Top Reasons to Study Filipino in the Philippines

Marirose Allam Gaspar, MAEd

Pangungusap, parirala, pandiwa, and balarila are only a handful of the phrases that comprise the entire idea of the Filipino language. English is the most extensively used language in the world. It is also referred to as the globalization and internationalization language. Nowadays, many Filipinos prefer knowledge of the English language to reflect intelligence and brain. Filipinos develop their own vernacular to supplement their English "prowess." Even in school, most students choose to communicate in English. Students delivering speeches and reports in English, as well as placards and posters promoting the use of English throughout the campus, are just a few of the many ostensibly anti-Filipino micro-movements in school. There are even more blatant prejudices that persist in Filipino society. One of them is that if you are not fluent in using and speaking English, you will be labeled as a slow learner or worse, as unintelligent. The Filipino language is a majestic and extensive language with several dialects and accents that are easy to understand. However, a quick tour of any social networking site will indicate that many Filipinos fail to use the Filipino language and its syntax and grammatical standards. At the same time, individuals who are too quick and vigilant to correct those who make English grammatical errors are not as keen on correcting Filipino grammatical deficiencies (the English Grammar Nazis). There should be a push for Filipino students to study the fundamentals and, eventually, the intricate structures of the Filipino language. Learning and mastering the Filipino language is merely an academic success and reflects one's nationalistic image as a Filipino citizen.

The mastery of our language also demonstrates our respect for those who sacrificed their lives for independence and our national identity, or pagkakakilanlan, which also assists in preserving our identity as Filipinos as a nation and as citizens. Filipino subjects in school are as vital as putting our palms together at the Lupang Hinirang. Filipino subjects serve as gateways to enter and experience the splendor of our culture, identity, and history. Many of us admire the notion of other countries, such as Thailand, Japan, or Korea, that keep their native languages and are unwilling to submit to the rest of the world, which speaks English. However, as Filipinos, we are unable to put what we admire into practice. Language is the basic root, foundation, and framework of what we call culture and our identity as citizens of a country. For Filipinos, the Filipino language serves as a communication tool and a unifying symbol among the archipelago's various islands and languages. "While a people preserve its language; it preserves the marks of liberty." – Dr. Jose Rizal

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The author is Teacher III at Cabagan Science Elementary School, District of Cabagan, Schools Division of Isabela, Cagayan Valley Region