Senator Loren Legarda today pushed for the preservation of the country’s indigenous languages as she expressed support over current efforts to save such heritage.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Cultural Communities, said that a 2003 study revealed that the 32 known languages of the Negritos in the Philippines are already endangered.
“Many of our indigenous languages would face extinction if we fail to preserve and promote these kinds of national heritage. Language is not only part of our culture and history but […]
“I echo the call of the ILO on European governments to ratify the ILO Convention 189. The time has come for all of us to acknowledge the contributions of our household heroes into the global workforce, no longer as invisible hands but as domestic workers, equipped with the rights and benefits accorded others,”
“As I have always said many years ago, climate change is the greatest development and humanitarian challenge of our times. It has become a defining political issue too in America, especially with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsing President Obama because of the steps he has taken to address climate change and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie commending President Obama’s actions during Superstorm Sandy’s wrath,”
“Our indigenous peoples have shaped our story as a Filipino people—our music, arts and dance, our native knowledge and skills, our deeply held beliefs, our creativity, our sustainable ways of living with our physical environment and most important, our self-worth. Despite these overwhelming contributions, we have admittedly underwhelmed them as opportunities, services and share in decision-making, that are embodied in the Indigenous Peoples Rights law, have yet to be fully accorded,”
“As early as October 26 in New York, Mayor Mike Bloomberg already announced that the city was taking necessary precautions. Modes of public transportation like the subway were closed shortly after, and residents were told to stay inside their homes. By October 28, tunnels and bridges were already closed and all flights going in and out of the area were cancelled. This level of alertness should also inspire other US government officials to prepare, if not for Sandy then for the subsequent weather disturbances that are certain to occur as we witness the worsening effects of climate change,”
