By Jareason Fabre 

The MMSU Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) led the university’s vibrant celebration of Filipino Language Month on August 29 and 30 at the MMSU Laoag campus.

SWK Chief Francisca Nicolas emphasized that despite the limited teaching of the Filipino language, the festivities were designed to rekindle appreciation for Filipino and native languages as a unifying force within the MMSU community.

Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Chair Arthur Casanova echoed this sentiment in his video message, underscoring that language is a vital tool for expressing and securing freedom. He remarked, “Language serves as a weapon against oppressive and abusive individuals, societies, and nations.”

This year’s activities included the Tianggehan sa Eskelahan, poem readings, talent competitions, and traditional Filipino games. The event's highlight was the Tertulyang Pangwika (Language Seminar), which focused on the role of the Filipino language and literature in the new MATATAG Curriculum and its use in academic research.

Participants included students from the University Laboratory Schools and Filipino majors from the Secondary Education Program of the College of Teacher Education (CTE).

MMSU President and incoming CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, represented by Graduate School Dean Doreen Domingo, praised the SWK, the BSEd Filipino program, and Kapisanang Inang Wika (KIW) for organizing this year’s events. She urged the MMSU community to harness the power of Filipino languages to truly liberate minds through education.

CTE Dean Aris Reynold Cajigal also advocated for the promotion and use of Filipino languages, highlighting their crucial role in nurturing peaceful coexistence.

The event received strong support from Dr. Maria Eliza Lopez, KIW adviser; Prof. Kharen Vidad, Filipino Coordinator; and the Filipino faculty.

Aligned with this year’s national theme, “Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya” (Filipino: Liberating Language), the celebration underscored the role of national and native languages in empowerment, social justice, and freedom of expression.