By: Kristen Bernados
The Buwan Ng Wika for the Primary Department was held on 30 August via Zoom as the video conferencing tool. Through innovative means, PSDians celebrated their Filipino identity with utmost pride and joy despite the prevailing conditions. This year’s theme was presented as “Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika: Ang Mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya.” This is to celebrate the Philippines’ independence, whether in school or at the comfort of one’s home. As soon as the Zoom meeting was opened, Filipino music blasted in the background. At the same time, students and teachers gracefully donned their colorful Barong Tagalog’s and Baro’t Saya’s, making the event more vibrant and energetic than ever. As everyone settled down, the event’s host, Mrs. Vivian Antonio, warmly welcomed everyone and introduced the Vice Principal of the Office of the Student Affairs, Ms. Melissa Montayre, and the Vice Principal of the Primary Department, Dr. Cleofe Pascual, as the special guests.
The ceremony officially started with a solemn worship song by Chris Aimil Dela Cruz, followed by the national anthems’ singing. Soon after, a video about Filipino history and its culture was presented on the screen, and a song interlude by Janelle Izon about loving our motherland closely followed. Afterward, Mrs. Maribel Lentejas gave an inspiring speech about the wonders and pride of being a Filipino. She quoted a famous line from our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who once said “Nasa kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” which deeply touched those present hearts. The students then went to their respective breakout rooms and proceeded to enjoy the event as a class.
Each class displayed the appetizing Filipino foods their parents had prepared and conducted fun activities to test their knowledge about Philippine history, provinces, symbols, and the like. The day ended with a prayer of thanks and when the meeting ended, the little PSDians smiled from ear to ear as their hearts and bellies were made full. Indeed, this event taught the impressionable, young, primary students of PSD to embrace their culture even more and not shy away from the fact that being a Filipino is genuinely something to be proud of.