FILIPINO CHILDREN IN CAMBODIA DISCOVER

WHY IT’S “MASAYANG MATUTO NG WIKANG FILIPINO”

The Multipurpose Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia came alive on 19 August 2018 when Filipino children, aged 6 to 12 years old, gathered for the first day of their Filipino language class.

Fifteen (15) students enrolled in the first module of the class entitled “Masayang Matuto ng Wikang Filipino.” The first module consists of 15 sessions and is expected to be completed in mid-December 2018.

Organized as an activity of the Sentro Rizal Phnom Penh (SRPP), the language class aims to increase awareness and appreciation among Filipino expatriate children in Cambodia of their cultural heritage and traditions. Its launching coincides with the "Buwan ng Wika" in commemoration of the birth month of the late President Manuel Quezon, whose administration pushed for the adoption of a National Language for the Philippines.

Developed by Dr. Rosario Alonzo, former Dean of the UP College of Education, for all the Sentro Rizal overseas, the three (3) modules of the Filipino language class use the “learning by doing” approach where the main thrust is the participants’ comprehension and use of the language.

“Although my kids can speak Ilonggo, we think that it’s important for them to also be able to speak Filipino, especially for the time when we go back to the Philippines for good,” said Jeralyn Palabrica Atanque who enrolled her two children in the class.

With the generous support of Liwayway Cambodia Food Manufacturing Corporation, a Phnom Penh-based Filipino company and makers of Oishi snack food, classes are held free of charge.