Philippines Culture – Filipinos Ancient Alphabet

Philippines – Our country have different tribes or ethnic groups that can be found in different provinces, mostly a descendant from the many individuals with different languages, cultures and ancentries that settled in Philipines island way back 60 to 300 centuries ago. Although they differs from one dialect to another and have been widely spread over the country, the ancient script as known today is called baybayin, also commonly called alibata. Most of our ancestors used pointed daggers or small piece of iron to write the letters in different materials like leaves, a piece of bamboo or tree barks. Although the use of the script spread widely thoughtout the country it started to decline with the passing time.

There are still some parts in the country, mostly where ethnic tribal can be found that ancient script was never lost and it is where in one of those tribes that you will find a mother teaching her children of it. She simply said that although she sent her children to school to learn and to gain knowledge, by using a pen and paper, she also teaches them the ancient script at home. She wants her children to always remember and to learn something that she's been taught herself by their ancestors. Its a legacy that she can leave behind to her children and down to the next generation, and that ancient cultures should never be forgotten.

It is always known that “lessons begin at home” and this is one good example for it.