Bgy. Kagawad Underscores Language as Key to Unity in Buwan ng Wika Celebration

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan — Kagawad Marilou Sacapaño of Barangay Balabag here delivered an inspiring message during the Buwan ng Wika observance at the Mountain of God Academy, emphasizing the significance of language in shaping identity and fostering unity among Filipinos.

Speaking before the school’s principal, teachers, parents, guests, and students, she expressed her gratitude for being invited to a school-based celebration for the third time since becoming a barangay official.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa,” Kagawad Sacapaño highlighted her personal experience as a multilingual Filipino. She shared that aside from speaking Aklanon, her father’s tongue, and Cebuano Bisaya and Masbatenyo from her mother’s side, she is also fluent in Filipino and English.

Citing studies that the Philippines has more than 170 living languages, she stressed how this linguistic diversity is both a cultural treasure and a challenge to national unity. Speaking in Filipino, she explained that the Filipino language, enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, was envisioned not as a fixed form but as a living, evolving language enriched by native tongues. While other large countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan do not legally declare an official language, Sacapaño noted that the Philippines needed one to unify its people of many languages. Filipino, she emphasized, is intended to serve as a bridge of communication while preserving the vibrancy of regional languages.

“Ang dami ng ating katutubong wika ay sumasalamin sa yaman ng ating kultura at iba’t ibang pangkat-etniko. Ngunit maaari rin itong maging hamon sa pagkakaisa. Kaya naman pinili ng ating mga pinuno na pagtibayin ang Filipino, na nakabatay sa Tagalog, bilang ating pambansang wika. Subalit malinaw na itinakda ng ating 1987 Konstitusyon na ang Filipino ay hindi mananatiling nakapako. Ito’y patuloy na yayaman at hihigit sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng mga salita at pahayag mula sa iba pang mga katutubong wika ng bansa.” Kagawad Sacapaño also cautioned against allowing local languages such as Aklanon, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, and Waray to fade away, saying that these carry centuries of literature, poetry, and cultural expression.

She underscored that the Constitution’s intent is not to suppress mother tongues but to let them thrive alongside Filipino. “Unity does not mean uniformity. Unity means inclusivity,” she reminded the audience.

Kagawad Sacapaño explained, “Kaya malinaw na hindi layunin ng Konstitusyon na itaguyod ang isang wika kapalit ng iba. Sa halip, nais nitong palakasin ang pambansang wika habang isinasabay ang pamumuhay at pagyabong ng mga katutubong wika. Ang pagkakaisa ay hindi nangangahulugang pagkakapare-pareho—ang tunay na pagkakaisa ay nasa pagiging inklusibo,” she reminded the audience. In closing, Sacapaño urged everyone to embrace Filipino not as a domineering language but as a medium that connects Filipinos across diverse regions. By nurturing both the national language and native tongues. She reminded , she said.

Filipinos can preserve their heritage while building a stronger sense of identity and unity. The Buwan ng Wika, she concluded, serves as a meaningful reminder of the power of language in bringing people together for progress.###