ECHAGUE, Isabela, August 19 (PIA) - The Komisyon sa Wikang FIlipino (KWF), in partnership with the local government here, recently unveiled the newly-installed language monument or "Bantayog ng Wika" for the Yogad language.

KWF Commissioner Purificacion Delima said Bantayog-Wika aims to enshrine the country's indigenous languages by constructing physical structures to symbolize the significance of Philippine languages as repository of Filipino cultures' wealth of indigenous knowledge, social values, life practices and traditions.

According to municipal cultural and tourism officer Loiue Simbe, the language monument will be a symbol of pride of Echaguenos and likewise serve as a structure of salute to the residents' local language called Yogad.

Simbe said there is a need to save the dying language of Echaguenos as this is now rarely used by many as their primary medium of communication.

"This language monument is a symbol of how our people communicate. It will surely encourage and inspire Echaguenos to use their local language even for the next generations to come," Simbe said.

He said Echague is rich in many cultures and one of which is its language "Yogad" where it is only found in the town.

Simbe acknowledged the support extended by the various stakeholders in the research of culture and language of the locality.

He also acknowledged the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino for the construction of the language monument for Yogad where it is now erected near the Echague National High School here. (ALM/MGE/PIA-2/Isabela)