Over 21 traffic and road signs, written in the Kapampangan language, we’re formally finalized for printing and posting in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The use of the endangered Amanung Sisuan is by Ordinance No. 424 series of 2017, which established and institutionalized the local official language of Angeles City in all sectors, alongside existing national and official languages.
The Kapampangan signboards will be posted on two major roads of Angeles City: MacArthur Highway and Filipino-American Friendship Circumferential Road, an access road to Clark Freeport Zone.
Tourism officer-in-charge Anneleen Antonio-Sugui said, “Mayor Lazatin is pushing for the safety of Kapampangan culture, but he also wants the safety of our other kababayan motorists and vehicles plying the area.”
“This is part of many efforts to preserve and promote our indigenous language,” Lazatin pointed out.
The move was received with mixed reactions from people both living in Pampanga and out. In a comment under Aguman Sinupan Singsing, Inc.’s Facebook shared post, Kim Domingo said, “Masanting ya.. Lakwas na nung atin lang Kulitan..” (It’s good.. Especially if there’s Kulitan… (pertaining to the Kapampangan writing script)
While non-Kapampangan travelers like Baldo Quezon are against the project, saying, “[Huwag] naman. Hirap intindihin [nang] Kapampangan. Pwede siguro Kapampangan tapos English sa baba.” (No. Kapampangan is hard to understand. It’s appropriate if there’s English underneath.)
Lazatin emphasized the Kapampangan versions will be put beside English counterparts.
The city government continues to raise awareness among younger generations to carry on the importance of the Kapampangan culture and language, evident in how the City Council uses Kapampangan in its session at least once a month.
