PB marks last week of February as "Cebuano Language Week"

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board has passed an ordinance designating the last week of February of every year as “Semana sa Pinulongang Bisaya. (Cebuano Language Week)”

The ordinance, authored by PB member Julian Daan and written in formal Cebuano, was approved during the provincial board’s regular meeting last Monday presided by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

“Sa tuyo nga pagtisok ug halapad nga pagpakabana sa atong adunahang kultura, ug garbo sa atong pagka-inila ug sa samang higayon mahadungan sa kasaulogan sa natad sa kabatid ug buhilaman sa bulan sa Pebrero matag tuig, (With the aim of instilling a wider concern for our rich culture, pride and fame and at the same time, in line with the celebration of our expertise and consciousness of this celebration on the month of February of every year.)” the ordinance reads.

The ordinance was co-sponsored by PB member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, who is the chairman of the committee on arts and culture.

The ordinance requires the provincial board, the cities and municipalities of Cebu to conduct activities in celebration of the “Semana sa Pinulongang Bisaya” (Cebuano Language Week) every last week of February every year.

In his resolution, which was also written in formal Cebuano, Daan cited Presidential Proclamation No. 683 made by former President Corazon Aquino in January 28, 1991 designating the month of February as National Arts Month.

Daan also cited the ordinance sponsored by Sitoy and also PB member Jose Ribomapil Holganza, Jr. and passed in August last year declaring February as Arts and Culture Month.

“Tungod sa kaadunahan sa kulturang Sugbuanon, dako ang panginahanglan nga tipigan, ipatunhay ug pausbawon ang atong mga alampat ug kultura aron padayon ang panghimangno sa atong Sugboanong kailhan, (Because of the richness of the Cebuano culture, there is a big need to preserve, continue and develop the arts and culture to continue the awareness of our Cebuano roots.)” the ordinance further reads.

In February this year, the PB capped off the celebration of the Arts and Culture Month by using the Cebuano as their medium of communication during their regular Monday session, the first time for PB. –(FREEMAN)