1 week ago
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CEBU CITY — The Cebu City Council has urged businesses to use the Cebuano language or Bisaya in daily transactions, following a councilor's call to preserve the city's cultural identity through its native tongue.
In a privilege speech during the council's regular session on Wednesday, Councilor Joel Garganera said that Cebuanos have not fully maximized the richness of their language.
"Kalami paminawon sa paglitok sa atong kaugalingong pinulongan nga Bisaya (It sounds so wonderful to hear our very own Bisaya language spoken)," he said.
He pointed out that other countries proudly promote their native languages, recalling his travels where he was greeted in local tongues.
"Konnichiwa! Aloha! Hola! Annyeong! And Sawadee Kha! Whether in airports, hotels, or restaurants, their native language is being promoted," he said.
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Garganera, who chairs the council's Committee on Heritage Preservation and Conservation, underscored the precision of Bisaya compared to Tagalog.
"In Tagalog, they say manghugas ng mukha, manghugas ng kamay, at manghugas ng paa. But in Bisaya, we say manghilam-os, manghunaw, ug manghimasa. Asa ka ana? (In Tagalog, they say manghugas ng mukha, manghugas ng kamay, and manghugas ng paa. But in Bisaya, we say manghilam-os, manghunaw, and manghimasa. Can you top that?)," he said.
He said that while businesses will not face penalties for not complying, the initiative seeks to foster appreciation rather than impose regulations.
Garganera emphasized the importance of fostering public appreciation for the Bisaya language, asserting that "nothing could surpass its value."
The councilor noted that efforts to promote Bisaya have been ongoing.
He recalled a meeting in early 2024 with the Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu (HRRAC) and local governments of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, where stakeholders committed to incorporating the local tongue in their industries.
He also pointed to his 2020 Heritage Protection and Preservation Ordinance, which safeguards cultural heritage sites in Cebu City from vandalism and destruction.
However, he warned that heritage extends beyond physical landmarks.
During the session, he also introduced a new ordinance aimed at preserving the Bisaya language through music.
"If you have read my proposed ordinance, you will see that we have not provided for a penalty clause for non-compliance with its provisions, for we desire to encourage, rather than punish, so that the public may come to appreciate our very own Bisaya language," he said.
The Cebu City Council approved Garganera's motion, officially backing his call to integrate Bisaya into various industries, including transportation, malls, restaurants and delivery services.
