Signing of Agreement between KWF, PNU-LSC, UP-Lingg, and DLSU-Filipino for the International Conference on Endangered Languages

Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was held by the Filipino Language Commission (KWF), Language Study Center of Philippine Normal University (LSC-PNU), Department of Linguistics of University of the Philippines Diliman (UP-Lingg), and Department of Filipino of De La Salle University (DLSU-Filipino) for the forthcoming Second World Conference on Endangered Languages The International Conference on Language Endangerment (ICLE). This was held on 15 March 2024 at KWF office in Malacanang Complex, San Miguel, Manila.

It was attended by KWF officials and employees headed by President Arthur P. Casanova, and PNU Reps Dr. Denmark L. Yonson, Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholder Services at Dr. Joel C. Malabanan, PNU-LSC; DLSU representative Dr. Rhoderick V. Nuncio, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Rowell Madula, President of DLSU-Filipino, and professors Dr. Deborrah Sadile Anastacio and Dr. David Michael San Juan; and UP-Lingg representative Dr. Maria Kristina S. Gallego, Chairman, UP-Week and Ms. Jurekah Chene Abrigo.

ICLE is a three-day in person conference that will serve as a venue for experts, language scholars, researchers, members of indigenous cultural heritage to share studies, experiences, and exchange ideas on addressing issues related to language risk.

It aims to empower indigenous citizens or indigenous peoples (IPs) through their involvement in the development of policies, programs, and research for the protection of their language. ICLE 2024 recognises IPs' increased capability and involvement in safeguarding their own language and culture. In the International Decade of Indigenous Language (IDIL) 2022-2032 Global Action Plan (GAP), IPs are identified as one of the key target groups that are crucial to be involved in language work. As IPs, they are the forefront of change, they have the right and duty to translate or transmit their language to the next generation. But they can't do it alone without help from government agencies, institutions, organizations, experts, researchers, and other entities.

So, ICLE 2024, will feature studies focused on developed/developed language policies, language documentation, language stimulation, IP education, community-based programs, and other topics relevant to native language care.

It is scheduled to be held on 9–11 October 2024 at the PNU Main Building Auditorium. Stay tuned for hints for the call for research paper and acceptance of participants.