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In pursuant of Presidential Decree No. 1041 s. 1997, the Philippines annually commemorates the National Language Month, or the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa,” to promote the significance of the Filipino language, especially to the youth.

The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF), together with the Department of Education (DepEd), is tasked to lead the one-month celebration held every August.

This year’s theme is “Wika Natin ang Daang Matuwid,” which is divided into five sub-themes, namely:

1. Ang Wika Natin ay Wikang Katarungan at Kapayapaan.
2. Ang Wika Natin ay Laban sa Katiwalian.
3. Ang Wika Natin ay Sandata Laban sa Kahirapan.
4. Ang Wika Natin ay Wikang Mabilisan, Inklusibo at Sustenidong Kaunlaran.
5. Ang Wika Natin ay Wika sa Pangangalagang Kapaligiran.

In 1935, a Surian ng Wikang Pambansa was created to conduct studies on various dialects used in the country with the purpose of adopting a national language based on one of these dialects.

Two years after the creation of the committee, President Manuel L. Quezon declared Filipino as our national language by virtue of Executive Order No. 134. The proclamation using the Filipino language was made via a radio broadcast:

Manuel L. Quezon, the father of Philippine National Language proclaiming the national language on December 30, 1937. Photo by PCDSPO

Then President Quezon declared: "Nagdudulot sa akin ng di matingkalang kasiyahan na maipahayag ko sa inyo na ngayong ika-41 anibersaryo ng pagmamartir ng nagtatag at pinakadakilang tagapamansag ng nasyonalismong Pilipino, ay naging karangalan kong ilagda, bilang pag-alinsunod sa utos ng Konstitusyon at ng umiiral na batas, ang isang Kautusang Tagapagpaganap na nagtatalaga sa isa sa mga katutubong wika na maging batayan ng wikang pambansa ng bayang Pilipino."

Several proclamations have been made to change the date of the National Language celebration. On January 15, 1997, former President Fidel V. Ramos declared the whole month of August as the “National Language Month.”

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