Aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing global action to celebrate, promote, and preserve Indigenous languages as well as to champion the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, aligned with the objectives of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Sorsogon State University (SorSU), 170+ Talaytayan, Inc., and the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) Philippines, officially lead the commencement of the three-day 2025 Joint International Decade of Indigenous Languages & International Mother Language Day Conference (Joint IMLD & IDIL 2025) today, March 26, 2025, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
Anchored in the theme, “Reaffirming Rights-Based Reforms in Language, Literacy, and Learning,” the three-day international conference began with a welcome message from SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, reiterating SorSU’s steadfast commitment to supporting and advocating for the diverse languages and cultures of all indigenous and ethnic communities both in the country and across the world.
As a symbol of appreciation, international plenary speaker Dr. Thomas Payne (University of Oregon) gifted SorSU, through SorSU President De Jesus, his book “A grammar of Kagayanen,” the result of four years of dedicated research.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ricardo Ma. Duran Nolasco (Founding Chair, Talaytayan MLE & Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman) shared in his opening remarks that this is the fourth time the event has been organized, following previous conferences at UP Diliman, UP Visayas, and Caraga State University in Mindanao. He expressed his enthusiasm for a successful three-day IMLD & IDIL conference.
Notably, the opening program prominently highlighted a keynote address by Dr. Arthur P. Casanova (Tagapangulo, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino) titled “Ang Papel na Ginagampanan ng KWF sa Pagpapasigla ng mga Pananaliksik sa Paglinang ng mga katutubong Wika sa Pilipinas,” where Dr. Casanova discussed the role of KWF, the fields of linguistics and applied linguistics, including a comprehensive overview of the prevailing status of the languages in the Philippines, and KWF’s initiatives for the development and promotion of indigenous languages in the country.
The three-day global conference features distinguished international speakers who will deliver insightful plenary sessions, including Plenary Session 1: “Critical Race Theory and MLE” by Dr. Jose Lalas (Professor, Literacy and Teacher Education – University of Redlands) for Day 1, as well as special topics and parallel paper presentations under the following categories: Track 1 – Language; Track 2 – Literacy and Learning; Track 3 – Human Rights and Free Speech; and Track 4 – Literature, Heritage, and History.
In addition, Hon. Marie Bernadette G. Escudero (1st District Representative, Sorsogon Province) also graced the event and delivered a message.
The three-day conference marks a pivotal step toward championing and advancing language rights and fostering a deeper understanding of the essential role that indigenous languages serve in cultural identity, heritage, and development. (SorSU PIO)
