Buwan ng Wika 2024: Celebrating Filipino Language and Heritage Through the First Dr. Manuel V. Gallego Memorial Lecture Series, by Pauline Adordionicio
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija—
This year's Buwan ng Wika celebration at the MVGFC Gymnasium was marked by a
historic event, “The Language Problem of the Filipino (1932): Unang Lekturang
Memoryal Serye” last August 28, 2024. This inaugural memorial lecture series
not only honored the rich linguistic heritage of the Philippines but also
provided a crucial platform for reflection and discourse on the complex issues
surrounding the Filipino language. Drawing over 300 students and educators from
various institutions, the event became a significant milestone in the ongoing
national dialogue on language. The event was organized by the Student Affairs Office (SAO) under the leadership of Dr. Maricris G. Malamug.
A Convergence of Ideas: A Multiverse Event
The MVGFC Gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange as students from the host institution, alongside scholars from Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU), filled the venue to capacity. Professors from these universities, as well as those from Angeles Foundation University, contributed to the event, fostering an atmosphere ripe for dynamic discussions. The diverse mix of attendees underscored the growing recognition of the Filipino language as more than just an academic subject—it is a vital element of national identity and unity.
The Lecture: Revisiting the 1932 Debate
The centerpiece of the event was an insightful exploration of the 1932 discourse on “The Language Problem of the Filipino.” This historical debate questioned the suitability of selecting a single national language for the Philippines' diverse linguistic landscape, a question that remains relevant today. As the country continues to navigate the challenges of language policy and education, the lecture offered a crucial lens through which to examine the historical foundations of these issues and trace their impact on the evolution of Filipino as the national language.
English is not education, it’s a tool.
Academic Reflections: Bridging Past and Present
Distinguished scholars and experts shared their insights, including Dr. Lester Linsangan of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology-San Isidro Campus and Dr. Baby Jean VC Jose of Central Luzon State University, who served as reactors for the event. Dr. Linsangan emphasized the potential of the lecture’s subject matter to significantly contribute to the ongoing debate on Tagalog as the national language, stating, “The result of Prof. Abiva’s research may contribute to the long debate on Tagalog as our national language.” He further noted, “This paper can be our springboard for any attempt to clarify the existing parameters of Philippine linguistics.”
Discourse on (the) power relation within (the)Tagalog/ Filipino and Regional Linguistics.
Dr. Jose provided a deeper analysis, focusing on the research’s strength in its historical and political context. “The strength of this 16-page research article by Prof. Abiva lies in its masterful use of historical and political context to discuss the power dynamics behind the institutionalization of Tagalog as the national language,” Dr. Jose remarked. He added, “History is essential to fully understand why Tagalog was declared our national language. Through this paper and forum, we can witness the revival of a long-forgotten giant of our past, thanks to the meticulous work of Prof. Abiva, inspired by the late Dr. Manuel V. Gallego.”
These reflections extended beyond historical analysis, delving into contemporary challenges faced by regional languages, the necessity of multilingual education, and the pivotal role of the Filipino language in shaping national consciousness. The lecture was not merely a retrospective glance at the past but a forward-looking dialogue aimed at shaping the future of language in the Philippines.
Engaging the Youth: A Call to Action
The event also deeply resonated with younger attendees, who represented a new generation of language advocates. Their active participation throughout the lecture and during the open forum that followed signaled a growing awareness and commitment to preserving and promoting the Filipino language across various disciplines. The open forum, in particular, became a platform for students to raise pressing questions about the role of language in education, governance, and social development, further enriching the dialogue initiated by the lecture.
Looking Forward: The Future of
the Filipino Language
As Buwan ng Wika 2024 continues, the inaugural memorial lecture series has set a high standard for future events. It has highlighted the enduring relevance of historical debates on language, underscored the necessity of continuous dialogue among educators and students, and emphasized the critical role of the youth in shaping the future of the Filipino language.
The success of this event serves as a powerful reminder that the language problem of the Filipino is not just a historical issue but a living, evolving challenge that demands the collective effort of every Filipino. As the nation moves forward, events like this will continue to inspire and empower the next generation to safeguard and enrich the Filipino language, ensuring its vitality for years to come.
Dr. Paolo T. Lumanlan delivering President Dr. Joseph L. Gallego’s message to the crowd.
In an open letter read by Quality Assurance Officer and ITE Dean Dr. Paolo T. Lumanlan, MVGFC President Dr. Joseph L. Gallego welcomed the event, emphasizing its significance as the first attempt to bring Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego’s legacy to the national consciousness. ###
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