by Nycel Jane Dela
I have seen a video where two political candidates were compared based on how they answered a question. One candidate responded fluently in Hiligaynon/Ilonggo while the other used Taglish. This raised an interesting debate: Does language fluency truly matter, especially when one is in their hometown? Here in Capiz, should we take pride in speaking Hiligaynon fluently? Or does the ability to speak English or other languages make someone appear more intelligent?
Hiligaynon—often referred to as Ilonggo—is a language spoken primarily in Western Visayas, including Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. It is one of the major languages in the Philippines, rich in history, culture, and identity. Despite this, the dominance of English and Tagalog in media, education, and governance has led to the perception that local languages are secondary, sometimes even inferior.
Children in elementary and preschool are taught their mother tongue as part of the educational curriculum. This policy aims to preserve local dialects and ensure that young learners have a strong grasp of their native language. However, as they progress in their education, the emphasis shifts toward English and Filipino. Over time, fluency in Hiligaynon is often overlooked in favor of learning the so-called “more important” languages.
This brings us back to the video. The candidate who spoke Hiligaynon was seen by many as relatable and deeply connected to the people, while the one who spoke in Taglish was viewed as more formal, perhaps even more educated. But should fluency in English or Tagalog be the standard for intelligence? The reality is that language is a tool for communication, not a measure of intellect.
Fluency in Hiligaynon should be valued, especially in regions where it is the primary language. It fosters cultural identity and strengthens community bonds. At the same time, multilingualism is an advantage in today’s globalized world. However, it should not come at the expense of one’s native tongue. A person’s intelligence, capability, and leadership should not be judged by whether they answer in Hiligaynon, Taglish, or English, but by the substance of their words and the impact of their actions.
