Fighting the Downplaying of the Filipino Language

According to James Soriano, the English language is the language of learning, and the Filipino language is simply the language of the streets. He states that the English language is the language that will help one be successful in life, and learning the Filipino is not necessary.

I strongly disagree with his opinion and statements of downplaying the Filipino language. Since we are Filipinos, we have to know the Filipino language by heart. We should also learn English, but it should be treated as our second language. By knowing the Filipino language, we can get to know our fellow countrymen more. Filipino is a fluid language and is still not in its final form. Words from other native languages can still be added to it. That is why in my opinion, Filipino should be considered a core subject even in the tertiary level of education. We must continue to study it so that that the language can flourish and grow, and it will help our country be more united. English is the language of the world, but Filipino is the language that would make us unique.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/11649/language-learning-identity-privilege