Tatag ng Wikang Filipino, Lakas Pagka-Pilipino

“Tatag ng Wikang Filipino, 

Lakas Pagka-Pilipino”

Language is always tied up to one’s culture and of course, his/her identity. As a people, the Filipinos have extensively adapted and substantially adopted the Western culture. Maybe, in today’s world and in the future, it is only language that may make the Filipinos distinct from their neighboring countries. Even if English is becoming to be the world’s dominant language or their regional language. After all, it is the only language that can really in essence, capture the feelings and sentiments of the people, and can represent their true spirit as Filipinos. Also, language can help promote unity within the country and develop a sense of belongings.

The Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda, expressed the utmost importance of loving one’s country through loving one’s language, among others. He wrote in Filipino: “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa amoy ng malansang isda.” He said that it is difficult to consider one as a nationalist if he was ashamed of his own language. This is an important matter for one who does not give value to his/her native language, whether national or regional, to be aware of. It is sad to note that, in today’s times, there are many Filipinos who admire their countrymen who are very good in speaking the English language but consider those who are not good in English as not as intelligent or as knowledgeable as the others.

Yet, it is important for the Filipinos to be able to communicate very well in English. But, every one who thinks of themselves as Filipino has also the responsibility to love the country of his/her birth and naturally, his/her own language. It is only in their language that the Filipinos are able to distinguish themselves from other people, especially now that it is already possible to change the color of the skin and the shape and features of the face. In a sense, it is only the language that seems to be the remaining link to the Filipino spirit and their potential towards a lasting national identity.