Marcos supports strengthening of Filipino language

MANILA, Philippines — The capability to speak a foreign language is not the only measure of intelligence, President Marcos said, as he cited the need to sustain the people’s strong linguistic foundation in Filipino.

In his message for the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa (National Language Month), Marcos noted that the Filipino language is not limited to Tagalog but comprises dialects throughout the country that unite everyone towards a more prosperous and united republic.

“Now, more than ever, we have to keep our linguistic foundation in Filipino strong, because our own language will serve as the basis of our strength in developing our culture while adapting to the current of the modern times. Let us keep in mind and take to heart that we are the only ones who can strengthen the language of our identity,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“Everyone is expected to join in the intellectualization of the Filipino so that our notion will change, that speaking a foreign language is not the sole measure of intelligence,” he added.

Marcos said the future of Filipinos would be prosperous and bright if they promote their national language wholeheartedly and with honor.

His statement on promoting Filipino is similar to the policy of his father and namesake, who directed state agencies to use the national language in official communications and transactions as much as possible.

This policy was contained in Executive Order No. 187 signed by the elder Marcos on Aug. 6, 1969.

In 1997, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 1041, declaring the month of August as Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.