Iloko La Union's official language

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – The provincial board of La Union unanimously approved on third and final reading during its session last week an ordinance declaring Iloko as an official language of the province.

The ordinance though does not aim to replace English and Filipino, but rather support the use of Iloko alongside them in a multilingual partnership.

Vice Gov. AureoNisce said La Union is the first province in the country that has a comprehensive ordinance protecting and revitalizing the native language.

“This Code will preserve our native dialect… Speak Iloko to know your heritage and it should be proper for the young generation to learn the native language,” Nisce said.

Nisce said the ordinance is fully supported by Gov. Manuel Ortega because Iloko is slowly deteriorating, especially in urban areas where Filipino and English dominate.