23 August 2022 – In celebration of this year’s Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of British Columbia (UPAABC), in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, organized the Balagtasan, Kundiman, Harana, Tula at Sayawan (Ikawalong Yugto) on 19 August 2022 at Praise International Church in Surrey, British Columbia.
Deputy Consul General Arlene T. Magno, in her welcome remarks, shared the importance of the celebration of Buwan ng Wika and the preservation of Filipino and other Philippine languages.
The program featured performances by members of the Filipino community and the Consulate dance troupe. The highlight of the event was the Balagtasan entitled, “Bakit Mahal Pa Rin Kita, Pilipinas?” written by Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua. The event was completed with guests being treated to Filipino snacks and desserts. More than a hundred alumni members and guests were in attendance, dressed in their Filipiniana attire.
Proclamation No. 1041 signed in 1997 designates the month of August as Buwan ng Wika to promote the significance of the Filipino language as a tool for communication, understanding, unity and prosperity. This year’s Buwan ng Wika theme is "Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha." END
