To strengthen the use of the Filipino language in public service, Cebu Technological University (CTU), in collaboration with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), held the ‘Panrehiyong Seminar-Workshop sa Korespondensiyang Opisyal, Pamamahalang Dokumentaryo at Propesyonal na Komunikasyon’ on July 29–30 at CTU Main Campus.
Anchored on the theme “Masinop na Dokumentasyon at Responsableng Korespondensiya Opisyal Tungo sa Mahusay na Serbisyong Publiko,” the seminar-workshop honed participants’ skills in correspondence, documentation, and communication, affirming the Filipino language’s key role in effective public service.
A key focus of the discussions was Atas Tagapaganap Blg. 335 (Executive Order No. 335), signed by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1988, which directs government offices to use Filipino in official transactions, communications, and correspondence.
In her message, KWF Chairperson Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran underscored the responsibility of public servants to communicate government services and processes in a language that citizens can easily understand.
“Nais ko lamang bigyan pansin natin, na bilang mga lingkod-bayan at mga tagapaghubog ng lipunan, kailangan nating maipabatid sa ating mamamayan sa mga salita o wika na nauunawaan nila kung ano ang ating serbisyo, mga proseso, at mga usaping may kinalaman sa karapatan nila,” she said.
She also emphasized KWF’s continued collaboration with language and culture centers across the country.
“Talagang mahigpit po ang aming promosyon ng aming mga ginagawang pakikipag-ugnay, lalo na po sa mga sentro ng wika at kultura natin,” she added.
Barrios-Taran also administered the Panunumpa ng Lupon sa Wikang Filipino with representatives from CTU and the Cebu City Government.
Dr. Fe A. Varona, Director of the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura at CTU Main, emphasized the objectives of the two-day seminar-workshop during the opening program.
“Ang una pong layunin natin ay mapalawak ang ating kaalaman, ang ating kamalayan para sa napapanahong tuntunin at pamantayan sa opisyal na komunikasyon. Pangalawa, mapaunlad ang propesyonal na komunikasyong alinsunod sa mga umiiral na batas, patakaran, at pamantayan,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Carmelita C. Abdurahman, KWF Commissioner for Programs and Projects, provided an overview of the agency’s mandate and encouraged participants to consistently use Filipino in official correspondence.
Further, Kom. Benjamin M. Mendillo, Jr., KWF Kumisyuner, discussed Batayang Kaalaman sa Pagsasalin, emphasizing that “Mas literal ang salin, mas nagiging tiyak ang salin.”
Linguistics Specialist Jose Evie G. Duclay also presented Ortograpiyang Pambansa, highlighting the importance of standardized Filipino orthography in official communication.
CTU officials led by Dr. Jonita V. Literatus, OIC-University President, together with Dr. Ramel C. Genobiagon, Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Campus Director Dr. Gregorio P. Pajaron Jr., expressed strong support for the initiative, stressing CTU’s commitment to cultural heritage and language preservation.
Facilitated by the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura-Cebu, the two-day seminar-workshop reinforced CTU’s continuing partnership with KWF in promoting the Filipino language as an essential tool for effective governance, transparency, inclusivity, and excellence in public service.
