraged to hold Buwan ng Wika celebrations which involve students in literary-musical programs.

One of the colorful events of Buwan ng Wika was on August 29 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium by CPU Elementary School with the theme: “Filipino: Wika ng Saliksik”.

Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPU Elementary School Principal, in her opening remarks, quoted the writer John Romer Caraban: “Ang wika ay isang bahagi ng pakikipaglastasan. Kalipunan ito ng mga simbolo, tunog at mga kaugnay na batas upang maipahayag ang nais sabihin sa kaisipan.”

Celebrating Filipino language and culture – Centralians performed a series of intermission numbers showcasing the Filipino culture.

Three pairs of elementary pupils dressed as Lakanbini and Lakandula represented the 3 island groups of the Philippines—Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Each grade level also performed a special number.

Both Junior and Senior High Schools held their Buwan ng Wika programs on August 31, Friday, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The first part of the program was facilitated by the Junior High School in the morning. The students sang, danced, and presented other enjoyable numbers in a variety show format. Prof. Janet Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal, encouraged this event as “this would always remind Filipinos of the importance of the Filipino language and culture.”

Pandanggo sa Ilaw performed by Centralians.

Filipino teacher Joel Encajonado also commented that it is important to celebrate Buwan ng Wika every year as the national language was inspired by Manuel L. Quezon.”

The Senior High School facilitated the second part of the program in the afternoon with a film showing of the movie Munting Pangarap.

On August 14, 1991, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 7104 or the “Commission on the Filipino Language Act.” It prescribes Filipino as the national language of the Philippines. With this law all schools, colleges, and universities are obliged to promote the national language by having Filipino subjects in the curriculum and to hold programs such as the Buwan ng Wika.