Celebrating the National Language and Filipino Heritage: A Showcase of Traditional Costumes as a Symbols of our Cultural Identity and Unity

Language Month is a significant celebration in the Philippines held every month of August. It highlights the importance of the Filipino language and culture, fostering national pride and unity. It also showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines promoting appreciation and understanding of the country’s history, traditions and values. This celebration brings Filipinos together, transcending regional and linguistic differences and promoting a sense of national unity and solidarity. The advantages of having this event to the students will helps them to develop their Filipino language skills including reading, writing, speaking and listening. It instills national pride and identity among students, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage. Students can develop can appreciation for Filipino literature including poetry, stories and other forms of written expression. The Filipino language plays a significant role in shaping the country’s identity, culture and sense of community. It connects Filipinos to their ancestors, building appreciation and understanding their roots. It is an essential tool for education enabling us to learn and understand various subjects and concepts. Filipino language helps Filipinos to express themselves, their thoughts, emotions in their own words. Without own language we can’t express thoughts and feelings and share information. It has a vital role for everyday communication.

    As of being a part of this special event for Filipinos, we are celebrating language month by means of wearing traditional costumes based on our culture. We take pride on our rich cultural heritage, reflected in our traditional clothing that has been passed down through generations. Some specific examples of our traditional clothing are barong tagalog- men’s formal wear, Filipiniana- women’s formal wear, kimono- traditional blouse, salawal- traditional pants, malong – traditional tube like garment. These traditional attire showcase the country’s unique cultural identity and history.

Student should be aware for this kind of important celebration so that my son’s school held a program about wearing traditional outfit. I decided to create a costume for my son for this event. My son choose an ethnic costume called ati-atihan or sinulog costume. I did some research on how to make it and what materials to use. I bought fabric, it is designed based on their culture, feather, cardboard, gold trimmings ribbon and some adhesive. It takes two days for me to finish his costume. I know my son is satisfied with the costume I made.

Dayap Elementary School held a program for the celebration of Language Month. Each grade level presented a special dance number that highlights the ethnic culture. They use some props to make their dance presentation more colorful. Different materials are use in their presentation. Some of the props they use are coconut shelf, improvised flower on stick, and woven fabric.

All grade level has their representative wearing distinctive clothing. My son represents the third grade. He is wearing sinulog festival costume that I’ve made. Before the program started, I told him to do his best and just enjoy his participation in this event and it’s okay if he will not win. The event started with the showcase of costume from kinder to grade three. Male students are the first who represents their costume followed by female students. Next the students from grade four to grade six. Before the announcement of the winner the other grade level continues to present their dance presentation.

The most awaited part of the program was the announcement of the winners. I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as the participants, including my child, walked on the stage one last time. First, the winner among the girls was announced, then came the turn for the boys.
When the host mentioned candidate number 6, my son’s number, I couldn’t believe it at first, and even my child is also unaware it was his number being called. I was overwhelmed with joy. For the first time, my child was declared the winner in this one of the most important program held in their school. He was awarded as Best In Costume for Lakan 2025 at Dayap Elementary School. I am thankful for my co- parents and on his teacher for their support for my son. I really felt their emotional support for us and I also thank Almighty God for giving us strength to make it happen.