More Than 100 Ways to Say: An Online Forum on the Status of Philippine Indigenous Languages

In celebration of the 2022-2032 International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the National Language Month, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (OPCD) in partnership with the Philippine National Commission for UNESCO will be holding an online forum entitled “More than 100 Ways to Say…”: An Online Forum on the Status of Philippine Indigenous Languages on 31 August 2022, Wednesday, at 3:00 PM (PHST) via Zoom, and to be livestreamed on the DFA’s official YouTube channel, and Facebook page.

The Online Forum will be held to discuss the plight of the indigenous languages of the Philippines. Specifically, the webinar aims to achieve the following:

● Initiate discussion on the state of indigenous languages in PH;
● Identify possible tracks to contribute to preserving and avoiding the extinction of indigenous languages;
● Provide both domestic and multilateral perspectives on current initiatives and programs to preserving indigenous languages in PH

Speakers from local agencies, such as Commission on the Filipino Language and the Department of Science and Technology will share their respective perspectives on the state of PH indigenous languages and current initiatives to address their preservation. Meanwhile, UNESCO will provide an international/multilateral perspective, including on current actions or platforms to protect these indigenous languages.