By Mikee Natinga Norico

With poise and pride, the Top 5 Lakan and Lakambini highlight the essence of Filipino culture during the CPU JHS Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration.

The Central Philippine University Junior High School (CPU-JHS) marked the annual celebration of Buwan ng Wika on August 29, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium with the theme “Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa.” The event brought together students, faculty, staff, parents, and guests in a vibrant display of language, culture, and tradition.

The morning program opened with a parade of CPU JHS students, faculty, staff and parents, followed by prayers led by Grade 7 student Haysum P. Mermejo and Grade 10 student Jasmine Nagrama, and the conducting of the National Anthem by Elaijah Corsino, Grade 10.

JHS Principal Prof. Charlett B. Dianala, M. Div., delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Buwan ng Wika as a way of honoring the Filipino language—not only as a tool for communication but as a foundation of unity and identity. She highlighted how language carries the nation’s culture, history, and traditions, encouraging everyone to take pride in and enrich Filipino as a reflection of true national values.

“Sa tuwing ipinagdiriwang natin ang Buwan ng Wika, binibigyang-diin natin ang kahalagahan ng sariling wika sa pagpapanatili ng ating kultura at kasaysayan. Ang bawat salita at pariralang ating ginagamit ay nagdadala ng yaman ng ating mga tradisyon at pamana mula pa sa ating mga ninuno. Ang wika ay buhay—patuloy itong umuunlad kasabay ng ating lipunan. Ito ang nagsisilbing gabay tungo sa mas maunlad at nagkakaisang bayan. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang pagdiriwang na ito upang patuloy nating gamitin, linangin, at ipagmalaki ang wikang Filipino. Huwag natin itong kalimutan o isantabi, bagkus gawin itong sandigan ng ating pagkakaisa. Sa pagkilala at paggamit ng ating sariling wika, isinusulong din natin ang diwa ng pagiging tunay na Pilipino—mapagmahal sa bayan, sa kultura, at sa kapwa,” Prof. Dianala said.

CPU JHS Principal Charlett B. Dianala, M. Div., delivers her opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Buwan ng Wika as a way of honoring the Filipino language and identity.

This was followed by the introduction of the theme by Maebell H. Junsay, Filipino subject teacher, who underscored that language is not only a means of communication but also the identity, unity, and soul of the nation. She reminded students of the importance of valuing Filipino and native languages amidst globalization, urging everyone to preserve and defend them as part of building a stronger, prouder nation.

“Ang wika ay hindi lamang salita—ito ay ating pagkatao, ating kultura, at ating pagkakaisa. Tungkulin nating mga Pilipino na ito’y ipagmalaki, ipagpatuloy, at ipaglaban. Sapagkat sa pagpapanatili at paglinang ng ating wika, pinapanday natin ang isang bansang mas matatag, nagkakaisa, at tunay na maipagmamalaki,” she said.

The morning also featured the reading of the guidelines for traditional attire, followed by the presentation of formal wear (Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana) by Grades 10, 9, 8, and 7. Intermission numbers by Cyber Ernelli S. Tabares and Llana Joy G. Custodio showcased student talent, while the ethnic attire presentation added cultural depth to the celebration.

In the afternoon, CPU JHS Assistant Principal Maám Lilian Rose J. Asesor welcomed the audience, highlighting the role of Filipino and other native languages as foundations of culture and national identity. She urged students to uphold the Filipino language with pride, drawing inspiration from heroes who fought for unity and freedom.

In vibrant colors and traditional design, CPU JHS contestants take the spotlight in ethnic attire during the CPU JHS Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration.

“Ang ating pagdiriwang ngayon ay nagsisilbing paalala na ang ating wikang pambansa at mga katutubong wika ay pundasyon ng pagkakaisa at kabayanihan sa lipunan. Huwag nating hayaang humina ang diwa ng ating mga katutubong wika, bagkus ipagmalaki at gamitin ito bilang tulay ng pagkakaunawaan at pagkakaisa sa gitna ng globalisasyon. Sa ating pagsuporta sa sariling wika, isinusulong din natin ang diwa ng pagiging tunay na Pilipino—mapagmahal sa bayan, kultura, at kapwa,” she said.

The program featured cultural presentations, competitions in ethnic and formal attire, and a serenade by Ethan Gabriel B. Laganipa of Grade 10-Sun. The announcement of finalists and winners added excitement, with the celebration culminating in the recognition of outstanding student performances and creativity.

The day-long event reflected CPU JHS’s commitment to promoting cultural awareness and linguistic pride among young Centralians. By celebrating Buwan ng Wika 2025, the school reinforced the value of Filipino and native languages as living symbols of history, identity, and unity for the nation.