8 PRINCIPAL NATIVE LANGUAGES

Tagalog This language is the basis for the national language of the country. The previous
requirement to teach and speak this language in schools nationwide resulted to the huge increase
in Tagalog-speaking Filipinos. Tagalog is mainly spoken in the capital of Manila, the Greater
Manila Area (or GMA) and the neighboring provinces such as Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Laguna,
Cavite and Batangas (with variations in some terms and in the accents). Not only that, one can go
to other places around the country and still be universally understood when he or she uses this
language because a lot of people around the country speak and understand Tagalog.
Cebuano This was (and still is) a major contender for the Philippine language with the highest
number of native speakers (more than 20% of the entire population of the country). It is mainly
spoken in Cebu, one of the most progressive cities in the country. It is also spoken in certain
areas in Mindanao, including Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Bukidnon and General Santos
City.
Ilokano or Ilocano this is spoken in the northern part of the Philippines. It is related to other
languages around the world such as Indonesian, Malay, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and
Chamorro (of Guam). With the spread of the Ilocano people around the country, the use of this
language has spread as well.
Bikolano or Bicolano this is the language spoken in the Bicol Region, one of the biggest
regions in the country. There are said to be 8 varieties to this language, categorized according to
the geographical locations. A variation of the Bicolano language, the Bisakol language, provides
a link between Bicolano and Visayan languages.
Hiligaynon or Ilonggo A language known for its sweet intonation, the Hiligaynon language is
native to more than 7 million Filipinos. In addition, an additional 4 million Filipinos know how
to speak this language with a degree of proficiency. It is spoken in Iloilo, Bacolod, PanayIslands,
Capiz, Antique and Aklan. It is also spoken in some parts of Mindanao such as in North and
South Cotabato. , known for its melting pot of various regions and languages, also has its own
share of Hiligaynon-speaking Filipinos.
Waray this is another language spoken in the Visayas islands (the middle part of the country).
It is spoken in Samar and Leyte and is closely associated with the Waray people who are known
for their toughness and strength.
Kapampangan this is a major language found in the Luzon island or the northern part of the
country. It is spoken by people from the Pampanga province, a portion of Tarlac and a portion of
Bataan. It is also called Pampangueo.

Pangasinense the language of the Pangasinan province (with a total population of more than 2
million). Pangasinan is a province in Central Luzon. This language is closely-related to the Ibaloi
language, which is spoken in the mountain province of Benguet and in BaguioCity (the summer
capital of the Philippines).