‘Baybayin’ bill’s approval seen

Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil expressed confidence yesterday that the bill seeking to protect, preserve and conserve the Philippines’ indigenous or traditional writing systems would finally hurdle the Lower Chamber when Congress resumes session in January.

The principal author of the bill seeking to declare "baybayin" as the country's national writing system sought the third and final reading approval of House Bill 8785 or the proposed Philippine Indigenous or Traditional Writing Systems Act.

“I’m optimistic that it will be approved on third and final reading when Congress resumes session next year,” Bataoil said.

He thanked his colleagues for passing the bill on second reading on December 12 before Congress adjourned its session for monthlong Christmas break.

The bill was approved on December 12, a day after House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, chaired by Cebu Rep. Ramon Durano VI endorsed the bill for plenary approval.

"There is a need to promote, protect, preserve and conserve the Philippines’ indigenous or traditional writing systems, using these as tools for cultural development, to create a consciousness of, and respect and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural heritage and our authentic identity,” Bataoil said.

House Bill 8785 mandates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to include the writing systems in relevant subjects of the basic and higher education curricula and create an elective or specialised course in higher education.