Marcos Jr. urges Filipinos: Love the national language

MANILA, Philippines —  In line with the start of Buwan ng Wika, President Marcos yesterday called on Filipinos to love and enrich the national language and to inculcate the country’s literature into their hearts and minds to promote patriotism and unity.

In his message for the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, Marcos noted that the national language contributed significantly to the attainment of the country’s freedom and opened the people’s eyes to the importance, experiences and capabilities of their fellowmen.

“This occasion serves as a reminder for us to love our Filipino language wholeheartedly and stems from the awareness that the language we inherited presents an admirable identity as a nation,” Marcos said.

“But the national language month is not just a reminder. It is also an invitation for us to continue loving and enriching our languages,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippines’ literature is filled with works that deepen one’s love for the country and invite the new generation to support their own.

“Let us take to heart and mind these works so we can strengthen the bonds of every Filipino towards a more prosperous, free and unified country,” he added.

In 1997, the late president Fidel Ramos signed Proclamation 1041 declaring August “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” or national language month. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Filipino: Wikang Magpapalaya.”