By Josh Aseo || Photo by Ashley Royo

To celebrate the annual Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC), through the Filipino Unit, held a culminating activity in the campus gymnasium on the afternoon of August 30, 2024, where students and faculty members dressed in traditional Filipino attires.

The event kicked off with an opening prayer and the singing of the national anthem which was followed by an opening message by the Curriculum Instruction Division Chief Leslie C. Cruto.

Afterwards, the competitions for each grade category were held – Tinig Pisay for Grade 7 and 8, Pagawa ng Salaysay for Grade 9, Masining na Pagbasa for Grade 10, and Panulaang Pisay for Grades 11 and 12. 

Tinig Pisay, a vocal solo singing contest, showcased the talents of Grades 7 and 8 representatives. Febby Cadalso from Grade 7 – Ruby took third place with her version of “Lipad ng Pangarap” by Angeline Quinto and Regine Velasquez, Kaela Yuse from Grade 7 – Diamond won second place with the song “Kahit Ayaw mo na” by This Band, while Cleofe Zoe Lorein Go from Grade 8 – Camia took first place with her rendition of “AMAKABOGERA” by Maymay Entrata.

In line with this year’s theme of “Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya,” selected Grade 11 and 12 students shared their original poems during Panulaang Pisay. Casei Claire Advincula from Grade 12 – B won third place, John Andelle Molabola from Grade 11 – B clinched the second spot, while Lourdyz Yzabelle Renomeron of Grade 11 –  C won first place with her poem that described the unity and connection among Filipinos that were made possible by the national language. 

“Winning was a bonus, but performing meant a lot to me. It was my first time to be on stage speaking, and I was able to overcome my stage fright. It definitely boosted my confidence a little bit,” Renomeron said.

In the Paggawa ng Sanaysay competition, representatives from each Grade 9 section showcased their talent in writing. Jaryn Avelino from Grade 9 – Potassium won third place, Vianna Alexei Llevado of Grade 9 – Sodium won second place, while Anthony Jazz Obrique from Grade 9 – Rubidium won first place.

The last round of presentations was from the Grade 10 students who competed with each other in Masining na Pagbasa, a speech choir competition. The class of Grade 10 – Electron won first place, with Grade 10 – Neutron and Grade 10 – Proton winning second and third, respectively

“The competition not only gave us, students, a chance to showcase our creative talents, but it also gave me and my classmates a chance to form a closer bond with each other, a chance to deepen our friendship and promote camaraderie,” Danielle Anos from 10 – Electron said.

Filipino Unit Head Vesifina M. Ron then closed the program with a speech commemorating the national language and the purpose that it serves. 

“Ang wika natin ang naging daluyan ng ating mga damdamin, adhikain at mga pangarap, isang wikang tunay mapagpalaya [Our language served as the medium for our feelings, aspirations, and dreams, a language that is truly liberating], ” Mrs. Ron said.

The Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, simply known as the Buwan ng Wika, is a month-long celebration every August to appreciate and promote the Filipino language.