Why do most Tagalogs not understand Bisaya?

 By: 

Ryan Fernandez

B.A. in Visual Arts, Fordham University (Graduated 2006)

Bisaya is the colloquial term for Cebuano, a Philippine language originally spoken in Cebu, but now used as a lingua franca in Central Visayas and many parts of Mindanao. As such, speaking Bisaya/Cebuano and being an ethnic Cebuano are not mutually exclusive. Nearly 20 million or 1 out of 5 Filipinos speaking Bisaya as their first language.

A bit confusing is that Bisaya/Cebuano also belongs to a wider family of languages known as Visayan languages which includes Hiligaynon, Waray, Capizon, Aklanon, Boholano, Surigaonon, Tausug, and many more. The archipelagic (island) nature of the Philippines is responsible for the variety of forms.

Bisaya and other Visayan languages are still sometimes erroneously labeled as dialects with the root language being Tagalog. This is false. Bisaya and Tagalog are sister Philippine languages.

Most Tagalog native speakers don’t comprehend or use Bisaya for the simple reason that there’s no compelling reason to learn it. The Tagalog homeland consists of Southern Luzon, parts of Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region or Metro Manila. Combined they contribute to more than 50% of the Philippines’ GDP in 2019[1]. The business and finance sectors, heavy industries, shipping, top universities, media networks and seat of government are all in Metro Manila. Tagalog is the dominant language of business, governance, and education. The bulk of the population leans heavily towards these regions as well[2].

A close parallel would be the role of English in the world today. People from Anglophone countries like the UK, US, and Australia often speak a single language - English. The universality and prominence of English globally means Anglophones don’t need to master French or Spanish or Mandarin or Hindi. Rather, it’s the other way around.

Footnotes

[1] Dissecting Data: What 2019 Regional GDP tells us about the pandemic, PH economic resilience

[2] https://psa.gov.ph/population-and-housing/node/120080

PH to host Mister and Miss Runway Model Universe 2022 Competition

Organizers of Mister and Miss Runway Model Universe 2022 and representatives pose during the press conference held in Quezon City recently. (Carissa Alcantara)

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The Philippines is set to host the Mister and Miss Runway Model Universe 2022 Competition.

This was announced by the Prime Event Productions Philippines during a press conference held at the B Hotel in Quezon City recently.

In attendance were Marianne Galang (Mister RMU Philippines national director), Christel Bulabon (Miss RMU Philippines national director), Shai Mejia (assistant national director), Mailyn Gocomon (president, May Precious Skincare Clinic), and Philip Tiongson (Stemcell expert formulator), Fiel Ferdinand (CEO, RMU), Fedelina Legaspi (RMU-CFO); fashion designer Paul Semira; and crown designer Manny Halasan.

Vergilio Cabilan, founder of RMU, said he was inspired to continue this pageant journey under the new normal.

“I am here to continue our dream, our core, our mission, to bring world-class free education to our beneficiaries,” Cabilan said.  

Junichi Yabushita and Maria Regina Rose Navajas who will represent the Philippines in the competition shared their preparations and advocacies for the upcoming modeling competition.

“I want to showcase what else I can bring to the people. I’m not here just to become a model, but I am also here to help other people to showcase my advocacy, which is sustainable education for children.” Navajas said.

The delegates from other countries are scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on May 23. The grand coronation will be held on May 28. (Carissa Alcantara)

Cebu City, Cebu province placed under state of calamity

by Calvin Cordova, Manila Bulletin

CEBU CITY — Cebu City has been placed under a state of calamity due to the effects of typhoon Agaton.

Mayor Michael Rama made the declaration on Sunday afternoon as the city was still experiencing incessant rains.

Rama said landslides have been reported in barangays Pamutan, Toong, Sinsin, Budlaan and Busay.

Rama said residents living near rivers and coastal areas had been evacuated.

Upon Rama’s order, classes and government works were suspended on Monday (April 11)

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday.

The Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas (PCG-7) reported that at least 300 passengers were stranded in various Cebu ports after several trips were cancelled.

The PCG 7 reported that a roll-on-roll-off (roro) vessel of Jomalia shipping submerged while docked in Consuelo Port, San Francisco town, Camotes Island.

The PCG said the vessel’s 14 crew members escaped unharmed after they decided to abandon the ship when huge waves started battering it.

PCG 7 said the submerged ferry had 5,430 liters of diesel oil and 68 liters of lube oil on board.

“Per latest info reveals that risk of oil spill is yet to be determined while inspection or monitoring is still in progress,” the PCG 7 said.

'Agaton' leaves 23 dead in Eastern Visayas, Davao region

by Aaron Recuenco, Manila Bulletin

At least 20 people died while six others were reported missing in Eastern Visayas due to the massive flooding and several; landslides triggered by the onslaught of tropical depression “Agaton”.

Based on the report from the Police Regional Office 8, almost all of the fatalities were from Baybay City when at least three residential areas were buried in a landslide.

In Barangay Mailhi, a total of 16 residents were confirmed to have died of the landslide while three more were recovered in Barangay Kantagnos. Another cadaver was recovered in Barangay Bunga.

The reported deaths in Eastern Visayas brought to 23 the death toll from “Agaton” as the local police also reported that two people died in Monkayo, Davao de Oro and another one in Cateel, Davao Oriental.

Photo: PNP-PIO

Six more people were reported missing in Eastern Visayas.

Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, director of the Police Regional Office 8, said he had already ordered the deployment of more policemen and equipment to assist in the search, rescue and retrieval operations in areas affected by landslides and flash floods.

“We already deployed rubber boats,vehicles and other equipment that include handheld radios for these operations,” Banac said.

He said the deployment of policemen also include the assistance in the evacuation of residents.

Based on the latest data, a total of 1,515 families or 5,703 individuals that were moved to various evacuation centers.