Filipino as a Global Language

By Rep. Joey Manahan

District 29 - Sand Island, Mokauea, Kalihi Kai, Kapalama

I'm proud to announce the establishment of the First International Conference on Filipino as a Global Language, scheduled to take place at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from March 17 to 19, 2008. The Conference's theme is "Future Prospects and Directions," and it is being organized by the University of Hawaii Filipino and Philippine Literature Program and the National Foreign Language Resource Center.

This year I introduced HB3398, which makes an appropriation to the University of Hawaii to provide Philippine language and Filipino-American studies courses system-wide, and which has crossed over to the Senate.

This conference supports the demand for more Philippine-related education at the University level. It's main objective is the establishment of a tradition of scholarly sessions by educators and practitioners in all aspects of the Filipino language and culture, and invites educators, students, writers, and agencies involved in promoting and nurturing the Filipino language to join the Conference to exchange ideas.

There will be workshops on teaching and assessment, storytelling, translation, poetry writing, literature, and politics. Registration for the Conference is still open, and all interested persons are encouraged to attend. Registration fees are $150. A special registration fee of $50 is offered to students. For more information, go to www.hawaii.edu/filipino/inticonf2008/ or contact Ruth Mabanglo at 808-956-6970.