LONDON 30 May 2023 – In celebration of National Heritage Month, the Philippine Embassy in London hosted a lecture on Filipino Identity and a Baybayin workshop entitled “Mga Talá ng Alaala,” at Sentro Rizal London on 25 May 2023.

The event featured a talk and discussion on Filipino identity by former NCCA Chairperson Dr. Felipe De Leon, Jr. who joined virtually. It was followed by a workshop on Baybayin conducted by Mr. John Leyson, Baybayin Buhayin Inc. President and Director of London Filipino Centre (LFC)-CIC.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. highlighted that a significant aspect of understanding Filipino Identity is the ancient script Baybayin, for the most intimate part of a culture is its writing. He stressed that Baybayin continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Filipino cultural heritage and a key to unlocking the past. The Ambassador said that participation in the Baybayin workshop is not only reviving an ancient script, but also reclaiming a part of our Filipino identity.

The program was conducted in partnership with LFC-CIC, a Filipino community group which conducts classes and training sessions on Filipino language and culture, such as Baybayin workshops, for Filipinos, Filipino-British and other foreign nationals.

Members of the Filipino community and Embassy personnel participated in the lecture and workshop. END