Philippine Consulate General

The event brought together students of the Filipino Language and Culture School of the PCCF, along with PCCF founder and chair, Ms. Aurora Dacanay, PCCF President Mr. Clem Tigley, their board of directors, teachers, and Consulate personnel for a gathering dedicated to celebrating the Filipino language and culture. The program featured the K-12 students singing “Bahay Kubo”, a classic children’s song, and an OPM song, while the adult Filipino language learners recited “Palamuti”, a poem by Jaya Jacobo. The event showcased their developing love for Filipino language, music, and heritage.

In her message, Consul General Emma Sarne highlighted the power of language in strengthening community bonds and preserving identity. “Ang ating wika ay hindi lamang kasangkapan ng komunikasyon – ito ay ang diwa ng ating pagkakakilanlan. Sa tuwing ating ipinapasa ang ating mga salita, kuwento, mga kanta, at baybayin sa mga sumusunod na henerasyon, pinatitibay natin ang ating ugnayan sa isa’t isa, saan man tayo naroroon sa mundo”, she said.

To further support Filipino language learning and teaching in Alberta, Consul General Sarne announced her donation to the PCCF Filipino Language and Culture School of a subscription to BuriBooks’ online Filipino children’s library, giving Filipino language teachers access to high-quality Filipino children’s literature and resources for use in the classroom.

The program also featured a story-telling session where Consul General Sarne read the much loved “Alamat ng Ibong Adarna” to the students. The event concluded with a salu-salo of Filipino favorites such as pancit, lumpia, puto, and sago’t gulaman, fostering camaraderie and meaningful conversations among participants.

The Consulate’s annual Buwan ng Wika celebration reaffirms its commitment to promoting Filipino language and culture, and to inspiring the next generation of Filipino-Canadians to take pride in their heritage. END