In line with the celebration of ‘Buwan ng Wika,’ Filipino teachers from various schools and universities nationwide gathered in Naga City for a seminar focused on intellectualized Filipino and its applications to various disciplines, including artificial intelligence (AI).

The focus of this gathering was the intellectualization of the Filipino language in areas such as technical writing, translation, criticism, and the emerging field of AI.

"Sapagkat ang AI ay hindi lang dapat nasa wikang Ingles. Sapagkat kairalan na ngayon at kalakaran ang AI. So, dapat sa Filipino, natatalakay din ito," Dr. Vasil Victoria, the Director of the 'Samahan ng mga Guro sa Intelektuwalisasyon ng Filipino' (SAGIF), said.

This sentiment resonated with Dr. Mildred Galvez, who traveled from Davao City to participate in the event organized by the Association of Teachers.

"Umentro itong AI. Paano ba siya magagamit sa research, pananaliksik? Lalo na sa pagsusulat? Ano ba talaga ‘yung kahalagahan [nito]?" Galvez said.

Celeste Reyes, an instructor from Samar State University in Catbalogan City, also attended the seminar with the hope of inspiring her students to value the Filipino language and subject more deeply.

"Ito ang nagbibigay ng pagkakakilanlan sa mga Pilipino. Kung hindi na gagamitin ng mga makabagong estudyante [ang ating wika], parang wala nang Pilipino na gagamit nito at unti-unti na itong mabubura," Reyes said.

The event, hosted by SAGIF, will run until August 4, 2024 in Ateneo de Naga University.

Some participants are also joining online, and the organization aims to utilize the knowledge gained to enhance teaching practices across the country.