Every August, Filipinos unite to celebrate Buwan ng Wika—a month dedicated to honoring the richness of our national language and the vibrant culture that shapes our identity. More than just a school program or a cultural show, Buwan ng Wika is a timely reminder of who we are, where we come from, and what we carry forward.

As we mark Buwan ng Wika 2025, this year’s celebrations carry an even deeper relevance as we continue to embrace global influences while trying to preserve our roots. So how do we celebrate meaningfully? Whether you're a teacher, parent, student, or simply a proud Filipino, here are ways to promote and celebrate Filipino culture at home and in schools.

1. Embrace the Theme and the Language

Each year, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) releases a theme for Buwan ng Wika. This theme becomes a springboard for lesson plans, activities, and family discussions.

Tips for Schools:

Conduct daily “Filipino Word of the Day” in morning announcements.

Encourage students and teachers to use Filipino or native dialects when communicating throughout the day.

Create bulletin boards that showcase the theme, along with Filipino proverbs (salawikain) and idioms.

Tips for Homes:

Set a "Filipino-only" hour daily where everyone communicates in Filipino or your regional dialect.

Use this time to teach younger kids new Filipino words and their meanings.

2. Celebrate Traditional Filipino Attire

Cultural attire is a visual celebration of identity. Barong Tagalog, baro’t saya, malong, tapis, and more represent the diversity of our heritage.

In Schools:

Host a "Filipino Costume Parade" featuring the different attires from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Invite local weavers or designers to talk about how these garments are made and what they represent.

At Home:

Let kids try on heirloom or locally bought pieces.

Teach them the stories behind traditional garments worn by your family or region.

Take family photos in full Filipino attire for keepsakes or social media sharing.

3. Promote Filipino Cuisine

Food is language, too—especially in Filipino culture. Dishes like sinigang, kare-kare, adobo, and kakanin tell stories of regions, families, and traditions.

Ideas for Schools:

Organize a “Filipino Food Week” in the canteen, featuring daily meals from different regions.

Have a “lutong-bahay” contest where students bring homemade Filipino dishes to share and present.

At Home:

Assign a weekly “Filipino Food Night” and involve the family in cooking.

Share recipes passed down by grandparents and talk about their origins.

Watch cooking videos on native delicacies with kids and try replicating them.

4. Revive Traditional Games (Larong Pinoy)

Digital games dominate childhood, but Filipino traditional games (larong Pinoy) like patintero, luksong baka, and tumbang preso hold timeless value.

For Schools:

Host a “Larong Pinoy Olympics” in P.E. classes or during recess.

Set up stations where students rotate to try different games.

Include a historical background for each game.

For Homes:

Play simple games like piko or sungka during weekends or family bonding nights.

Encourage gadget-free afternoons and teach kids how these games build teamwork and physical coordination.

5. Spotlight Filipino Arts and Literature

Our literature—from Alamat to Epiko, Balagtasan to modern spoken word—reflects the soul of our people.

Ideas for School Activities:

Host storytelling sessions or “Alamat Reading Circles.”

Assign student performances of balagtasan or create original spoken word pieces about Filipino life.

Showcase artworks inspired by Filipino traditions, myths, and current realities.

At Home:

Read Filipino books or comic books like Alamat ng Gubat, Trese, or stories by Rene Villanueva with your kids.

Watch Filipino movies or stage plays together and talk about the values and themes they depict.

Listen to Filipino music from different eras—from kundiman to contemporary OPM.

6. Invite Cultural Guests and Collaborators

Bringing in voices from indigenous groups, historians, local artisans, or Filipino language experts can elevate the learning experience.

For Schools:

Partner with cultural groups for performances and educational talks.

Organize webinars with Filipino authors, artists, or historians.

For Parents and Communities:

Coordinate with your Barangay or homeowners’ association to hold community events.

Join or create a Facebook group that promotes Filipino history and culture awareness among families.

7. Encourage Creative Expression in Filipino

Let creativity flow using the Filipino language:

Conduct essay-writing, poetry, and poster-making contests in Filipino.

Start a class or home vlog project where students or family members talk about Filipino values in Filipino.

8. Celebrate Regional Languages

Buwan ng Wika is not just about Filipino—it’s also about recognizing the beauty of regional languages like Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Ilocano, Waray, and more.

Suggestions:

Assign one regional dialect to explore each week.

Have a language-sharing activity where students or family members teach a few words in their native dialect.

9. Reflect on Filipino Values

More than food and clothing, being Filipino is also about values—bayanihan, paggalang, malasakit, and pakikipagkapwa-tao.

Activities:

Have reflection journals or short essays where students write about a Filipino value they admire and practice.

Share family stories that embody kindness, community, and strength.

10. Support Local Filipino Brands and Artists

Another meaningful way to honor our culture is by supporting Filipino-made products, artisans, and creatives.

Actionable Tips:

Buy local handicrafts or Filipino-language books from independent bookstores.

Follow Filipino artists and educators online who promote language and culture.

Conclusion: A Personal Commitment to Filipino Identity

As globalization expands our choices, it also challenges our sense of identity. That’s why Buwan ng Wika 2025 matters more than ever.

Celebrating this month is not about resisting change—it’s about remembering our roots as we grow. At the heart of this month is a call to love our language, our stories, and ourselves as Filipinos. Let’s raise a generation that not only speaks Filipino, but lives its essence every day.