An important mandate of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas is to preserve and enhance the social, economic and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas with the Philippines. Toward this end, we have been actively involved in developing and implementing programs and activities to encourage Filipinos overseas, specially the younger generations, to learn about the Philippines and appreciate their Filipino heritage and culture.

After several years of tedious research, the CFO published and made available the Guide to Learning Filipino in 2002, a teaching material with accompanying musical tape. It was developed for organizations and groups overseas interested to teach the Filipino language to children of overseas Filipinos and other individuals who would like to learn the basic Filipino. The lessons are culture-based and aims to pave the way toward better understanding of the Philippines and its people.

The book seeks to teach the Filipino language by situating the lessons within recognizable Philippine conditions and by using vignettes of Philippine life. Philippine songs, legends, stories or folklore, games, cuisine have also been interpersed with the lessons as exercises, examples, and practical learning to reinforce the learning of the Filipino language. Throughout the book, questions, exercises, and activities are provided to motivate learners to think for themselves and to practice or widen their vocabulary.

We are optimistic that through this material, we can help children of Filipino descent overseas to learn to speak the Filipino language, and better appreciate their roots and cultural heritage. We also encourage the use of this book by others who are interested in the Filipino language and knowing something about the Philippines.

Join us in the effort to promote greater appreciation of the Filipino culture and heritage.

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