Nineteen children from the Ayta Magbukun community in Barangay Bangkal, Abucay were recognized yesterday as they graduated from the Bahay Wika Program. This initiative of the Provincial Government of Bataan and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino aims to revitalize their indigenous language and preserve their culture for the succeeding generations.

The program provides immersive language education to young members of community to ensure the continuity of their ancestral tongue. Meanwhile, five tribe members were likewise recognized for completing the Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program (MALLP), an intensive one-on-one training designed to enhance language proficiency among older community members. This dual approach ensures that both the youth and elders are equipped to sustain their linguistic heritage. This ceremony marks the 6th graduation rite, with a total 141 Bahay Wika and MALLP graduates since the program’s inception in 2015. The event was spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism Office led by Ms. Danica Lolita Tigas-Rodriguez, and attended by Tribal Elder Rebecca Reyes, Chieftain Rosita Sison, Barangay Captain Amante Inocencio and Abucay Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative Jhay-R Reyes.

The initiative has garnered national recognitions for its efforts including being one of the “Top Ten Outstanding Local Governance Programs” in the country from the Galing Pook Award and the “Best Institutionalized Culture and Arts Program” from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Pearl Awards.

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