17

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Compliance to the Iloko Code

Publication of Ordinances, Resolutions and Regulations. Findings (see

Appendix H, p. 131) illustrate that all Municipal Governments in the First District of La

Union do not publish their ordinances, resolutions and regulations in Iloko. They do not

also provide Iloko translations of all the published legislations from year 2013 to the third

quarter of 2016.

This is in contrast to what Section 10, Chapter 6 of the Iloko Code has mandated

which states that, all ordinances, resolutions and regulations enacted by concerned

authorities of the province and its component Local Government Unit shall be published,

in simultaneous editions, and disseminated by the media in Iloko and at least in Filipino

or English, in accordance with Section 59 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

In connection to this, none of the legislations produced in all of the offices of

Sangguniang Bayan in the first district of La Union are translated in Iloko. The reasons

affecting the compliance include lack of personnel, rigid timeframes, and lack of

expertise.
 18

With regards to lack of personnel, only two (2) personnel are employed in the

Office of the Sangguniang Bayan. For instance, the secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan

in San Gabriel admitted that, Sa lahat ng nagagawang legislation, with more or less,

one hundred (100) resolutions and another ten (10) or less for ordinances transcribed
 17

every year with only the two us, the work to translate all of them is too difficult.

Next, timeframes for these professionals is not set or defined and as a result,

translating documents are often disregarded. This is especially true taking into account

that they are dealing with diverse types of documents containing different registers of

technical vocabulary and serving at very different purposes. Such documents include

official minutes or press releases, and documents that will become legally-binding upon

their adoption, such as draft laws, regulations and administrative instructions. Lastly, the

lack of experts with regards to the use of Iloko in writing even though they are Iloko

speakers posted as a hindrance.

On a practical level, Mays (2007) research indicates that implementing language

policies is something that needs to be carefully thought though and managed. Successful

implementation is complex and requires a commitment in relation to time, resources, staff

buy-in and staff development.

This means that municipalities remain unable to fully implement the Iloko Code

due to the fact that they remain largely understaffed with respect to translation services.

An insufficient number of translators, inadequate qualifications and inadequate working

conditions often lead to poor quality translations.

Administration and Public Service

Communication

Use of Iloko during Legislative Sessions. Based on the survey conducted, (see

Appendix H, p. 131) the Sangguniang Bayan Mambers in the eight (8) Municipal

Governments in the first district of La Union conversed in Iloko during Legislative

Sessions.

According to Section 11.1 of the Iloko Code, the municipal governments may

incorporate Iloko in their internal procedures and in relations with each other. Internal
 18

procedure comprises of legislative session which was used by the researchers to take

account for. As observed, this particular provision is not mandatory, but could be used as

counter references of the other indicators in this study.

After visiting the municipal governments, it was found out that members of the

Sangguniang Bayan conversed in Iloko upon arrival, during their free time and discussion

of the main agenda. However in session proper the language that is mostly employed is

English since parliamentary procedure is observed and the technicalities are hard to

translate in Iloko.

The implication of this is that though Iloko is the mother tongue of the

Sangguniang Bayan Members, English, being the language most practiced, is

predominantly the language preference for formal occasion such as legislative sessions.

Still, since the Code merely encourages them to incorporate Iloko, the researchers do not

see anything erroneous under this indicator.

As what Mda (2008) refers to as a lack of political will on the part of

government; there are a number of other factors that have impeded real commitment to

multilingualism. Some of these have to do with . . . training . . . and practices. For many,

being seen to choose English over their mother tongue, results in exclusion from a range

of social networks (Makoe, 2007).

Iloko Conversation with Fellow Staff/Employees in the Office. Generally, with

respect to conversation among the staff/employees, all the respondent municipalities use

Iloko (see Appendix H, p. 132).

Component local government units may use Iloko in their activities and

communications with individuals or entities based in the province and other provinces in
 19

Ilocandia, without detriment to the right of citizens to receive them in English and/or

Filipino upon request (Iloko Code, 2012).

In the Municipal Government of Bacnotan, specifically in the Office of the

Municipal Mayor, the researchers observed that the staff conversed in Iloko and Tagalog

depending on what language was used by their fellows. Most of the staff in other

departments such as the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development

Officer, Office of the Municipal Assessor, Office of the Municipal Planning and

Development Council, and Office of the Engineer conversed in Iloko. While, other

departments such as the Office of the Civil Registrar, the Human Resource Development

and Management and the Office of the Budget Officer were observed to be less

interactive with their fellow staff, nonetheless they used tagalog when they communicate

with others.

The staff in municipal governments of Balaoan, Bangar, Luna, San Gabriel, San

Juan, and Santol dominantly used Iloko during their conversation with each other aside

from Filoko. Notably, staff belonging to the same age bracket tends to be more interactive

with each other and the flow of their conversations is more free and unguarded. When

asked why, staff said that they do not need to be overly considerate to the terms they use

since they are also familiar to it. For instance, ages belonging to 20-35 used words such

as lafang pertaining to food that older generations do not understand leading to

generation gap. While ages belonging to 45 and above have the higher tendency to use

deeper Iloko that only them could easily understood.

Another observation is that young adult staff tend to use Filoko while the adults

employ Iloko more frequently. Still, the staff adjusted to whatever language their clients

employed and used the same when answering back.

 20

This implies that staff are more comfortable to interact in their preferred language

and that they are mostly Iloko speakers. Inherent to this is great expectation with regards

to compliance to Iloko Code with regards to oral communication. Most interestingly,

these results set forth in the language policy cast the commitment to valuing diversity of

language and acceptance of home language in doubt.

The values attached to the diversity of languages in a municipal government and

the challenges it present is duly recognized. A positive response is critical to building an

ethos of mutual, as well as breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. All staff must feel

that they and their home language are important and accepted. (Corson, 2009)

Normal Written Communications in Iloko. Based on the data gathered through

survey questionnaires almost all (81.2%) of the respondent municipalities do not conduct

their normal written communications in Iloko and only few (17%) do so (see Appendix

H, p. 132).

Section 11.1 Chapter 6 states that offices may choose to conduct their normal

written communications in English or Filipino; however, these communications should

include translations in Iloko or, at the very least, include information indicating that

copies of the communications are available in Iloko upon request.

With regards to this indicator, the staff admitted that transcribing normal written

communications in Iloko is an endeavour they have not yet attempted to undertake except

in the Municipal Government of San Gabriel and Sudipen. The reasons attributed to this

are staff orientation in writing and the lack of training and expertise in Iloko writings.

Most often, staff were introduced to the use of Tagalog and English language in

writing letters. It has been a norm in schools, regardless whether in primary, secondary or

tertiary level, that letters are in scripted in English or Filipino (Malone, 2013). Not once
 21

were they introduced to letters written in Iloko. This is especially true since MTB-MLE is

not yet present during their time in school.

This situation was supported by the report of Sippola (2013) that, during the first

half of the 20th century, English was the language of instruction in public schools,

although in 1933, Tagalog, Visayan, Ilocano, Bicol, Pangasinan, and Kapampangan were

recognized as languages of instruction. The policy changed in 1957 to limit local

languages to the first and second grades as a transition to Tagalog and English (Anderson

& Anderson, 2007).

In the case of the municipal governments of San Gabriel and Sudipen which have

the highest percentage (35.7%) of compliance with regards to normal written

communication as illustrated by the result of the survey (see Appendix H, p. 132), the

researchers was able to confirm the existence of normal written communications

transcribed in Iloko.

The researchers have obtained sample letters from the Office of the Municipal

Mayor in Bangar, San Gabriel (see Appendix I, pp. 200-201) and Sudipen (see Appendix

I, pp. 203-205).

The municipal government of Bangar presented letters that are transcribed in

Iloko. The researchers have secured sample copies from the Office of the Municipal

Mayor (see Appendix I, pp. 195-199) and Office of the Municipal Planning and

Development Coordinator (see Appendix I, p. 198).

During the review conducted to these samples, the researchers found out that even

before the Iloko Code was passed, Bangar already conducted their normal written

communication in Iloko as early as 2010. However, it was noticed also that only letters

sent to barangays are in Iloko, the rest are all in English.

 22

In San Gabriel, there were letters transcribed in Iloko especially those sent to

Barangays, however, English is still dominantly used in most letters.

This is because, only the secretary of the mayor is writing letters in Iloko,

although she admitted that she is not trained for the job. These letters can only be

circulated upon the approval of the Municipal Mayor after proofreading its contents and

structure.

In connection to this, the major problem is the lack of a focal person who has the

expertise to be in-charge in translating and certifying written communications in Iloko.

Next, in the case of the Municipal Government of Sudipen, they also have letters

which are directly transcribed in Iloko (see Appendix I, pp. 203-205) instead of an Iloko-

translated documents as provided in the Code.

However, just like in San Gabriel, only three (3) of the written communications

presented are in Iloko and the rest are in English. Further, only the Office of the

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Coordinator, and the Office of the Municipal

Assessor have sample letters transcribed in Iloko that also came from the Office of the

Municipal Mayor.

In Luna, the result of the validation contrasted the data gathered during survey

(see Appendix H, p. 132). It is because not one among all those produced normal written

communications presented to the researchers are rendered in Iloko. Instead, all are in

English. When asked why, staff interviewed admitted that it is their first time

encountering the Iloko Code implying that they were not briefed regarding its mandate.

In addition, they consensually responded that most of the receiver of their letters are out

of provinces locale and are not well versed in Iloko.

 23

For the rest of the municipal governments including Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar,

San Juan and Santol, none conduct any of their normal written communications in Iloko

because mostly kasi ng nileletteran eh out of La Union, haan da met makaawat Iloko

ijay as stated by one of the staff in the Office of the Municipal Mayor in San Juan

representing the sentiments of the other four (4) municipal governments.

This only shows that the difficulty in translating normal written communications

in Iloko and the nature of their recipients hinders the compliance of Bacnotan, Balaoan,

Bangar, Luna, San Juan and Santol to the Iloko Code.

It is clear that English is set up as the dominant and uncontested language and that

home languages are only additional in an institiution (Dixon & Peake, 2008) such as in

municipal governments.

Inclusion of Information Stating the Availability of Copies of Communications in

Iloko upon request. Among the respondents who admitted that there are no iloko

translations (see Appendix H, p. 132), only few (13.2%) said that they included

information (e.g. footnotes) indicating that copies of communications in Iloko are

available upon request and most (81.3%) do not have information indicating its

availability (see Appendix H, p. 132).

After enquiring and browsing sample letters in all eight municipalities, the

entirety of the letters presented has no footnotes indicating that copies of communications

in Iloko are available upon request. It turns out that as far as the staff remembered, their

letters do not include such information.

In Sudipen, the only Iloko found in their footnote is their tagline

Sangsangkamaysa nga Umili Dur-as ti Ili-Sudipen (see Appendix I, pp. 203 & 205).

Meanwhile, the municipal government of San Gabriel stated that they have no footnotes
 24

or whatsoever to indicate the presence of Iloko-translated documents due to language

preference of the writers. Instead, staff directly transcribed letters in Iloko since

translating documents are not commonly practiced. The rest of the respondent

municipalities admitted that they provide normal written communications monolingually

that is using the English language.

This implicates that written normal communications are not normally translated to

other languages since they are directly written in English leading to non-inclusion of

footnotes indicating availability of copies in Iloko.

English has long been a significant force in the Philippines. A product of

colonialism, scholars often erroneously view this dominance as stemming from

governmental mandate that are evident in the modes of public service especially in their

written communications (Dawe, 2008).

Formulation/ Make Use of Iloko Tagline. Based on the result of the survey (see

Appendix H, p. 133) a great majority (56.2%) of the respondent offices formulate/make

use Iloko tagline but many (37.5%) also state the opposite.

Throughout inspection, it was observed that all the eight (8) municipal

governments in the first district of La Union have their own tagline. It was noted however

that only five (5) amongst them have Iloko tagline namely Balaoan, Bangar, San Gabriel,

Sudipen and Santol. The taglines are Aksyon itan Balaoan, Bang-ar ti Amianan,

Siglat, Sangsangkamaysa nga Umili Dur-as iti Ili, and Itan Santol formerly Isem

Metru Santol respectively.

According to the head of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator

in Balaoan, their tagline stands for the mission of every department in the municipal

government to take action rather than merely promising to do so. They firmly believe that
 25

it takes action to achieve their goal especially for the betterment of their people. Also,

they regard action or the will to act as the key formula of an effective public service.

In Bangar, one staff in the Planning Department said that their tagline describes

the municipality as the relief of the North. The municipality strive to be looked upon as

a place where anyone could find refuge. They aim to uplift the quality of life of its people

by promoting and developing their agricultural resources and fisheries.

The single word tagline Siglat of San Gabriel described how the municipality

stands in every obstacle with utmost enthusiasm and determination to strive to be the best

as according to the secretary of the mayor. According to the secretary of the mayor, the

strong will of its people to succeed is the strength that the municipality is anchoring itself.

Sudipens tagline stands for the unity of its people in the total development of

their town. The staff in the municipal government of Sudipen believe that when

everybody unite for a certain goal, it is easier to succeed. The constructions of their

tagline, as the same to all of the five (5) municipal governments, have undergone series of

process before its approval. They made sure that these would truly signify the town to

which it belongs.

As the tagline implies, the municipal government of Santol upholds the value of

having a happy disposition in life. One staff even said that when all the staff smiled, the

atmosphere in the office lightens making clients feel more comfortable in their

transactions. They also believed that if the mood in every office is light, it follows that

the quality of services rendered is higher. This tagline, however, was changed to Itan

Santol when the current administration took over the leadership in the municipality.
 26

The Itan in the tagline stands for Innovative measures for Transparency and

Accountability on Needy areas while the acronym Santol stands for Salun-at,

Agrikultura, Nalinis a danum, Trabaho, Organisasyon, and Laing ti ub-ubing/edukasyon.

Effective branding, or tagline in the case of LGUs, will differentiate the

organization, enabling them to strengthen existing relationships and increase awareness

and understanding among audiences to grow visibility and new relationships. A high-

impact tagline is the most effective way to communicate the organizations brand, and the

best way to freshen up messaging, emphasize commitment to work and/or revive

outdated positioning especially if it is written using the native language in the locality.

(Schwarts, 2009).

This shows that the municipal governments in the first district of La Union have

strong commitment in advertising their local leadership in the language that their natives

are most familiar with. In addition, it also exemplifies the notion that to render public

service, it is not enough that there is quality service, but it should also be understood.

Inclusion of Iloko Tagline in Letters. As shown in the data gathered (see Appendix

H, p. 133), many (28.6%) of the respondent municipalities in the first district of La Union

affirmed that they include Iloko tagline in their letters. However, many (34.9%) also

denied the same.

The findings also showed that a great majority of those who responded yes are the

offices in Santol. In fact, most (81.8%) of the respondent offices in the municipal

government of Santol said that they, indeed, include their tagline in their letters. The

tagline is located in the header of their letters which also served as the official logo of the

municipality (see Appendix I, p. 202). Many (33.3%) also responded affirmative in the
 27

municipal governments of San Gabriel and some (25%) in the municipal government of

Sudipen.

In this regard, the researchers have seen copies of communications that included

their Iloko taglines either as a logo as in the case of San Gabriel (see Appendix I, pp. 200-

201) or as footnote just like in Sudipen (see Appendix I, pp. 203 & 205). Balaoan and

Bangar do not include their taglines in their letters.

This only implies that among all the municipal governments in the first district of

La Union with Iloko tagline, only three (3) complies with the provision of the Iloko Code

reflecting the implementing capacity of the LGUs to provincial ordinances.

Issuance of Forms. Data obtained through questionnaires (see Appendix H, p.

133) state that a great majority (60.7%) among the respondent offices in the first district

of La Union said that they issue forms.

Generally, the researchers noted that the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare

and Development Officer offers scholarship forms; Job application forms are offered in

the Office of the Human Resource Development and Management; business permit

application forms can be found in the Office of the Municipal Mayor; and health forms

are in the Office of the Municipal Health Officer. Other types of forms such as evaluation

forms, and clients information forms are offered in Office of the Civil Registrar, Office

of the Municipal Assessor and Office of the Municipal Information and Tourism Officer.

Bilingual Forms in English and Iloko. In relation with the above findings, most

(83.8%) of those forms produced in the eight (8) municipalities are not bilingual in

English and Iloko in contrast to the mandate of the Iloko Code (see Appendix H, p. 134).

Section 11.1c, Chapter 6 states that, forms issued by component local government units,

including health, scholarship, financial assistance, job application, and other common
 28

forms should be bilingual in English and Ilokano. For readability and space

considerations, the fonts of the two languages do not necessarily have to be the same

style or size.

However, upon validation, it was found out that only San Gabriel and Sudipen

amongst the eight (8) municipal governments responded positively in the mandate. In the

San Gabriel they have presented some forms that are printed bilingually in Iloko and

English (see Appendix, p. ).

The presented form is an evaluation form offered in the Office of Municipal

Mayor. Forms found in other departments such as job application forms, and health forms

are printed in English. The reason behind this is that these forms come from the Civil

Service Commission and Department of Health respectively, which are national in scope

in contrast to internal forms such as evaluation forms that they themselves are making.

In Sudipen, specifically on the Office of the Civil Registrar, they said that they

have tried printing forms in Iloko with corresponding English translations. Yet, when the

researchers ask for samples, they could not find one. In exchange, they provided as

sample of form that is in Ilokish as shown in Figure 2.

Fig. 2. Form from Office of the Civil Registrar in Sudipen

 29

The rest of the municipal governments in the first district of La Union said that

they could not produce forms that are bilingual in English because in the first place

majority of the respondent offices seldom offer forms. Other forms, such as Job

Application, and Scholarship forms are provided by national agencies such as the Civil

Service Commission.

Languages Used in Forms. Among those offices that issue forms, almost all

(92%) said that it is the English language that is more commonly used when printing

forms. However, there are still very few (8%) who answered that they are using Filipino

in their forms (see Appendix H, p. 134).

With all the assessment conducted, one of the principal factors affecting language

writing preference is convenience and practice. Another is the capacity or expertise of the

public service provider in Iloko language which appears to be insufficient. With few

exceptions, the researchers found out that services offered in the municipal governments,

especially in forms and other normal written communication, have only one (1) or two

(2) civil servants who are providing translations. Further, the lack of Iloko translations

can be attributed to inadequate funding as well as lack of practice in Iloko writings as

admitted by both the heads and staff of the respondent offices. Accordingly, most of the

surveyed professionals and staff of the municipal government are Iloko speakers, but

many are not well versed in Iloko writing. This factor may certainly lead to low quality

service.

The findings corroborated with the study of Heineke (2014), the presumed peril of

linguistic diversity led to widespread institutional support of English monolingualism

reflected in their written communications. Rather than promoting bilingualism, the

insistence on English monolingualism restricted public use of their native languages.

 30

This implies that the LGUs in the first district of La Union are still not capable in

rendering quality service using the native language of their locality.

Iloko Contents of Official Publication. Data (see Appendix H, p. 134) show that a

great majority (54.5%) of the respondent offices have not reached the required 30% of the

official publications content in Iloko. A few (17%), on the other hand, said that they have

reached the quota. Section 11.2, Chapter 6 of the Iloko Code states that, the official

publication of component local government units shall have at least thirty percent (30%)

of their contents in Iloko.

An official publication is any item produced by reprographic or any other method,

issued by an organisation that is an official body, and available to an audience wider than

that body. This definition of official publications for international use was adopted by the

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Official Publications

Section in August 1983 and is also adopted in Philippine context (Guidelines for Official

Publication in Local Authorities, 2008).

The researchers used the parameter sets by the Office of the Provincial

Information and Tourism Office regarding the quantification of the contents of the official

publication. To measure the percentage of Iloko contents of the publication, divide the

number of Iloko articles by the total number of articles in every issue. There must be 30%

Iloko contents in every publication.

Among the respondent towns, only Bacnotan has an official publication entitled

Diro which is the Iloko for Honey (see Appendix I, p. 207) and another subsidiary

book entitled Maysa a Naisangsangayan (see Appendix K, p. 209). Every year the

municipal government issued one (1) publication for both items.

 31

During validation, the municipal government provided us two (2) issues of the

Diro, one was issued in 2015, and the other was an issue from 2016. In connection to

this, the researchers requested other issues specifically for 2013-2014, but the

municipality could not provide copies of both due to unavailability since copies were

already distributed

Upon browsing the pages of the 2015 issue, it was observed that only the theme of

Bacnotan weeklong fiesta celebration held on May 3-10 2015 which was Nasamsam-it

ken Nasudsudi iti Panagkakadwa no adda Panagkaykaysa was rendered in Iloko as

shown in Figure 3 and all the rest of the articles are published in English. In 2016 issue,

one (1) article entitled Awan Sarday Nga Ayuda Para ti Sektor ti Agrikultura among all

the 20 articles was rendered in Iloko (see Appendix K, p. 208).

 32

Fig. 3. An Article in 2015 Issue of Diro, Official Publication of Bacnotan

Aside from Diro a big book entitled Maysa a Naisangsangayan was also

issued yearly in Bacnotan in response to the program of the municipality through

Municipal literacy Coordinating Council (see Appendix K, p. 209). In fact 20 big books

were produced in the year 2016 and it was observed that this is entirely written in Iloko.

The book is a compilation of contests and programs in every reading month celebration

conducted in November. While the municipality takes positive action in complying with

Section 11.2, Chapter 6 of the Iloko Code, it was still observed that Diro is still lacking

since the Iloko contents did not qualify the required 30%. However, in Maysa a

Naisangsangayan, the book is a hundred percent (100%) compliant.

In Bangar and San Juan, they have souvenir books wherein compiled pictures of

the previously held town fiestas can be seen. However, this is not rendered in Iloko,

instead it is purely English. While in San Gabriel, staff admitted they have no official

publication. In exchange, the secretary of the mayor presented some brochures and flyers

(see Appendix K, p. 213) that are printed in Iloko. The reasons why other respondent

municipal governments have no official publication is due to the insufficient number of

staff to accommodate another task such as writing journals and the like.

The finding is in conformity with the results of the same study in Kosovo stating

that although all their municipalities have taken positive steps in adopting their local

language policy, their native language still lacks such recognition and protection in terms

of writing despite having been traditionally speaking (Organization for Security and

Cooperation in Europe, 2014). This entails that the compliance of the LGUs remains

problematic especially with regards to technicalities of the use of Iloko language in

writing.
 33

Iloko Features in the Official Website. Survey results (see Appendix H, p. 135)

illustrates that half (50.1%) of the respondent municipalities said that they have official

website in their Municipality. Section 11.3 states that Official Website of the component

local government units shall include Iloko versions (Iloko Code, 2012).

An official website is an internet page controlled or sanctioned by the owner of

the object to which the data pertains. Because the owner is presumed to have good access

to data about a property, this source is generally accepted over professional or user-

generated websites (Phorio Standards, 2012).

Fig. 4. Homepage of the Official Website of Bacnotan, La Union

 34

After authenticating the data gathered, it was found out that only four of the

municipal governments in the first district of La Union have official websites including

Bacnotan, San Juan, Balaoan and Santol as shown in Figures 4 to 10.

As shown in Figure 4, the homepage of the official website of Bacnotan is

rendered in English. The features rendered are also unilingual and no other alternative as

to preferred language is offered.

Fig. 5. News Section of the Official Website of Bacnotan, La Union

Aside from the homepage, a sample feature such as the news section shown in

Figure 5 is rendered in English. Even information about the municipality is in English

 35

along with the services provided by the municipality. Bacnotans latest update was made

last December 2014.

The official website of Balaoan, on the other hand, is regularly updated as

compared with the other three (3) websites. However, as shown in Figure 6, its homepage

along with other features such as the facts about the LGU, the services offered, the

businesses available in the locality and educations are all rendered in English.

Fig. 6. Official Website of Balaoan, La Union

Noticeably, every article in the year 2016 have hashtags that presenting their

municipalitys tagline #AksyonItanBalaoan which is the only Iloko in the article as

shown in Figure 7.
 36

Fig. 7. Official Website of Balaoan, La Union

The figure also presented pictures of the activities that were spearheaded by the

municipal government of Balaoan during their town fiesta such as the Balaoan Raffle &

Bingonanza and the First Rice Processing Cented in La Union. The page also shows their

calendar of events

The homepage official website of Santol greets their viewers in English

incorporating their tagline. It is also observed that with regard to its last update as shown

in Figure 8, the website fall out of the range of the scope of this study since it only caters

compliance from 2013 to 2016.

Admittedly however, that the municipal government of Santol take positive action

with regards to their linguistic responsibility.

 37

Fig. 8. Official Website of Santol, La Union

The municipal governments of Bangar, San Gabriel, Luna and Sudipen had no

official websites because there is no personnel to administer it that will eventually be

useless if it cannot serve its purpose which is informing the people of the latest

happenings in the municipality. Also, there is only few staff in a municipal government

and there are instances where staff have no direct designation or job description. That is

why there are no specific personnel to handle the updating of the website.

With respect to these, all of the municipal government have taken a positive step

in creating an official facebook page to inform the public and in substitute to the missing

and outdated websites. Official Facebook page is now the avenue used by the municipal
 38

governments in the first district of La Union to update their people about the current

events in their domain. One reason explaining the shift to facebook page is the

accessibility to people. Due to numerous promotions regarding access without internet

charges (e.g. free data, free basic, FB flex), the municipal governments easily disseminate

news, announcements, programs and projects.

Greetings. Based on the data gathered (see Appendix H, p. 171) only few (19%)

among the respondent offices answered that they incorporate Iloko greetings in their

official websites while many (29.5%) answered no. In relation to this, it was found out

the official website of Bacnotan, there is no greeting that can be seen.

Fig. 9. Official Website of San Juan, La Union

 39

The same is the case in San Juan since their website is still in the process of

creation and the features are not yet completed or finalized as shown in Figure 9. Other

features such as the history of the municipality are noted to be rendered in English as

shown in Figure 10.

Fig. 10. Official Website of San Juan, La Union

Facts about the LGU. Data (see Appendix H, p. 135) show that some (22.3% &

26.8%) says that they have and have not incorporated this particular feature in Iloko in

their official websites respectively.

All municipal governments official websites render facts about them in English

such as their Vision, Mission and Objectives, Historical Background, Directory, and

General Information. This is attributed to word technicalities that are difficult to translate
 40

in English. Furthermore, the lack of computer-assisted translation tools is also another

factor that affects their compliance with regards to this indicator.

Vocabulary Words. Based on the survey (see Appendix H, p. 135), majority

(52.7%) said that they have not incorporated vocabulary words in Iloko in their websites.

During the review conducted on official websites, all municipal governments do

not have features on vocabulary words. The most common features that can be found in

the official websites are facts about the LGU including the names of their elective

officials and past mayors, about the services offered in the municipal government,

business including business permits and licensing, hotel, resorts and restaurants,

attractions and products. All of the features however are rendered in English.

Consequently, since their official facebook pages are contributory to the supposed

functions of its official municipal websites, the researchers also assessed whether this

pages rendered services in Iloko. Unfortunately, for the web section including the

publication of news and press releases none of the municipal governments has articles

fully rendered or at least translated in Iloko. Most often, the language used in their status

updates are in Tagalog.

Similar findings are recorded in the same study in Kosovo, though municipalities

have opened a website they remain largely unilingual or fall far short of municipalities

obligation to meaningfully facilitate access to documents and services in all official

language (OSCE, 2014). Government website has become a people to understand the

dynamic work of the government, access to government information, public work

guidelines, reflecting the feelings and the opinions of the masses, realize on-line services

and other important things window. Therefore, planning, construction, management

and maintenance of good government websites is all levels three represents important
 41

thought and acceleration of political civilization (Computer Science and Information

Technology, 2010).

In this context, it is important to underline that overall, the monolingualism of

municipal website sections can severely hamper linguistic responsibility and equal access

to relevant information published on municipal official web pages by the people which it

directly serves. However, the fact that the websites are meant to be accessible globally

remains as the main consideration as to why these websites are rendered in English.

Presence of Pre-recorded Telephone Directory Services. The results of the

survey (see Appendix H, p. 172) reveals that most (72.3%) offices among eight (8)

municipalities have no telephone pre-recorded telephone directory services and only few

(14.3%) said otherwise.

However, it was found out that none among all offices in the municipal

governments of the first district of La Union have pre-recorded telephone directory

services. Instead they practice direct phone calls. Also not all offices in the first district of

La Union have telephone services. In Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar and Santol, they only

have one direct telephone line (607-4261 or 607-3573,072-607-2088 & 603-0154

respectively) connected in the office of the mayor and calls were being forwarded to the

rest of the offices.

In Luna and San Gabriel, only two offices have telephones. These are the Office

of the Mayor (607-1132) and the Sangguniang Bayan (607-0817) in Luna and the Office

of the Mayor (687-0125) and Health Unit (682-0504) in San Gabriel.

In San Juan, the following offices have telephones: Mayors Office (607-4804),

Engineering Office (607-4728),Planning Department (687-1168), Accounting Office

(607-4810), Budget Department (607-3787), Municipal Social Welfare Department (607-

 42

4756), Treasury Office (607-3783), Sangguniang Bayan (607-1563), Assessors Office

(607-4757); Local Civil Registrar (682-2911), and Health Department (607-4714).

Lastly in Sudipen, only the Sangguniang Bayan 0(72-607-31177), Office of the

Municipal Mayor (607-3088), Office of the Municipal Social Welfare Development

Officer (607-4487), and Municipal Health Office (607-235) have telephone directory

services.

Languages Used in Greeting Clients during Phone Calls. With regards to phone

calls (see Appendix H, p. 1), a great majority of the operators (53%) used the English

language in greeting clients. Filipino, Filoko and Taglish are also used by many (35%,

30% & 27% respectively).

When the researchers called, phone operators first mentioned their office followed

by the greeting. For instance upon calling the Office of the Mayor, phone operators

greeted Office of the Mayor, Good morning It was the same in all municipal

governments in the first district of La Union.

Languages Used by Phone Operators for the Rest of the Conversation. Survey

shows that almost half (46%) of the phone operators use Filoko for the rest of the

conversation during phone calls. Many (38%) said that they use Taglish and Tagalog (see

Appendix H, p.137).

After evaluating the responses, Filoko arrived as the language that is most

employed during transactions. Though phone operators adjust to whatever language their

clients used, it is still observed that they are more comfortable to employ this language.

In Bacnotan, basing on the result of the survey (see Appendix H, p. 137), four (4)

languages four (4) languages are commonly employed during conversation; they are

English, Taglish, and Filipino (each has the percentage of 28.6%) along with Filoko or
 43

the combination of both Filipino and iloko (21.4%). The languages used by clients in

greetings are contributory to the reason for the multilingualism during phone calls. If the

clients used English in greeting the phone operators, it follows that for the rest of

conversation English also is the language used unless the caller shifted to another

language. If that is the case, noticeably, phone operators safely use Tagalog. The same is

observed when the researchers used Tagalog in greetings.

According to the survey (see Appendix H, p. 137) in Balaoan, half (50%) of the

respondent offices said that they conversed using Filoko. They also employ Filipino

(35.7%), Taglish (28.6%), Ilokish (21.4%) and Iloko (7.1%).

Taking into consideration the information gathered by the researchers, almost all

responses used for the rest of the conversation is Filoko unless the clients used English as

the medium of their conversation. If that is the case, the phone operators then use of

English language. The researchers also observed that when they called for the second

time, a different staff answered the phone and she has spoken in Iloko.

In Bangar, as according to the survey (see Appendix H, p. 137), four (4) languages

are also utilized. These are Filoko and Filipino which were given the same weight

(42.9%), Taglish (28.6%) and English (14.3%).

Relative to this, it has been observed that the dominant response the researchers

acquired for the rest of conversation is Tagalog. Then again, it still depends on what

languages the clients used. In retrospect, when the researchers visited the office of the

mayor, they fortunately found the secretary to be talking with someone on the phone in

entire Iloko. The researchers conclude that the person to whom the secretary of the mayor

has been talking to is his fellow staff. With this, it could be concluded that if phone
 44

operators transact with their fellow staff during phone calls, Iloko is the dominant

language used contrary to when they transact with clients from outside the municipality.

In Luna, data (see Appendix H, p. 137) shows that half of the respondents (50%)

converse using Taglish, the same percentage is accorded to Tagalog. Almost half (42.9%)

said they employ Filoko, few said that it was Ilokish that they often used (14.3%) and

there is very little (7.1%) who said that it was Iloko. Surprisingly, when the researchers

called the offices in Luna, it has been observed that Tagalog is really the most common

language used followed by Taglish. This is especially true when the researchers tried to

be multilingual in its conversation with them during phone calls. However, it could also

be observed that they used Filoko from time to time.

In the meantime, Filoko is dominantly used for the rest of the conversation except

in the office of the Sangguniang Bayan in Sudipen where they used Taglish. Filoko is

followed by Iloko which was the secondary language used during the transactions.

Another, when a younger staff answered the phone, Filoko is used in contrast when it is

an older staff who answered the phone where Iloko is the language employed.

In the case of Santol, six different languages are used. These are Filoko, Taglish,

Filipino, English, Iloko and Ilokish which are accorded descending percentage based on

the result of the survey. In this context, it can de concluded that the multilingual attribute

of conversation is dependent on the clients preferred languages. Phone operators mostly

use Iloko in the whole duration of the conversation assisted by a minimal Filipino

language. This is because the languages that were employed by the researchers are Iloko

and Filipino.

This implies that with regards to telephone conversations, staff in the municipal

government showcase versatility in language used and are adaptive to their clients needs.
 45

Inclusion of Iloko Contents in Signages and Notices. Data in the survey (see

Appendix H, p. 138) illustrates that many (38% & 35%) write their tarpaulins and

Placards respectively in Iloko alongside Filipino/English. The data also shows that few

(20%) of the banners are printed in the same manner. Notably, none of the road signs

were produced in the same format. Section 11.5, Chapter 6 of the Code incorporates the

specific provision that any banners, placards, tarpaulins, road signs, other public notices

and signages shall include Iloko alongside other languages desired.

Banners. A banner is defined as a piece of cloth with a design, a picture, or some

writing on it (Merriam-Webster, 2016). Among all the municipalities in the first district of

La Union, the researchers observed that only San Gabriel has banners that have Iloko in

its contents as shown in Figure 11.

Fig. 11. A Banner Posted in Front of the Municipal Government of San Gabriel
 46

Remarkably, the banner is printed in Iloko and English. The title of the

announcement is in Iloko while its contents are in English. In comparison to what the

Code has provided, the term alongside refers to Iloko being put next to other desired

languages. In this banner however, it is observed that there is only one (1) Iloko term and

is not a translation of another language.

The rest of the municipalities in the first district of La Union prefer to use

tarpaulins other than banners based on the observations of the researchers.

Placards. It refers to a printed or handwritten notice or sign for public display,

either fixed to a wall or carried during a demonstration (Oxford Dictionary, 2016).

Fig.12. A Placard Posted in the Entrance of Public Market in San Gabriel

 47

Among all the municipalities in the first district of La Union, only three (3) has

placards that are in Iloko based on the provided definition putting emphasis on

permanent in character. These are the municipal governments of San Gabriel and

Sudipen.

In San Gabriel the researchers have seen one (1) placard inside the municipal

government that is enclosed in a frame informing the public to leave any suggestions or

critique in a place designated for it. Also, another placard can be seen in its public market

reminding the shoppers about their responsibility in relation to the ordinance on the

prohibition of the use of plastic as shown in Figure 12.

Fig. 13. A Placard Situated Near the Door of the MSWD in Sudipen
 48

In Sudipen, the researchers only saw one (1) placard situated in the Office of the

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer. The placard is intended to guide the

senior citizens and persons with disability in securing IDs. The placard shows the process

from the beginning down to the last step in securing IDs along with the requirements

needed. It is also notable that each process is fully rendered in Iloko as shown in Figure

13.

Correspondingly, in Santol, another placard is posted in road side in front of the

municipal government itself. As presented in Figure 14, the placard states agyaman

kami unay iti panagkikaykaysayo a mangdaldalus iti aglawlaw tayo which is obviously

rendered in Iloko.

Fig. 14. A Placard Placed in front of the Municipal Government of Santol

 49

The placard shows the appreciation of the local government unit to the effort of its

town people to maintain the cleanliness of their municipality. When the researchers asked

the head of the Office of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator why they

have chosen Iloko in their signages, he said that, since the message is mostly for the

town people, it is only right that they used their own local language.

Tarpaulins. This refer to a piece of material (as durable plastic) used for

protecting exposed objects or areas (Merriam-Webster, 2016).

In Bacnotan, the researchers only saw one (1) tarpaulin that have Iloko in its

content located in their town roads going to the municipal government of Bacnotan. As

observed in Figure 15, the tarpaulin encourages and welcomes visitors to the festival of

the municipality.

Fig. 15. A Tarpaulin Hanged in the Intersection going to the Town Proper of
Bacnotan
 50

In Balaoan, the researchers were greeted with many tarpaulins near their

municipal government featuring the different activities during their fiesta. However, the

researchers did not see any one among them that have Iloko in its content. All were

produced in English.

In Bangar, the researchers noticed one (1) tarpaulin that has Iloko in its content. It

was attached to the left side of the railing surrounding the town plaza facing the

municipal government as shown in Figure 16. The banner presented the message of the

elected officials in the municipality thanking the people for their support during the

national election concluded last May, 2016.

Fig. 16. A Tarpaulin Located in Left Side of Rang-ay Bank in Bangar

 51

In Luna, the researchers did not see even one (1) tarpaulin that has Iloko in its

content. All of their tarpaulins that are spread in their town plaza are in English. The same

is the case in Sudipen. In San Gabriel, the researchers observed that along the banners

hang beside their municipal governments are tarpaulins that are in Iloko. As shown in

Figure 17, the tarpaulin is printed in both Tagalog and Iloko. There is also English in its

content. In addition, the tarpaulin is informing the public about the drug related cases in
 52

their municipality in response to the program of the government on illegal drugs.

 53

Fig. 17. A Tarpaulin Hanged in Front of the Municipal Government of San Gabriel

In San Juan, the researchers spotted one tarpaulin that has Iloko in its content. Just

like the sample tarpaulin in Bangar, the posted signage is a message of the Municipal

Mayor expressing his gratitude to the support extended by the people during the election.

However, the researchers have failed to capture a clear picture of the tarpaulin because of

its location. The tarpaulin is located on the uppermost left side of the municipal

government facing the town plaza.

In Santol, the researchers noted two (2) tarpaulins that are printed in Iloko

or at the very least have Iloko in its contents. One tarpaulin is located in the boundary

sign entering the municipality of Santol while the other one is located in their municipal

government. Both of these have the same message extending a warm greeting to the

people during the holiday season as shown in Figure 18. In addition, it was observed that

only the position mayor is in English.

 54

Fig. 18. A Tarpaulin Attached in the Welcome Signage Going to Santol

Road Signs. These refer to any signs near a road that have information for drivers

(Merriam-Webster, 2016). For this study, the researchers assessed that there is not much

road signs in the national road of Bacnotan and the road going to its municipal

government. Those minimal road signs that the researchers have seen are all printed in

English. The same is the case in all the eight (8) municipalities in the first district of La

Union except Santol. It was noted that there is two (2) road signs located particularly in

the bridges of the municipality that is in Iloko though admittedly it does not fall

particularly under the definition provided above.

 55

Fig. 19. Signage Located in One Bridge Going to Town Proper of Santol

The presented figure is encouraging the people to plant and also advice them to

maintain cleanliness in the locality. The figure also implies that the main source of

income in the municipality comes from planting. In this context, the researchers also

noted that along the national road from Bacnotan to Bangar, some of the road signs are

uprooted, defaced, destroyed or misplaced due to the road widening activities that are

conducted in the area. Regardless, even these road signs are in English.

Public Notices. These pertain to notices providing information for the public that

is widespread throughout all types of media. It will be in newspapers, on radio broadcasts

and television broadcasts. It includes items such as Lottery results and Development

applications (The Law Dictionary, 2016).

 56

Fig. 20. A Public Notice Posted Near the Covered Court of Bangar

In Bacnotan, the researchers observed that there are not much public notices that

could be found in their municipal government or in its vicinity. The minimal public

notices posted in their bulletin are all in English. Even risk reduction campaigns located

in some corners particularly in their hallways are all in English. The same is the case in

Balaoan.

In Bangar, the researchers only found one (1) public notice regarding drop point

area for evacuees. The notice can be located in the left side of the municipal government

facing the town plaza. In this notice, it is noticeable that the print out is in English with

corresponding Iloko as presented in Figure 20. In Luna, the case is the same as with the

tarpaulins and banners in the area. All were in English.

 57

Fig. 21. Signage Posted in the Bulletin Board in Front of the Municipal Government
of San Gabriel

In San Gabriel, the researchers have seen Ilokish in the title in the municipal

governments bulletin board which notified the people as to who already paid their tax

obligations to the government as shown in Figure 21. As observed only the listaan

dagiti is in Iloko and the continuation is in English. It could be attributed to the fact that

the following words have no corresponding Iloko terms that are applicable to produce the

same intended meaning.

Other titular signages such as that in the citizen charter stating Panangrikna Ti

Umili and that about risk reduction management Brigada Ahensya are also in Iloko.

The contents however are all in English.

 58

Fig. 22. Signage Situated Inside the Municipal Government of Santol

In San Juan, none of their public notices are printed in Iloko while in Santol, only

the term Pagsarmingan is in Iloko which is located in the upper part of their bulletin

boards where public notices are commonly posted as shown in Figure 22.

In Sudipen, the researchers found one (1) public notice that can be seen in a

bulletin board in letter cut which provide guidance with regards to the conduct of meeting

as presented in Figure 23. As observed, the entire contents of this notice are express in

Iloko.
 59

Fig. 23. A Notice Posted in the Legislative Building of Sudipen

Other Signages. It includes informational signage also known as departmental,

directional, organizational, or wayfinding signage. These signs help the clients navigate

space more easily. The easier it is for a client to find what they came in for, the more

likely they are to rely on that convenience in the future. Directional signage is self-

explanatory: it tells clients where to go. All types of informational signage are concise

and easy to read so that clients can understand the message with just a split-second

glance. Large, bold fonts in highly-visible color schemes best accomplish this goal (Gray,

2016).
 60

In Bacnotan, and San Juan, it was observed that there are no informative signages

or any other signages, aside from those that were previously discussed, are printed in

Iloko. Instead, all were rendered in English.

Fig. 24. Signage Located in the Window of Municipal Health Center in Balaoan

In Balaoan, the researchers observed some informational signages that are

rendered in Iloko. As presented, a suggestion box that has print out information is

bilingual in Iloko and Tagalog. The signage is located in the Municipal Health Center

near their Civic Center.

With regards to door signs, in San Gabriel, two (2) door signs are in Iloko. One

sign shows an Iloko message stating Dumanon kayo. This can be found in the entrance

to the municipal government as shown in Figure 25. The other one is located in one of the
 61

doors in the Office of the Municipal Mayor stating Sumrek kayo idiay bangir nga

ruangan.
 62

ruangan.
 63

Fig. 25. Signage Attached to the Entrance of the Municipal Government of San
Gabriel
The researchers also observed that in contrast to signages that are in English,

Iloko signages requires a lot more space than if it is rendered in other languages. Aside

from that, though the municipality have signages in Iloko, the researchers have not seen

one that is printed alongside other languages.

Santol, on the other hand, made up for their lack of banners, and public notices in

there informational signages particularly on their office door signs. The researchers have

seen three (3) offices that have door signs in Iloko.

 64

Fig. 26. Signage Attached to the Door of the Municipal Mayor of Santol

These are the Office of the Municipal Mayor, their Health Center and the Office

of the Sangguninag Bayan.

The signs are Iduron kabsat (push) as shown in Figure 27, Sumrek kayu apo, and

Dumanon kayo apo respectively. Aside from that, there are other informational signages

that are in Ilokoone (1) is located in the Reception area of the municipal government

stating Pagbuisan while the other is a directional signage pointing to the Cashier which

is located near the staircase beside the Information desk. As observed, the sign is

bilingual in Iloko and English as shown in Figure 27.

 65

Fig. 27. Signage Located in the Reception Area of the Municipal Government of
Santol

Lastly, in the municipal government of Sudipen, the researchers also saw door

signs that are in Iloko. Two (2) offices including the Office of the Municipal Mayor and

the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer have door signs in

Iloko. The signs indicate Dumanon kayo along with Iduron yo apo and Umisem

sakbay nga umuneg. There is also other informational signage in the office that is in

Iloko which directing clients what should be done first. In this case the sign states that,

agala ti numero apo sakbay nga umuneg.

In addition, in the office of the Municipal Civil Registrar, it has been observed

that in their windows, there is informational signage that is in Iloko indicating the
 66

function or designation of that particular window such as Pagbayadan/Pagbuisan as

shown in Figure 28.

Fig. 28. Signage Posted in the Window of the Office of the Civil Registrar, Sudipen

To summarise the observation, most banners, placards and tarpaulins displayed

for public viewing are produced in monolingual language which is English only few in all

the eight (8) municipal governments in the first district of La Union have contents in

Iloko. However, this is alright since according to the Code, it is the discretion of the

individual office or person making the display as to how Iloko shall be included and to

what extent, as long as Iloko is visible on said material, and relevant to the activity at
 67

hand. A tarpaulin may be entirely in Iloko, or completely bilingual, or incorporate Iloko

in the description, title, or them of the activity or message.

In the case of road signs, they are all displayed in the English language from the

Municipal boundary signs down to traffic signs and Baranggay indicators. Consequently,

many of them appear to have been defaced or destroyed because of the ongoing road

constructions along national highways and only some municipalities appear to have taken

action in this regard, normally through official public statements or popular actions aimed

at cleaning and restoring the concerned signs.

In terms of municipal office door signs, not all the municipalities use Iloko. Only

San Gabriel, Santol and Sudipen prominently use the language alongside other desired

languages. Lastly, all of the municipal governments except Bacnotan and San Juan, have

excelled in terms of other signages such as the informational signages.

The display of multilingual signs in municipal public offices is conducive to the

implementation of the requirements of the local language policy to provide services in all

official languages (Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, 2014). The result

of the findings in this study is contradicted by the result of the same study in Kosovo

wherein over half of their municipalities do not display multilingual signs.

This implies that among the other indicators in this study, municipal governments

in the first district of La Union excelled most in terms of signages and notices. The Iloko

Code specifically states that signages and notices should be printed in Iloko alongside

any language desired and though the presented figures do not necessarily satisfies the

requirement; the researchers recognize the efforts of the office to render quality service to

clients without compromising their linguistic responsibility.

 68

Use of Iloko Greeting Clients in Person. The result of the survey demonstrates

that almost all (85.7%) greeted in Iloko with only few who make (13%) use of other

language (see Appendix H, p. 138). During observation, it was noted that staff in the

municipal governments are usually not the one who greeted first. Theoretically, whatever

language the clients employ is also the language used by staff when they greeted back,

however, in reality not all staff greet in monosyllabic greeting such as yes?.

Other Languages Used in Greeting Clients in Person. According to the data

gathered (see Appendix H, p. 139) for the thirteen (13) respondents who do not use the

Iloko language in greeting clients, English (92.3%) followed by Filipino (46.2%), and

Taglish (30.8%) are the languages most commonly used. There is also very few who use

Filoko and Ilokish (7.7%).

During the three field visits that the researchers have undergone to, generally,

most staff do not greet their clients. Often, it is the client who curtsy first before the staff

will respond. In some circumstances, it is understandable since it cannot be expected that

the staff look at the door all the time and there are works to consider especially on a busy

day.

Correspondingly, when staff in Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, San Juan, and

Sudipen responded, they most commonly reply yes?, This response is famous when

staff transacts with people belonging to 17-25 age bracket. It is also observed that if the

clients belong to the 45 and above age bracket, a different response is observed. They

commonly responded ania didiay? or ania masapul yo manong/manang?.

In Luna, San Gabriel, and Santol, the researchers noted that though responses

depend on what language are used by their clients, majority of the staff do greet their

clients in Iloko. They commonly say Naimbag a malem, ania masapul yo?. With
 69

respect to how the staff greeted the researchers during their visits, they most commonly

greet us by asking anong kailangan niyo ading? or simply ano yon?.

This shows that staff in the municipal governments exhibit flexibility and are

mindful of the languages that they employed when they are transacting with their clients.

Languages Used for the Rest of the Conversation. Table 22 (see Appendix H, p.

139) shows that the language that is most commonly used for the rest of the conversation

is Filipino which comprises 37.5% of the responses. Taglish follows suit comprising

34.8% of the responses. Next is the English language with 19.6% and Ilokish with 17.9%.

On the contrary, the researchers noticed that Filoko is not commonly use for the

rest of conversation. Most often than not, staff in the component local government units

especially in the first district of La Union transacts in Filipino and Iloko especially if the

clients are from La Union. There are instances however that they did speak in English or

Taglish if their subject is a higher official or from outside of La Union. Also, if staff

addresses their superiors, they tend to use Taglish and shift to Iloko when their superiors

are talking using the same language. This only means that the residence, age, and status

backed up by individual perception of staff determines the languages used in a

conversation.

As Seshoka (2012) strongly argued in her study on Language Policy and Planning

in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality: The Challenges Of Implementation, It is too

easy for some people to ignore the difficulties that poor, elderly or rural people may face

in dealing with administrators, and government service providers, particularly in

municipalities, who cannot, or will not, speak an English language. The important issue

to consider is that municipalities are the local extension of the national government and

they should be able to reach out to the communities in the languages that they understand.
 70

This implies that staff should converse depending on what their clients are most

comfortable to ensure quality service. As the findings suggest, most often than not,

younger generations are perceive to be more accustomed the Filipino language when

greeting so staff returns the favour by greeting in Filipino or English. The older

generations on the other hand are expected to be accustomed to the Iloko language

especially the farmers and fishermen.

Official Hymn. Based on the survey many (37.5%) rendered their hymns in Iloko.

However, a great majority (57.1%) responded on the negative. According to Section 11.8

of the Iloko Code, the Local Government Unit shall make and maintain Iloko or other

indigenous language translations of their official hymns, and use them in a manner they

see fit, but not less than twice annually.

Bacnotans Official hymn is rendered in English, however, the secretary of the

mayor said that they are now working on the Iloko translation of the hymn. In fact they

have a draft now but it is not yet ready for dissemination.

In Balaoan, their hymn is entitled Arapaap Mi Kenka Agbiag. As reviewed by the

researchers, the hymn is composed entirely in Iloko (see Appendix L, p. 215).

In Bangar, their official hymn is in Iloko and it is currently practiced in the

municipality. Their hymn was composed by VM P.L. Acosta (see Appendix L, p. 216).

In Luna, the staff admitted that they do not have any official hymn yet. When the

researchers ask for the reason, they said it is because they have not yet found a lyricist

who will create their hymn.

In San Gabriel, their official hymn has translation in Iloko (see Appendix L, p.

218) which was composed by Luna Dingayan and Ildefonsa Guinomma. However when

the researchers attended one of their flag ceremony, it was observed that they do not sing
 71

the Iloko version of their hymn. When asked for the reason why, the staff in the office of

the mayor only said that they only tried singing it once or twice and that she did not know

what have gone wrong that they do not practiced it anymore. She also added the Iloko

version of their hymn is still undergoing revisions.

Subsequently, Sudipens official hymn is in Iloko and it is widely practice in the

municipality. Their hymn is entitled as Sudipen Nagasatak and was composed by Mrs.

Natividad B. De Castro (see Appendix L, p. 219).

This entails that since official hymns are reflective of the municipalities strong

commitment in their linguistic responsibility, the municipal governments in the first

district of La Union are exhibiting commendable efforts in the preservation and

promotion of the Iloko language in the province.

Inclusion of Iloko during Ceremonies, Celebrations and other Public Events.

During ceremonies, celebrations, and other public events of the Local Government Unit,

Iloko language shall be meaningfully included (Section 11.9, Iloko Code, 2012). Also, the

result of the survey (see Appendix H, p. 140) shows that most (77.7%) include Iloko

language during the conduct of ceremonies while all agreed that their celebrations

(100%) and other public events (99%) utilize the use of Iloko either in hosting or during

speeches (see Appendix H, p.140).

In this context, after attending to every municipal governments flag ceremony

held every Monday, Iloko is mostly employed during announcement wherein the assigned

emcee will introduce important matters that needed recognition. Also, some municipal

governments sang their hymns in Iloko just like in the case of Sudipen and Balaoan.

In the month of December, some of the municipal governments in the first district

of La Union conducted their annual town festivals. During these celebrations, it was
 72

observed that in all the eight municipal governments in the first district of La Union,

emcees most commonly used Filipino during the opening ceremony especially if the

emcee is still young. However, it was also observed that when they are addressing the

audience, Iloko was the language they employ. English language is also used when the

emcee introduces the guest of honor, board of judges and board members who attended

the festival.

Further, in line with qualitative assessment, it was observed that celebrations use

of regional language depend on the nature of the program and guests to the event. If the

event is national in scope, host naturally used the official languages (OSCE, 2014),

English and Filipino just like in the case of the annual surf break that the municipal

government of San Juan has been regularly hosting. The event has thousands of guests

that came from the different parts of the country, not to mention, high calibre actors and

actresses. For this reason, the emcees are observed to have used English and Filipino.

Employment of Emcees Who Speak Iloko to Host any Occasion. The data gathered

(see Appendix H, p. 140) also reveal that most department heads (77.7%) prefer to

employ emcees who knew how to speak Iloko to host any occasion to promote the local

language. Very little (10.7%) says that whether the emcee is fluent on Iloko or not, there

is not much of a difference as long as he fulfilled the other requirements. The rest of them

are not in-charge in the employment of emcees.

Upon validation, it was noted that when the office hires emcees, they do not

necessarily require them to know Iloko. Nevertheless, all of the emcees hired who know

Iloko are able to incorporate it in their hosting.

Informing Emcees about the LGUs Policy to Promote Iloko. Survey (see

Appendix H, p. 141) shows that a great majority (58%) of the respondent offices informed
 73

the emcees about the Provincial Governments policy in promoting the Iloko language.

However, some are still not informing these emcees about the policy of the provincial

government.

Remarkably, those offices that are in charge in hiring emcees do not inform the

hires about the policy of the provincial government to incorporate Iloko in their speeches.

This is because of the assumption that these emcees will use the language since most

hires are native Iloko speakers.

Use of Iloko during Speeches. Data gathered indicate that a great majority

(61.6%) of the respondent offices encourage speakers to use Iloko during their speeches

(see Appendix H, p. 141).

In this regards, the researchers have affirmed that the employers are indeed

reminding the emcees that they could use any language as they see fit in the situation

including Iloko. Most often, it is the strategy of the emcees as to how they were going to

manage the program.

This implies that the use of Iloko is not disregarded in the context of public events

unless in the instances such as that where the audiences are not natives of the

municipality, or of the province.

Linguistic Ability of Staff

Conduct of Iloko Trainings for Staff. According to the information gathered (see

Appendix H, p. 179), training programs were not held in any of the responding municipal

governments in the first district of La Union during the assessment period of 2013 up to

the third quarter of 2016. Language training programs are particularly important to

enhance the ability of municipal civil servants to communicate in all the municipal

official languages.
 74

As reported by the heads of the human resources departments of the eight (8)

municipalities monitored under this indicator, they said that they only use Iloko language

during trainings but not necessarily Iloko trainings. The extent of Iloko training that they

have conducted is only during orientation wherein staff are briefed on the proper response

to multi-linguistic clients.

Further, the researchers also found out that the Human Resource Development

and Management in San Juan did not initiate trainings of municipal civil servants. The

head said that every department in the municipal government has their own organization

which initiates trainings for staff. For instance, the Budget Department is a member of a

certain province wide organization and they are the one who recruits staff to undergo

training. The municipal government has never conducted any training for staff in their

own initiative as admitted by the head of their human resource department. The same is

true in the case of the other municipal governments in the first district of La Union.

Monitoring Employees who have Undergone Iloko Trainings. With regards to this

indicator, since none among the eight (8) municipalities conducted Iloko trainings, the

researchers asked in place if they have monitoring scheme in matters relating to any

training that their staff have undergone. Even to these, the researchers have received

negative responses.

In addition, they said that clients are free to drop their comments, suggestions,

critique or concern to any of the staff of the Municipal Government through the

Suggestion Boxes posted near the entrance/exit door of the establishment or in the

Information desk. This is true in the all the eight (8) municipal governments in the first

district of La Union.
 75

Inclusion of Iloko Trainings in Annual Action Plan and Annual Investment Plan.

Language-training programs targeted to municipal civil servants were not part of the

Annual Action Plan and Annual Investment Plan. However, they noted this concern and

promise to take necessary action with regards to this.

Recruitment of Personnel. Section 12 Chapter 6 of the Iloko Code reiterated that

the staff in the service of the Local Government Unit as well as other public authorities

and institution in the province should be competent in Iloko and at least one other

language so that they can adequately carry out the duties assigned to their posts.

As explained by the corresponding heads of the human resources departments of

the eight (8) municipalities, they have not yet defined their criteria in accordance with the

Iloko Code, except for the municipal government of Balaoan which says that they include

Iloko language competency as qualification in hiring their staff in the LGU, in addition to

meeting the minimum requirements as provided by the Civil Service Laws, Rules and

Regulations. When the researchers asked for the list of requirements specifying the

inclusion of Iloko competency, they cannot provide the researchers any copy. They said

that the inclusion was not made through printing but is based on their filled in job

application form. The heads explained that before hiring any applicants they are

considering the language preferences provided in their application forms.

Respectively, the criteria employed by the Human Resource Department are

commonly based on academic background related to the working area and professional

background of the applicants.

Prioritizing OJT Applicants who can Speak Iloko. As shown in the data gathered

(see Appendix H, p. 143), all of the municipal government in the first district of La Union

prioritize OJT applicants who can speak Iloko.

 76

During validation, it was noted that heads statement contradicts the results of the

survey saying that not necessary that they accepts OJT applicants who knows how to

speak Iloko since almost all applicants that they have encountered knows how to speak

the language. What they pointed out is regardless of the language preferences of the

applicants; their residences are given more value. They said that most often than not they

prefer OJT applicants that came from the same municipality due to convenience and

practicality in the part of the applicants themselves. Also they uphold the belief putting

their people first before anyone else. This is true in the case of all the eight (8)

municipal governments in the first district of La Union.

Informing New Hires of their Linguistic Responsibilities. Based on the result of

the survey (see Appendix H, p. 143), all of the municipal governments in the first district

of La Union responded in affirmative with regards to informing their new hires of their

linguistic responsibilities.

In this matter, the researchers asked the heads up to what extent this linguistic

responsibility briefing encompasses. They responded that before the new hires are set to

work on their first day, they were reminded on how to respond to clients request and

encourage them to use Iloko to develop a comfortable atmosphere in the workplace.

Aside from these findings, the researchers added one (1) that are deemed

contributory to the study. The researchers asked if they are hiring language professionals

providing translation, proofreading and interpreting services. They all have answered that

they have not open a hiring position for language professionals yet. The heads said that

this may be unfeasible at the moment considering the budget allotted per municipal

governments. Also, it is apparent that in the Philippines, no University offers a language

 77

courses specifically those that majors in Iloko, thereby not allowing anyone to be labelled

as language professionals with a degree.

In place, some municipal governments have between one (1) and two (2) civil

servants that they considered experts on the field making up for the lack of language

professionals. As a consequence, this situation constitutes obstacles for citizens access to

public service promoting linguistic right and directly challenges the implementation of

the legislation in place which is the Iloko Code.

Support to MTB-MLE. As shown in data gathered (see Appendix H, p. 143),

some (21.9%) said that their municipal government provide support to MTB-MLE. The

remaining percentage said the otherwise. Among them are Bacnotan, Bangar, San Gabriel

and Santol.

In line with the findings are the information provided by the heads of the Budget

Office of the eight (8) municipalities which is that outsourcing the provision of language

services is not a common practice within the municipal level institutions of the Republic

of the Philippines. It means that at the moment matters regarding logistical support to

MTB-MLE are in the hand of the Department of Education supported by budget

appropriation from the congress. The only support that the municipal government can

offer is extending hand in matters that needs urgent action such as materials and other

technical supports.

Still, with regards to technical supports such as (1) setting up of web site or page

for the uploading and downloading of mother tongue educational materials (2) hiring of

professional to monitor the production of multilingual materials in Iloko and (3) creation

of a body of linguists who specialized on Iloko to lead the progress of the programs for
 78

MTB-MLE, none were offered readily by the municipal government. Only monitoring

and follow up scheme serve as the main support that the LGU offers.

During the interview conducted to public district supervisors in District I, it was

found out that in Bangar and Luna, the two municipal governments are providing support

to MTB-MLE. In fact, they are very supportive to the policy as Mr. Mario Pascua had

implied. He said that, Basta agmeeting kami, they are asking the implementation of

MTB-MLE. Further, when the researchers asked what supports were offered to them, he

generously said that:

Marami ah, as recently they have given us risograph for the reproduction of
instructional devices... Lahat ng activities namin, there is a minimal funding
coming from the office. Repair of Schools, nagbibigay din sila... yung mga travel
ng teachers who are going to the seminar plus the registration fee.

He also emphasized that:

Ang maganda sa Bangar, every year may budgeting with all principals in
the district elementary and highschool, so the amount per school are identified
kung magkano ang mapupunta sa athletics, mapupunta sa training, lahat. Capital
outlay is being deliberated kaya walang problema.

The researchers further asked if even training material were provided and he

answered positively.

In San Gabriel, support to MTB-MLE is not that prominent according to Ms.

Remedios Pamaqued, the municipalitys public school district supervisor. She said that,

as of now, wala pang support na ibinibigay aside from the requested dictionaries that

the LGU has provided. Hindi kami kami nakapagbili ng mga aklat kasi sila ang bibili,

pero yung mga suppliers wala pa. She also added that the funds allocated for the

support to MTB-MLE last year were not spent and that funds were used to other projects

of the municipal government. .

In Balaoan and Sudipen, their municipal governments provided a hundred percent

support to MTB-MLE according to Mr. Adelino Urbano, their public school district
 79

supervisor. When asked about the examples of supports given by the municipal

government, he said, Activities like contest, scouting, athletics, girls scout, Boy Scout,

financial support. However, the examples given by the interviewee are not relevant to

what the study needed which is targeting support to MTB-MLE. The responses given to

the researchers are general in character. In this regard, the researchers clarify whether or

not this is the extent of support to MTB-MLE and if there are any specific supports

offered by the municipal government. Mr. Urbano said that with regards to specifics, only

dictionaries in Iloko are disseminated to public schools in cooperation with the municipal

government. In terms of funding, it was found out that the funds extended are also in

general supporting the activities for public schools in the municipality and not necessarily

for MTB-MLE. In fact, as according to Mr. Urbano, when we solicited for funds

supporting teachers trainings, the municipal government are graciously providing them.

Section 15.6, Chapter 6 of the same Code highlighted the need of the Local

Government Unit to provide logistical, technical, and other support in the implementation

of the Mother Tongue-based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE).

Problems Encountered in Compliance to the Iloko Code

Publication of Ordinances, Resolutions and Regulations. As represented in

Table 1, the most common problems that the staff and Sangguninang Bayan Members

have encountered are the lack of Iloko training, the preference to use English in wring

and the lack of awareness to the existence of the Code.

During observations, the researchers enumerated the reason behind these as

indicated by the respondent themselves during validation. First, with regards to lack of

Iloko trainings, it could be attributed to the fact that the municipal governments in the

first district of La Union lack proper resources to conduct any training in Iloko.
 80

Table 1. Publication of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Regulations

Indicators F %

Most of the Sangguniang Bayan Members and the staff

do not have proper training in writing in Iloko 4 3.6

Most of the Sangguniang Bayan Members and the staff 4 3.6

prefer to use English/Filipino in writing

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 3 2.7

* multiple response

At the moment, the only LGU that have the capacity to conduct Iloko trainings is

the Provincial government since they already have allocated fund for these undertakings

given that they initiated it as stated by the head in the Office of the Municipal Planning

and Development Coordinator in Luna.

The problem regarding the preference of staff to the English language can be

associated to practice and convenience. Given the number of tasks that are assigned to the

office along with limited time, staff tends to stick to what have been considered norm in

writing.

Lastly, the unawareness of staff to the existence of the Iloko Code plays a very

significant role in the compliance of the municipal governments. This reason alone could

undermine the whole compliance to the legislation in place.

Administration and Public Service

Communication. Table 2 shows that majority of the staff (53.6%) have difficulty

translating documents in Iloko while some (21.4%) said that they are not aware of the

existence of the Iloko Code. There are also few (18.8%) that said they have not

undergone Iloko trainings.

 81

Table 2. Communications
Indicators f %

Most staff have difficulty in translating 60 53.6

documents to Iloko

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko 24 21.4

Code

Most staff lack training in writing in Iloko 21 18.8

Most staff are Ilokano but do not speak Iloko 7 6.2

Most staff are not Ilokano and do not speak 4 3.6

Iloko

* multiple response

During observation, the researchers noted that the difficulty along with time really

is the main problem that the staff in the municipal government have encountered. Aside

from that, the few documents that are inscribed in Iloko need to be proofread in order to

ensure that the quality of work is not set aside. Upon evaluation, only few are able to

transcribed documents in Iloko although almost all of the staff are Ilocano.

Without the presence of language professionals to translate, and proofread

documents, this certain provision in the Iloko Code will problematic.

Other problems such as the lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code

and the lack of training in Iloko writing are not to be disregarded since they are also key

problems that should be addressed immediately to assure compliance to the language

policy of the province.

 82

During observation, the researchers found out that in general, most staff in the

municipal government are not aware of the existence of the Code. Most often than not,

only the staff in the Office of the Municipal Mayor are aware of its existence. In Bangar,

however, many of the staff know about the Code but are not well versed in the provisions

of the Code.

Trainings are observed by the researchers to have great role in addressing the

concerns regarding the difficulty in translating documents. As observed, all of the

municipal governments in the first district of La Union have not conducted any training

regarding Iloko practices in administration and public service which may be the reason

for their non compliance to some provisions of the Code.

Official Publication. Table 3 indicates that the most common problem

encountered in terms of official publication is the comfortability of the Sangguniang

Bayan Members and the staff to use English/Tagalog in writing articles (22.3%).

Table 3. Official Publication

Indicators f %
Members of the Press Corps are more comfortable 25 22.3
using English/Filipino in writing

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko 20 17.9

Code

Members of the Press Corps lack proper training on 19 17.0

writing using Iloko

Members of the Press Corps have difficulty in the 11 9.8

grammar aspect of the Iloko language.

Members of the Press Corps are not familiar with the 4 3.6
Iloko language
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* multiple response

As observed, most writers are well-versed in writing in English compared to

Iloko. This is due to the fact that this has been the practice over the years in most of the

local government units. However, with proper training this could be easily overcome.

Aside from this, since only Bacnotan has an official publication, the number of

staff who will make up the Press Corp is proven to have effect in the particular provision

of the Code on official publication along with the expertise to the Iloko language.

Official Website. As presented in Table 4, some (21.4%) said that operators of the

official websites are more comfortable using the English/Tagalog language.

Table 4. Official Website

Indicators f %

Operators of the website are more comfortable using the 24 21.4

English/Tagalog language

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 19 17.0

Operators of the website lack proper training on the use 14 12.5

of Iloko

Operators of the website have difficulty in the grammar 10 8.9

aspect of the Iloko language.

Operators of the website are not familiar with the Iloko 6 5.4
language

* multiple response

During validation process, the researchers have taken into account the fact that

most operators have difficulty dealing with technicalities. This is due to the lack of

computer-assisted translations tools and other specialised tools available in the market to

contribute to ensuring higher quality, consistency and efficiency in the work of translators
 84

and proof readers. The access, and make use of, computer spelling and grammar checker

tools through programmes such as Google Translate and Microsoft Office, as well as to

Terminology Managers, Terminology Databases and Electronic Dictionaries is also

problematic since it requires professional to proofread the output from these product of

technology. Other relevant tools such as Indexers, Concordancers, Bitext Aligners and

Translation Memory Tools are not available to assist the municipalities and proof-readers

work in any of the 8 municipalities since these technological innovations have not catered

yet to Iloko.

Also, the lack of expertise that arises from lack of training also contributes to the

non-compliance of the municipal governments in this indicator. Other problems observed

are discussed in previous discussion on Official Website such as the lack of personnel to

manage the website.

Telephone Recordings and Services. Table 5 shows that some (24.1%) of the

respondent municipalities labelled the uncertainty in what language the client will use

during conversation which lead staff to greet in English/Filipino as the topmost problem

in Telephone conversations.

During the phone calls that the observers have resorted to, it was accounted that

phone operators usually greet in English because this has been the orientation to them and

is always the practice in the municipality. The staff to whom the researchers have talked

to said that English as one of the official language in the country is easily understood by

almost all of the clients that they have conversed with.

Aside from this, they said that they have to maintain the formality even if it is

only a telephone conversation. This is the case in greeting clients. This problem does not
 85

exist if the subject of discussion is already in the part where clients have to introduce

their agenda.

Table 5. Telephone Recordings and Services

Indicators f %

Most staff do not know if a client speak Iloko so they 27 24.1

speak first in English/Filipino when answering the
phone

Clients prefer to converse in English/Filipino, so the 25 22.3

staff speak depending on what the clients want

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 20 17.9

Most staff are more accustomed using 16 14.3

English/Filipino in answering the phone calls

Staff are oriented to greet in English/Filipino first 14 12.5

when answering the phone

* multiple response

At that moment, staff shift to other languages that they are most

comfortable in using along with their clients preferences. Nonetheless, this particular

indicator is one of the least problematic in terms of compliance in the first district of La

Union.

Signages and Notices. Table 6 illustrated signages in Iloko confuse clents

especially those who do not understand Iloko and that it takes a great deal of space as

compared to signages in English/Tagalog are the main setbacks in the compliance of the

eight (8) municipal governments to the Iloko Code having 24.1% and 22.3% respectively.
 86

Other problems such as the absence of office/person to provide assistance on the

creation of signages, the lack of awareness to the existence of the Code, and the lack of

proper trainings to staff which have the percentages 15.2%, 14.3% and 10.7%

respectively are also contributory to the non-compliance to the Iloko Code.

Table 6. Signages and Notices

Indicators f %

Signages in Iloko sometimes confuse clients 27 24.1

especially those who are not Iloko

Signages in Iloko occupies a great deal of space 25 22.3

compared to when it is in English/Filipino

There is no designated office/person to provide 17 15.2

assistance on the creation of signages.

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko 16 14.3

Code

Staff in-charge with signages lack proper training on 12 10.7

the use of Iloko

* multiple response

During observation, it was found out that most signages are not in Iloko because

of the simplest reason that it is easier to have signages in English and Tagalog other than

Iloko. it takes shorter time to create, less space to consume and is more practical. Also,

considering that these signages are to be displayed publicly, it is most preferable to have

them printed in languages that everyone will understand may it be locals, nationals and

foreigners. All in all, however, is that municipal governments in the first district of La

Union are compliant to the provision of the Code in terms to Signages and Notices.
 87

Face-to-Face Conversation. Table 7 shows that many (27.7%) of the respondent

municipalities find the problem on the uncertainty of staff whether their clients can speak

and understand Iloko as number one (1) problem that the staff have encountered.

Table 7. Face-to-Face Conversation

Indicators f %

Most staff do not know if a client speak Iloko so they 31 27.7

speak first in English/Filipino

Most clients prefer to converse in English/Filipino so the 26 23.2

staff speak depending on what the clients want

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 18 16.1

Staff are oriented to greet in English/Filipino first before 12 10.7

engaging in a conversation

Most staff consider it inappropriate to speak Iloko in a 6 5.4

formal environment

* multiple response

Also, some (23.2%) said that most clients prefer to converse in English/Tagalog

so staff speak depending on what language are used by them.

In line with the previous discussion of greeting clients and languages used for the

rest of the conversation, the reaserchers observed that the most common problem

encountered is that clients in the municipal governments are multilingual. This is

particularly why most staff depend on what languages they have employed for their

responses. Furthermore, the problem does not rely only to this, individual perception and

personal preferences are the two factors affecting the language used during face-to-face

conversations.
 88

With individual perception comes the issue on age and status. With how clients

look and their social status determine the responses they could get from the staff.

Personal preferences, on the other hand, involve the comfortability of the staff in

their language use.

Official Hymn. Table 7 illustrates the accustomedness of people to former hymns

in other language aside from Iloko that are sang for a long time as the topmost problem

encountered under this indicator with 17%.

The difficulty in hiring professionals to translate their hymn in Iloko along with

the easiness to memorize lyrics that are in English and Tagalog and the lack of awareness

strive as the second placers in terms of problem encountered which comprise the 14.3%

of the responses garnered.

During observation, the municipal government of San Juan have their hymn in

English because it has been theirs during time immemorial. Furthermore, the hymn was

practice in the entire municipality especially in school premises.

Table 8. Official Hymn

Indicators f %

People are more accustomed to previous hymns 19 17.0

which are in English/Filipino rather than those is in
Iloko

The LGU have difficulties in hiring someone 16 14.3

proficient in Iloko to translate the Official Hymn

It is easier to get use to/memorize the Official Hymn 16 14.3

if it is in English/Filipino

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko 16 14.3

Code
 89

It is more comfortable to sing the Official Hymn in 15 13.4

English/Filipino

*multiple response

Also, there is this fear that the message that the hymn wanted to deliver will not

serve its purpose if it will be translated in other languages. Also, it was admitted that it

will be hard to find a lyricist that is good in the Iloko language without compromising the

heart of the hymn. The same is the case in Luna where it has no official hymn.

Ceremonies, Celebration, and Other Public Events. Table 9 presents that 28.6%

of the respondent municipalities said that the most common problem encountered under

this indicator is speakers typically deliver their speeches in English especially when

their audience are professionals or having high positions in the society. Second, is the

notion that whenever that the LGU conduct events, it tend to be formal, therefore,

English should be the language to be used with 21.4%. Third is the easiness of

conducting an event when it is in English/Filipino-- themes are easier to construct and

programs are easier made with 11.6%.

Based on the observation, the openings of most public events in the eight (8)

municipalities in the first district of La Union are mostly English and/or Tagalog. Iloko is

observed to be used only at some point when the emcee is aiming for the participation of

the crowd.

Table 9. Ceremonies, Celebration, and Other Public Events

Indicators f %

Speakers during events tends to speak in English/Filipino 32 28.6

It is a common thought that whenever the LGU conduct 24 21.4

events, it is usually formal; therefore they use
English/Filipino
 90

It is easier to conduct events with theme in English/Filipino 13 11.6

It is hard to find emcees that are proficient in Iloko 5 4.5

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 9 8.0

* multiple response

This is because it is expected that not all the people in the audience can

understand the Iloko language. However, contrary to the belief that most of the public

events have theme in English, the researchers observed that during fiestas, most of their

themes are in Iloko.

Linguistic Ability of Staff

Conduct of Iloko Trainings for Staff. As seen in Table 10, the problem on the

lack of budget strives as the main setback that the municipal governments have

encountered during compliance with 50%.

It has been observed that it is common practice that only selected participants are

undergoing trainings in all the eight (8) municipal governments. Also, there are lots of

priority projects that the municipal government has to focus its attention first because of

necessity and urgency.

Table 10. Iloko Trainings of Staff

Indicators f %

Not all of the staff are given the opportunity to participate in 4 50

trainings because of lack of budget

Staff chosen to participate preferred not to attend the seminar- 1 12.5

workshop training
 91

Those in-charge in the training of staff lack qualification in 1 12.5

terms of Iloko proficiency

After trainings, seminars, workshops, those that have undergone 1 12.5

the activity are not monitored for their progress

Lack of awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 1 12.5

* multiple response

These along with the fact that not even one (1) Iloko training has commenced in

any municipal governments in the first district of La Union provided a bigger picture as

to why some of the indicators are not complied.

The researchers also asked what other problems are encountered and they

unanimously said that Iloko Trainings is not part of their Annual Action Plan and that

they have no budget allocation with regards to Iloko training or anything with the same

character.

Recruitment of Personnel. Table 11 shows that half (50%) of the respondent

municipalities said that in terms of recruitment of personnel, the most common problem

encountered is thate proficiency in Iloko is not included in the basic requirement during

application.

Table 11. Recruitment of Personnel

Indicators f %

Proficiency in Iloko is not included in the basic 4 50

requirement during application

Most applicants who are qualified for the job are not 1 12.5
proficient in Iloko

Most applicants that are proficient in Iloko do not meet 1 12.5

therequirements of the Civil Service Commission
 92

Most On-the-Job Trainees are not proficient in Iloko 1 12.5

Lack of Awareness on the existence of the Iloko Code 1 12.5

* multiple response

During validation and in lined with the findings in above discussions, proficiency

in Iloko is not included in the requirements asked by the municipal governments in their

employment of staff. Instead, the job application forms forwarede by the Civil Service

Commission remain as it is during the filing of applicants. As a consolation however, the

heads of the Human Resource and Management Development Office in all (8) municipal

governments said that they are considering their language preferences before they hire

them.

Support to MTB-MLE

Logistical Support. Table 12 presents that the the lack of financial support for any

campaigns, plans or projects on the promotion of Iloko on Education with the other sector

comprises 18.8% of the response garnered from the respondent municipalities.

Table 12. Logistical Support

Indicators f %

Lack financial support for any campaigns, plans or projects on the 6 18.8
promotion of Iloko on Education with the other sector

Absence of Iloko trainings, symposiums and seminars to teachers in 5 15.7

the municipality

Lack offund for the production of linguistic materials (such as 5 15.7

textbooks, references and manuals) written in Iloko

Theres no appropriation for the facilities/equipment/materials for 2 6.3

 93

the creation, editing, digitizing, uploading, publication and

distribution of multilingual materials

Absence of monetary support in promoting the use of local 1 3.1

language or any Iloko-related activities
* multiple response
The absence of Iloko trainings, symposiums and seminars to teachers in the

municipality along with the lack of fund for the production of linguistic materials written

in Iloko follow suit as they comprise 15.7% of the responses gathered during the survey.

As observed, financial resources are crucial when assessing the capabilities and

work of specific bodies. Budget allocation can also reflect whether an area is being

adequately funded and prioritized. Accordingly, it is notable that most problems that arise

in the logistical aspect of support to MTB-MLE are centralized to lack of funding

whether in campaigns, plans or projects on the promotion of Iloko on Education with the

other sector; production of linguistic materials (such as textbooks, references and

manuals) written in Iloko; facilities/equipment/materials for the creation, editing,

digitizing, uploading, publication and distribution of multilingual materials; or on the

promotion of the use of local language or any Iloko-related activities as indicated in Table

12.

Technical Support. Table 13 illustrates that the absence of specialized body

composed of Iloko professionals to supervise the progress of the programs for MTB-

MLE is the main problem encountered under this indicator with 15.6%. The problem in

terms of lack of personnel to manage the web site or p. for the uploading and

downloading of mother tongue educational materials follows suit with 12.5%.

Other problems such as the difficulty in hiring professional to monitor the

production of multilingual materials in Iloko, the absence of monitoring and follow up

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system for the compliance of school to the programs for MTB-MLE and the

unavailability of reward system among schools who best comply with the policy with the

percentage of 6.3 also plays a significant role in the study.

During careful evaluation, the problems enumerated in Table 47 pointed the

problems that the Department of Education, La Union Chapter have been encountering.

Although, DepEd has been thoroughly inspecting schools in the province with

regards to the implementation of MTB-MLE, the Local School Board admitted that they

do not have specialized body yet that are composed of Iloko professionals but they are

doing their best in monitoring the advances in Iloko.

Table 47. Technical Support

Indicators f %

Absence of specialized body composed of Iloko professionals to 5 15.6

supervise the progress of the programs for MTB-MLE

Lack of personnel to manage the web site or p. for the uploading 4 12.5
and downloading of mother tongue educational materials

Difficulty in hiring professional to monitor the production of 2 6.3

multilingual materials in Iloko

Absence of monitoring and follow up system for the compliance 2 6.3

of school to the programs for MTB-MLE

Unavailability of reward system among schools who best complies 2 6.3

with the policy
* multiple response

With regards to the multilingual website, the district supervisors admitted that the

province has no website or p. yet that will be responsible for the multilingual materials in
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Iloko. Also, the productions of materials that are to be distributed to public shools that are

printed in Iloko has been slow but are now being addressed.
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