By Mikee Natinga Norico
Grade 6 students, together with CPUES faculty and staff, pose for a group photo after the morning program of the Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Central Philippine University Elementary School (CPUES) celebrated Buwan ng Wika 2025 on August 20 with a day-long program highlighting the richness of the Filipino language and culture. With the theme “Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa,” the celebration took place in the morning at the Rose Memorial Auditorium and continued in the afternoon at the CPUES Gym.
The program opened with prayer led by Ryza Kate Q. Haguisan (Grade 6 – Excel) and Nuseibah L. Gallardo (Grade 5 – Excel), followed by the Philippine National Anthem rendered by Ariella Rose L. Damasco (Grade 6 – Joy).
Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivers her welcome remarks emphasizing the importance of cherishing and practicing the Filipino language during the CPUES Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored the importance of cherishing and practicing the Filipino language. She emphasized that language is not only a means of communication but also a living reflection of identity, culture, and heritage.
“Kapag minahal natin ang ating sariling wika, minamahal din natin ang ating sarili at ating pinagmulan. Sa mundo ngayon na maraming iba’t ibang wika, mahalagang ipakita natin na mahal natin ang sariling atin. Ito ay paraan ng pagpapakita, pagmamalaki, at pagrespeto sa ating kultura. Lahat ng wika ay espesyal at may kanya-kanyang ganda, kaya’t gamitin natin ang ating wika nang buong puso—isulat natin ito nang masaya at malikhain, ituro natin ito sa mga kabataan, at ipagdiwang natin ito araw-araw. Tayo ang tagapag-alaga ng ating wika. Tandaan natin, ang wika ay buhay na bahagi ng ating pagkatao. Sa pagmamahal natin dito, pinahahalagahan natin ang nakaraan, pinagbubuti ang kasalukuyan, at pinapangarap ang magandang kinabukasan,” she reminded the students.
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal, gives her message highlighting the role of native languages in shaping identity, history, and unity at the CPUES Buwan ng Wika 2025 program.
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal, also delivered a message, stressing the role of native languages in uniting the nation.
“Ang ating katutubong wika ay hindi lamang kasangkapan ng komunikasyon, kundi ito rin ay susi sa ating pagkakakilanlan, kasaysayan, at pagkakaisa bilang isang bayan,” she said, encouraging pupils to showcase their talents with pride as young Filipinos.
The morning program featured a variety of cultural and musical presentations, including song performances by Grades 1 and 2, a choral recitation by Grade 3, and a traditional attire fashion show highlighting the diverse cultures of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Higher grade levels—Grades 4, 5, and 6—presented cultural numbers such as speech, song, choral poetry recital, and indigenous dance. Performances from the CPUES Rondalla and a community singing of “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” enriched the celebration, which concluded with the Alma Mater Song and a heartfelt rendition of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.”
In the afternoon, the festivities continued at the CPUES Gym with engaging competitions. Pupils from Grades 1–3 and Grades 4–6 showcased their creativity through Character Impersonation, while the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Singing Contest highlighted the students’ vocal talents. An intermission performance by Rebekah Lois L. Garcia (Grade 6 – Excel) added charm to the program.
The day’s activities concluded with the awarding of certificates, recognition of winners, and a closing message from Filipino Coordinator Christine B. Lapating, who emphasized the value of preserving and promoting the Filipino language and culture.
Through meaningful performances and competitions, CPUES’ Buwan ng Wika 2025 celebration instilled in students the importance of loving their native tongue and heritage—strengthening cultural pride and unity within the community.