Philippine schools celebrate language month

Philippine schools in Riyadh concluded the National Language Month (Buwan ng Wika) celebrations this week.
“Celebrating the National Language Month is a good reminder for our students here in Saudi Arabia that we are Filipinos and no one can take this away from us,” Meridi A. Carandang, 35, teacher at the Future Generation Philippine International School (FGPIS), told Arab News.
Other schools, which marked the event were Second Philippine International School (SPIS) and Al-Danah International School (ADIS).
Precy Jamer, 47, a parent whose child studies in SPIS, supported the celebration of National Language Month. “Celebrating the Language Month is good for our children because it engenders in them love of the Filipino national language,” said Jamer. The month-long event involved academic and nonacademic activities that made use of the Filipino language like essay, short story, poetry writing and poetry recitation. It also features declamation contest, speech choir, impersonation of popular Filipino personalities, singing of classic and modern Filipino songs, dance interpretation, debate competition and plays that showcased Philippine history.
In addition, some schools conducted sports events that involved games that originated from the Philippines like “Tumbang Preso” and “Patinterod.”
Students also dressed up in traditional Filipino clothes for performances during the festivities.
Al-Danah Principal Paz Bea supervised the festivities attended by guests from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. Among them was Vice Consul Winston Dean S. Almeda who expressed his pride at witnessing the performances of students and faculty members of SPIS.
“The students and faculty members did a great job in celebrating this important event,” he said.
Almeda said: “We celebrate the National Language Month because it symbolizes our identity as Filipinos wherever we are.”
He added: “Someday, you will be a part of a bigger society surrounded mainly by Filipinos that is why you should never forget our national language since it serves as bridges that connects us. Without it, we won’t be able to understand each other.”