Filipino Children in Cambodia Discover Why It’s “Masayang Matuto ng Wikang Filipino”

Consul General Myca Fischer, lovingly addressed by the students as “Principal Myca”, welcomes the students and their parents during the opening ceremony. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

PHNOM PENH 04 September 2018 – The multipurpose hall of the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia came alive on 19 August 2018 when Filipino children aged six to 12 years old gathered for the first day of their Filipino language class. 

Fifteen 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, 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 L. Quezon, whose administration pushed for the adoption of a national language for the Philippines. 

Developed by former University of the Philippines College of Education Dean Dr. Rosario Alonzo, the three 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, makers of Oishi snack food, which operates an office in Cambodia, classes are held free of charge. END

Teacher Hershey Buenconsejo engages the students through a game called “Espesyal Ako.” (Phnom Penh PE photo)

Twelve Filipino expatriate children listen to instructions for their first activity in class. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

Filipino student Lia Gabriel learns to introduce herself in Filipino. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

For more information, visit www.phnompenhpe.dfa.gov.ph or @PhilippineIn on Twitter.