Preserving the language of the Eskaya tribe in Pilar, Bohol

CEBU, Philippines - The modern world is in such a hurry to reach a never ending change-for progress they say. In the bustle of doing so, we take most of our past for granted. The fading out of our native tongue is an undeniable example.

Our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was right when he said, "Ang hindi marunong ng sariling wika ay malansa pa sa mabahong isda."

In this month of August, one may find importance in the observance of the Buwan Ng Wika, like what the Eskaya tribe at Barangay Lundag in Pilar town of Bohol did with their language.

The Eskaya tribe took to heart the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps thrust on the importance of education, which they brought a step further by talking the DepEd's Alternative Learning Study (ALS) Literacy Program for language preservation,

Every household was represented, regardless of age or educational status, and got together for five consecutive Saturdays to learn and speak their native Eskaya language.

Rhea Tagupa, 35 years old and a mother of five (ages 14,10, 9, 8 and 5 mos.), is not an Eskaya by birth but by marriage. She said, in the dialect: "I was embarrassed (before) to tell people I am from Lundag, that I am from the Eskaya tribe. Now it's different because I can speak the language and could see the beauty of their culture. I am proud to say that my children and I are Eskayas."  

While the regular ALS program of the DepEd is mainly on academic, the ALS Literacy Program in Pilar town was aimed at preserving the dying language of the Eskaya.

Inspired by the eagerness to learn by these indigenous people (IPs), Ruel Mabaquiao introduced the DepEd's ALS-Literacy System Contracting Scheme with basic literacy class towards preservation of the Eskaya language.

"The 4Ps has brought forth understanding on the importance of education, changed their (the tribe) health seeking behavior. But even though we try our best to preserve the uniqueness of the IP, we see its very culture fading away with the onset of the new generation, new trends and technologies. Very clear of this phenomenon is the fading out of the use and understanding of their Eskaya language," he said.

Barcelona Cotamoira, 36 years old and a mother of eight, said, "I wanted to go back to school so my children would not be embarrassed of me and to emphasize the importance of education but I do not know where to start. The ALS program showed us that going back to school at any age is okay." She was raised with the thinking that giving birth is more priority than education. The more the better, her folks would say.

Now with her eldest at 26 years old and youngest at 12, she said, "I have learned from 4Ps what to prioritize in the family. One of these is the importance of education, which I am now teaching my children and grandchildren."

The ALS-Literacy graduation ceremony was a milestone in the history of the Bohol, particulary among the Eskaya tribe, because it provided the missing link and set forth a new trend and pride that every Filipino should emulate.  —/PR  (FREEMAN)