'Buwan ng Wika' 2020 theme, official memo, poster and sample slogan

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) released a memorandum/announcement for the celebration of National Language month or 'Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa' 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out here for the theme, poster, calendar of activities and sample slogans.

KWF leads the celebration with the theme “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika” and sub-theme "Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya."

Republic Act 7104 states that KWF shall “[f]ormulate policies, plans, and programs to ensure the further development, enrichment, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other Philippine languages.”

The annual observance of 'Buwan ng Wika' is pursuant to Proclamation 1041, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, which declares the national celebration of the National Language Month every August. Additionally, former President Manuel Quezon, considered the Father of the National Language, was born on August 19, 1878.

The objectives of 'Buwan ng Wika' celebration are the following:

• Fully-implement Presidential Proclamation No. 1041
• Encourage all government agencies and private sectors to be part of programs that raise language and civic consciousness
• Show the importance of national language through the active participation in all activities related to 'Buwan ng Wika'

KWF explains the poster

The boat symbolizes the Filipino nation with the three men represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Paddling means "BAYANIHAN" or doing something together especially in the time of pandemic or crisis.

The paddle symbolizes the Filipino language as a medium to reach the goal in fast, secure and safe manner.

NOTE: Download the high resolution image for Buwan ng Wika 2020 poster here.

Calendar of activities

The theme for the month is divided into four sub-themes which will serve as a guide in the weekly activities during the month of August:

August 3-7: Pagtangkilik sa Katutubong Wika bílang Pagpapahalaga sa mga Pamanang Pangkultura sa Panahon ng Pandemya

August 10-14: Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Pagtugon at Artikulasyon ng Bayanihan sa Panahon ng Krisis at Pandemya

August 17-21: Kasaysayan ng Wika, Wika ng Kasaysayan Kamalayan sa Kasaysayan sa Pagsasawika ng Karanasan tungo sa Bayanihan sa Panahon ng Pandemya

August 24-28: Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya

Due to the emergency health situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, some activities and contests related to the 'Buwan ng Wika' 2020 celebration were cancelled. This includes the following:

1. KWF Kampeon ng Wika 2020
2. iKabataan Ambassador sa Wika 2020
3. KWF Gawad Jacinto sa Sanaysay 2020
4. KWF Travelling Exhibit 2020
5. Tertulyang Pangwika grant
6. Pammadayaw

This is in reference to the recommendation of the Department of Health: “With the ongoing threat of the spread of Coronavirus (2019-nCoV ARD), the Department of Health strongly urges the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that draw a huge number of attendees. The DOH likewise recommends the cancellation of such planned big events or mass gatherings until further advice.”

Komisyon Sa Wikang Filipino_Paliwanag Sa Tema Ng Buwan Ng Wika 2020

Sample Slogans for Buwan ng Wika 2020: “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika”

1. "Bayang nililok, pinagyaman ng wika, Tulay sa kamalaya't tagumpay ng madla." - JEM

2. "Wikang kinagisnan nilinang sa bayang sinilangan, Gabay sa pagbuklod at kaakibat ng mamamayan." - JEM

3. "Wikang Filipino'y pagyamanin, ito'y atin, Ituro sa mga bagong kabataang darating." - Jonathan Cacal

4. "Wikang katutubo na aking kinamulatan
Siyang kultura, wika ko't pagkakakilanlan;
Sa bawat kwento ng bansa ko't kasaysayan
Pag-ibig sa 'king wika, hindi matatawaran." - Emil Santiago Capistrano

5. "Wikang Filipino ang mabisang daan upang matuklasan ang maraming kaalaman." - Shirley Pajaron Magtibay

6. "Wikang Filipino bahagi na ng kasaysayan, Sa panahon ng pandemyang ito marapat na ipagyaman upang bawat mamamayan natin magkaroon ng bayanihan." - Tazia Laralaine Orteras

7. "Wikang humubog sa ating bansa, siya ring pag-asa sa panahon ng pandemya: kumalinga, umunawa, makiisa, magtiwala, lumago’t makibaka." - Aimee Serrano

8. "Sa pandemyang nararanasan, pagtutulungan ay kailangan ngunit di magagampanan kung sa wikay walang nalalaman." - Maher Shalal Hash Buz Marcelo

9. Put your slogan here - name (contribute)

We're encouraging our readers to contribute their own slogan by leaving a comment below.

— The Summit Express