Propagate Filipino as national language in all fronts

The country observes National Language Month in August and today, Aug. 19, we pause to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late President Manuel Luis Quezon, who is acknowledged as the leading advocate of Filipino as the National Language.

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It is timely to benchmark with Japan, France and South Korea — countries that exemplify deep-seated nationalism through extensive propagation and use of their national language in the face of modern foreign influence.

Japan is a primary example in promoting cultural diplomacy through education and in forging global cooperation on the anvil of culture. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes language education through various initiatives, cultural exchange through language experts' visitation, training of language teachers, and publication of teaching aids and references.

Propagating the French language is at the forefront of France's national identity promotion. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, France proudly demonstrated how this is done through an immersive system that permeates every aspect of national life.