The National Language Month in Philippines
In Philippines, the month of August is designated as Buwan ng Wika, which is celebrated to promote the national language. Buwan ng Wika was previously called Linggo ng Wika (the week of the Philippine language). It is a month-long celebration that was extended from the week’s observance of Linggo ng Wika.
According to history, Manuel L. Quezon, President of the Philippine Commonwealth Republic, persuade for establishing Tagalog as the Philippine’s national language. This occurred during a time when most of the educated individuals regarded English language as the mark of sophistication and intelligence. If natives only spoke tagalog, they were classified as low class citizen.
This national celebration in Philippines is pursuant to the Presidential Decree Number 1041 (1997). There are many accounts of the importance and significance of Buwan ng Wika, but including the remembrance of the country’s struggle for freedom and the influence of its culture, helps to strengthen the pride of the people of Philippines.