Lingayen- – -“Tayong mga Pangasinense ang siyang unang dapat magmahal ng ating lalawigan,” was declared by Governor Amado T. Espino, during the kick off program of the Tourism Month celebration held on September 9 at the Sison Auditorium here where one of the significant highlights was the turn-over of copies of Pangasinan Orthography Primer to all division heads of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province.
The first in the country, the primer, which is entitled “Panuntunan na Ortograpiya ed Salitan Pangasinan 2012” was conceptualized thru the collaborative efforts of the provincial government with Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission and Ulopan na Pansiansia’y Salitan Pangasinan that aims to further the cause of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBME).
It can be recalled that the DepEd introduced the MTBME program as a primary scheme that could help re-flourish native dialects throughout the country.
In an interview, Gov. Espino outlined several projects and undertakings geared to awaken the senses of every Pangasinense and become more appreciative of their culture and history. These include the I Love Pangasinan campaign, establishment of Balitok a Tawir (official culture and arts program of the province), and the publication of Pangasinan Ortography Primer.
“Sana lahat ng schools sa Pangasinan ay mabigyan natin ng kopya,” the provincial chief executive said, as he noted that the present administration has endeavored to realize the immediate publication of much-needed instructional materials especially designed for pre-school children up to Grade 3.
The governor also urged all DepEd division superintendents to assist in teaching the students the proper way of singing the Pangasinan Hymn (Luyag ko Tan Yaman) and make every student fully understand the song not just in thought but more importantly in heart, not just naturally endowed with a beautiful language but with rich culture, arts and history.
“Mahalaga po na maintindihan ng mga bata ang bawat salita sa ating Pangasinan hymn para maramdaman nila ito sa puso,” Gov. Espino said adding that the province is not just naturally endowed with a beautiful language but with rich culture, arts and history.
The governor stressed that all efforts being established by the present administration are dedicated to the Pangasinan youth who will one day inherit the throne of leadership.
The Pangasinan Ortography primer features Pangasinan alphabet, syllables and syllabication among others. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)