SEND MABUHAY CHEERS in the comments below to the Philippines as it marks Buwan ng Wika 2020 by using local languages to fight the COVID 19 pandemic! Google had also marked Buwan ng Wika in 2019 by translating Filipino languages into 100 languages and added native scripts on its GBoard. In 2019, Good News Pilipinas listed activities that help Filipinos celebrate Buwan ng Wika. KWF GAWAD DANGAL NG WIKA – August 15-17, 2020.KWF GAWAD DANGAL NG PANITIKAN – August 15-17, 2020.

KWF also released the following list of activities to mark the annual celebrations:

Translating important public documents into Filipino and local languages.

Using local languages in the provision of frontline services.

Sharing of researches in the preservation of languages.

Using local languages for instruction in universities and colleges.

Conducting virtual forums and discussions.

Creating Infographics using local languages.

Creating and posting of slogans carrying the themes of the celebration.

KWF listed activities that center around the Filipino concept of “Bayanihan (collective action)”: The lead organizer of this year’s celebrations said using Philippine languages amidst the pandemic decreases the fear and stigma about the virus. Tinitingnan dito ang Filipino at mga katutubong wika sa bansa bílang tagapamansag ng kolektibong paghahanap ng pag-asa sa gitna ng krisis o matinding pangangailangan.” “Wika ang tuláy sa paghahatid ng kamalayan sa sangkatauhan upang ang COVID-19 ay mapigilan. “Ang pagresolba sa pandemyang dinaranas ng buóng mundo ay hindi lámang nakasalalay sa pagdiskubre ng “bakuna”-malaking papel ang ginagampanan ng kamalayan o awareness ng bawat tao ukol sa virus na sa tamang impormasyon ay magkakaroon ng kolektibong hakbang pára sa prebensiyon ng nakamamatay na sakít,” said KWF in a statement sent to Good News Pilipinas. The national language commission said that the resolution to the pandemic involves not only finding a vaccine but also requires widespread awareness of correct information about the virus.

Ebolusyon ng wika sa pilipinas