MANILA — “Wer na u? D2 na me.” Trulalu walang halong eklavu.” “Push mo yan!”
As time goes by, we Filipinos continuously develop the language, and even create new ones such as Jejemon, Beki (gay) lingo and Taglish.
There is nothing wrong with these forms of language according to Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KFW)’s Purificacion Delima, full time commissioner for programs and projects. “Such forms of language are part of freedom of speech,” she said. She also said that these are also creative expressions of the language.
This month, however, reminds us to treasure our culture and heritage as we celebrate the National Literature Month (Buwan ng Panitikang Pilipino). Just last February 10, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III signed Proclamation No.
968 Series of 2015, declaring every April as National Literature Month.
Yes, while we are keeping with the times, of course the government still wants us to rediscover and learn from many literary pieces across the country.
The executive order aims to strengthen both oral and written language through literature. For instance, Balagtasan uses literary piece, but is executed verbally.
It also intends to conserve, promote, and popularize the country’s historical and cultural heritage and resources as well as artistic creations.
“Kakaunti ang mga batang nagbabasa ngayon,” lamented Delima, and added that they will encourage them to read.
She said KWF wants to uplift and feature the national and regional literature. The government, meanwhile, recognizes that national literature plays an important role in preserving today’s literature and in introducing to future generations the Filipino values we have inherited.
“We are glad that the President signed it (EO). We encouraged him last year to give importance on literature,” Delima shared.
She added that literature is a symbol of a beautiful language, and also cited that writing, especially in literary form, means using the language beautifully and figuratively. Our literature is not just informative, but also metaphorical, she cited.
The KWF, along with other groups and organizations, organized various events for the month-long celebration.
For the calendar of events, one may visit http://kwf.gov.ph/kalendaryo-para-sa-buwan-ng-panitikang-pambansa/
Remembering Balagtas
The National Literature Month also coincides with Balagtas Day. Perhaps, most of today’s youth only know Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar as the guy with laurel leaves on his head. Thus, the government wants us to remember Balagtas and recognize his contributions to the rich literary scene in the country.
Balagtas is a prominent poet who is widely considered as one of the greatest Filipino literary laureate because of his impact on Filipino literature.
Delima said there are still those who, like Balagtas, use metaphorical language to depict the love for our country.
It’s good to note that before Boy Pick-up (played by singer-actor Ogie Alcasid) rose to fame and had a movie, there was Francisco Balagtas. Even though many years have passed, Francisco Baltazar’s charisma and contribution is still very evident.
If you do enjoy watching fliptop battles, remember that there was Balagtasan, a form of debate between two people, citing their side using rhyming words at the end of their turn. Similarly, fliptop uses rap as a medium while two people debates on a certain topic. Some even say that fliptops can be the modern-day Balagtasan.
Have you ever courted a girl by using pick-up lines? What do you think of Senator Miriam Santiago’s pick-up lines? “Havey na havey” right?
We may be in the modern times now, but it is clear that we continue to exhibit that creativity in using the language, in literature.