Vice President Sara Duterte has called on the public to champion the Filipino language as a primary medium for learning and technological progress as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand rapidly.
In an official statement released for Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, Duterte highlighted how the national language serves as an anchor for cultural identity while adapting to rapid technological shifts.
“Ang ating wika ang kaluluwa ng ating kultura, tulay ng ating pagkakaisa, at salamin ng ating kasaysayan,” Duterte said.
Aligning her message with this year’s official theme, “Wikang Filipino at AI: Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman ng Impormasyon,” the Vice President stressed the importance of ensuring the national language remains relevant and utilized in modern digital spaces.
“Sa pagpasok ng makabagong teknolohiya, siguruhin natin na ang ating pambansang wika ay hindi naiiwan—kundi nananatiling sandata sa karunungan at digital na inobasyon,” she said.
Duterte stated that technological progress should directly align with initiatives that position Filipino as an accessible instrument for research, information gathering, and innovation.
Beyond technological applications, she framed the national language as a unifying bond connecting diverse communities across the country toward a shared socio-economic vision.
“Ito ang landas tungo sa ating pangarap—isang bansa kung saan ligtas, edukado, at may magandang kinabukasan ang bawat bata at walang pamilyang naiiwan sa kahirapan,” she stated.
Addressing global Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Duterte expressed that the native tongue serves as a comforting connection to their roots while living in foreign lands.
“Para sa ating mga kababayan at mga OFW, alam kong walang hihigit sa kapanatagan na marinig ang ating sariling wika sa dayuhang lupain,” she said.
“Ang ating wika ang inyong tahanan, saanman kayo mapadpad,” she added.
Encouraging national pride, the Vice President urged citizens worldwide to continually honor and speak the language that preserves the country’s rich heritage and collective narrative.
“Kaya naman, sabay-sabay nating ipagdiwang ang ating pagka-Filipino gamit ang tinig na nagbibigay-buhay sa ating lahi saan man tayo sa mundo,” she concluded.
Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa is celebrated every August to highlight the vital role of Filipino and local indigenous languages in safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage and history.