President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. enjoined the citizenry to enrich the Filipino language in an attempt to change the old notion that speaking foreign language is the measure of intelligence.
Marcos stated this in his message for the celebration of the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa issued on Tuesday, Aug.2.
The President hopes that Filipinos, during the month-long celebration, will be reminded that it is also a time to celebrate the various languages in the Philippines, not just Tagalog.
"Napapanahong paalalahanan natin ang ating mga sarili na ang Filipino ay hindi limitado sa mga salitang likas lamang sa Tagalog, bagkus ay isang kalipunan ng iba’t ibang wika sa buong kapuluan, na naglalayong magbuklod sa ating lahat tungo sa pagsulong ng mas maunlad at nagkakaisang Republika (It is timely to remind ourselves that Filipino is not only limited to Tagalog, but a sphere of various language in our islands, which aims to connect us towards our goal to a successful and united republic)," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive further said that the country's language foundation must be strengthened as it will play a key role in developing our culture amid the modern times.
He encouraged the nation to help in the enrichment of the Filipino language in order to end the long-standing notion that being good in foreign language such as English is the only basis of intelligence.
"Isaisip at isapuso natin na tayo lamang ang makapagpapatibay ng wikang taal sa ating pagkakakilanlan (Bear in mind and heart that we are the ones responsible in strengthening our native language that makes up our identity)," Marcos said.
"Inaasahan ang bawat isa na makilahok sa intelektuwalisasyon ng Filipino, nang sa gayon ay mabago na sa ating kamalayan na ang pagsasalita ng banyagang wika ay hindi ang natatanging pamantayan ng karunungan (I am expecting everyone to join in the enrichment of Filipino, so that we can change the belief that speaking a foreign language is the only measure of intelligence)," Marcos stressed.
If the Filipino language is upheld, the President said, it will lead the nation to success and a better future.
Statement of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on the celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa: @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/Z3uCSEfKLJ
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