TOKYO, Japan — The Philippine Embassy in Japan is calling on Japanese secondary and tertiary students to step onto the stage and showcase their Filipino language skills. The “Buklod‑Wika: Tagisan sa Pagtatalumpati sa Wikang Pilipino” speech contest will take place on August 20, 2026 at Azabu Civic Hall, with registration open until August 10.
A Stage to Speak and Shine
The competition invites Japanese nationals enrolled in junior high school, high school, university, or graduate programs to deliver speeches in Filipino. Participants can choose themes that reflect their understanding of Philippine culture, history, or the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The event aims to celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage cross‑cultural learning at a personal level.
The contest is designed to be inclusive and encouraging, with gift certificates awarded to every participant who takes the stage. Winners will receive special grand prizes, adding a spirit of friendly competition to the day. Organizers emphasize that the goal is participation and growth, not just winning.
Who Can Join
Students must be enrolled in a school or residing within one of the 15 prefectures under the Philippine Embassy’s jurisdiction, which stretches from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. This includes major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, as well as the Tohoku region. The broad coverage ensures that Filipino language learners across eastern and northern Japan can participate.
The two categories—secondary and tertiary—allow fair competition among peers of similar age and language proficiency. Whether a student has just begun learning Filipino or has advanced conversational skills, the contest offers a welcoming platform. Teachers and language instructors are encouraged to guide their students in preparing for the big day.
Part of a Historic Friendship Year
The Buklod‑Wika contest is one of the key cultural events marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. Since 1956, the two countries have built a strategic partnership that spans trade, defense, and deep people‑to‑people ties. This celebration year carries the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.”
Holding a Filipino speech contest during August, which is also Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) in the Philippines, adds another layer of significance. It allows Japanese youth to experience the heart of Philippine identity through its language. The embassy views the contest as a bridge that connects the next generation of Japanese citizens with the Philippines.
How to Register
Interested students can scan the QR code on the official event poster published by the Philippine Embassy in Japan. The online entry form must be completed and submitted by August 10, 2026. With slots limited, early registration is encouraged to secure a place at the historic Azabu Civic Hall in Minato City.
The contest runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, giving participants a full afternoon of oratorical celebration. Families, friends, and language enthusiasts are welcome to attend and support the speakers. For many Japanese students, this will be their first opportunity to publicly speak in Filipino, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
