Filipino Language is worth dying for

Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. argued that the Filipino is worth dying for because he believed that the Filipino is the nation’s greatest untapped resource. The Filipino adapts until his patience runs out, taking up arms only when all other means are exhausted.

I believe the Filipino language is also worth dying for—specifically, the Cebuano language. Whether in foreign lands or within the Philippines, I proudly speak Cebuano. When necessary, I switch to English to bridge understanding with Tagalog-speaking companions.

Having traveled to various parts of the country for seminars and meetings, I’ve noticed that Tagalog often becomes the default language for communication, especially among people from the Visayas and Mindanao. However, I choose to converse in Cebuano, especially with fellow Southerners. First, I’m not fluent in Tagalog, but I’m very comfortable speaking in Cebuano. Second, Cebuano is the second most spoken language in the country, after Filipino. While the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino has yet to declare an official vernacular, I believe Filipino generally refers to the Tagalog dialect.

The saying, “Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa malansang isda” does not apply to me because I deeply love my Cebuano dialect. As we celebrate Buwan ng Wika every August, it’s important to remember that Tagalog isn’t the only Filipino language. For example, the Angelus prayer, often recited in Tagalog in classrooms, should be recited using the local dialect of the place.