The theme of our this month’s celebration is timely and meaningful: “Filipino and Indigenous Languages ​​in the Decolonization of Filipino Thought”. The participation of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) in the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (2021 QCP) is the theme of this month’s Buwan ng Wika celebration which focuses on important events in the Philippines over the past five hundred (500) years related to Executive Order No. 103 which strictly directs that the celebrations should be “Filipino centric” and must reflect the Filipino perspective and must feature and value the understanding and feeling of commemorating our ancestors and rich cultural heritage in the form of literature, language , arts, and material objects pertaining to culture. It is important to focus on the cultural identity of Filipinos in terms of unity, temperance, and freedom.

     The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) also supports the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages ​​(IDIL 2022–2032) which is based on the Los Pinos Declaration which promotes the right of indigenous peoples to free expression, access to education, and participation in community activities using the native language as a primary requirement for the survival of such vernacular languages ​that are ​most in danger of disappearing if not used.

     The use of indigenous languages ​​in the justice system, education, media, and employment and health programs is also strongly recommended. The potential of digital technology in the promotion and preservation of the aforementioned languages ​​is also considered.

     As a way to be part of this celebration, the IMC provides a list of library material for our “Book of the month” relevant to the theme of the celebration.

Here is our Book of the Month – August 2021 collection: