In celebration of the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032, faculty members from the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy (DSSP) of the UNP College of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with the University of Hawaii Mānoa (UH Mānoa), participated in an online international webinar on indigenous languages at the University of Hawaii Manoa via Zoom. Titled “A Duty to Warn: Reflections on the First Languages of Amianan Philippines,” the webinar took place on March 30, drawing 130 participants, including students and faculty.

Dr. Chase Mark S. Suyat and Dr. Eleanor Belizar, faculty members of the DSSP, served as speakers in the webinar, addressing various topics related to indigenous language preservation.

Dr. Belizar, associate professor and executive assistant to the University President, delivered a lecture titled “Our Duty to Warn: Reflections on the Status and the Future of Indigenous Languages of the Philippines.” She emphasized the endangerment of indigenous languages due to globalization, advocating for cultural competencies in higher education and culture-based learning.

Dr. Suyat, head of DSSP, presented his lecture entitled “Safeguarding Identity: The Crucial Role of Iloko Language in Advancing Inclusive Civics and Citizenship Education ‘Sadi Amianan.” He highlighted the Iloko language’s role in cultural preservation and effective communication particularly in the educational sector. Dr. Suyat also stressed the importance of policies supporting native language in education, government, and various stakeholders of society.

The webinar empowers the need to preserve indigenous languages that are critically endangered due to modernization. By empowering the rights of the marginalized groups, particularly indigenous people, and fostering academic discussions, it will contribute to a broader agenda of cultural preservation.

Article by Kennedy R. Jetajobe.