26 August 2026 – Calgary PCG, in partnership with the Philippine Cultural Center Foundation (PCCF), celebrated the Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2026 through “Balagtasan, Atbp,” a program showcasing the Filipino-language skills and creativity of PCCF students and members.
During the event, Consul General Emma Sarne announced that Calgary PCG and PCCF would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the conduct of Filipino language classes at the Consulate. The MOU was subsequently signed on 3 September 2026.
Beginning on 20 September 2026, the PCCF will offer Filipino language classes one Sunday each month at the PCG premises in downtown Calgary, with the support of parents and volunteer teachers.
The Balagtasan, Atbp opened with a pagtutula by young PCCF learners who proudly recited Filipino poetry. This was followed by a story-telling, led by Consul General Emma Sarne featuring the Filipino children’s story “Ang Alamat ng Ampalaya”
Adult language learners, PCCF officers and members, and friends of the organization then came together for a Sabayang Pagbigkas , demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and using the Filipino language.
The main feature of the program was the Balagtasan. Ms. Mae Alvar and Ms. Mary Ann Burato – parents of PCCF students and former Filipino language teachers in the Philippines – engaged in a balagtasan (poetic debate) on whether Filipino or English should be taught to Filipino students. Deputy Consul General Victorio Dimagiba Jr. served as the Lakandiwa .
In her remarks, Consul General Sarne emphasized that learning Filipino allows the younger Filipino-Canadians to connect more deeply with their heritage and strengthens the transmission of Filipino culture across generations. She also underscored the important role of parents and volunteers in creating opportunities for children to hear, speak, and appreciate the Filipino language from an early age. She added that through its partnership with the PCCF, and the holding of a once-a-month Filipino language class at the Consulate, Calgary PCG seeks to make Filipino language education more accessible and help ensure that the Filipino language remains alive, meaningful, and relevant among succeeding generations of Filipino-Canadians in Alberta.
The event was made possible through the generous support of the parents of PCCF students, Ms. Aurora Dacanay, Mr. Eric Blas, Ms. Mae Alvar, Ms. Jo Ann Sanchez, Mr. Joash Ramoran, UMAC, Kapwa Care, Family Choice, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and Jolly Smart Kids Childcare Center. END.
