LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III is keen on working closely with the academe and the media to design programs and projects that can help promote the use of Pangasinan language among the younger generation of Pangasinense.
In an interview during the sidelights of the Training-Workshop on the Pedagogy of the Pangasinan Orthography opening program on February 22 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC), the Governor said that reintroduction of Pangasinan language must start at home.
Based on his observations, he noted that most of the youth today or the millenials can no longer speak the dialect. Thus, he added, the provincial government set its sight in conceptualizing simple projects such as translating signages in Pangasinan language among others.
In stressing this, the Governor assured that all programs and projects on the preservation of local arts and culture that were started by the previous administration will be continued.
It can be recalled that revival of Pangasinan arts and culture was started by the former governor now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. when he tapped the support of historians, researchers, members of the academe and media, representatives of different historical associations and government departments of the province to dig on solid historical records that could establish the founding date of Pangasinan.
From there, the identification of the founding day which is vital in the enrichment of Pangasinan’s cultural and historical heritage was established.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Immanuel Norbert S. Escano, PHCC commissioner, said the need to revive Pangasinan’s mother tongue is important as it serves as people’s identity.
Escano, however, cleared that while the PHCC finds it vital to revive the Pangasinan language, it does not disregard the adoption of Ilocano language which was due to migration of ancestors.
On the other hand, Ma. Luisa Elduayan, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer, said the provincial government is working doubly hard to keep the legacy alive left by the previous administration in terms of cultural reawakening and development.
The three-day training are as follows: Sara’y Grafema, Pamitla tan Panamitla; Pabalikas a Letraan, Pasulat a Letraan; Nanlasunan a Patanol tan Diptonggo, Nanlasunan a Mitanol tan Digrapon; Salata’y E/I tan O/U, Pansalat na “D” ed “R;” Usar na Tuldik o Asento; Usar na Gilit, and Usar na Kalwit.
Invited guests for the duration of the event include KWF Commissioner Purificacion G. Delima on the first day, Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio on the second day, and Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil on the third day.
By Dexter A. See