Legarda Lauds Unveiling of Language Marker in Batangas

Senator Loren Legarda hailed the unveiling of the 8^th language marker or Bantayog-Wika in the country on August 23 in Batangas City, Batangas.

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), with the support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, launched the Bantayog-Wika for the Tagalog language during the Buwan ng Wika celebration of the Province of Batangas.

“Our language is an important part of our cultural identity as Filipinos. Our culture defines us as citizens of this nation and our language holds a great place in this culture that confirms and completes our national identity,” said Legarda.

The language marker in Batangas is the 8^th in the country following those unveiled in Antique, Ifugao, Davao Oriental, Kalinga, Occidental Mindoro, Bukidnon and Bataan.

“These language markers are not merely ornaments or displays.  These are symbolisms of our diverse culture that further exemplify our distinct culture and heritage,” Legarda said.

Bantayog-Wika is a nationwide project of KWF in partnership with Senator Loren Legarda. It seeks to identify areas where languages originated. Installation artist Luis ‘Junyee’ Yee, Jr. designed and created the language markers.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda ensured funding for the installation of language markers for the 131 languages in the country.

“The Bantayog-Wika is just part of our efforts to save our country’s intangible cultural heritage.  We need to comprehensively document all active, endangered, and dying languages of our ethno-linguistic groups in the country and we should promote the continued use of such languages because these indigenous languages reinforce our distinct Filipino identity,” Legarda concluded.