By Gabriela Baron
Author Arthur Casanova has been named as the new commissioner of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) for the Tagalog language.
(Arthur Casanova / MANILA BULLETIN)
Casanova, who is also an educator, linguist, and theater director, will serve as a full-time commissioner for 7 years. He replaces National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario.
As a writer, Casanova authored over 40 books. He also directed more than 50 theater productions.
Casanova graduated with Bachelor of Secondary Education in Chemistry and Bachelor of Secondary Education in Filipino in Mindanao State University in 1982. In 1992, he earned his masters degree in Education with a specialization in Filipino Linguistics from the Philippine Normal University. In 1999, he finished his doctorate in Linguistics and Literature from the same university.
The KWF is the official regulating body of the Filipino language and the official government institution tasked with developing, preserving, and promoting the various local Philippine languages.