by Jemima  Ermine Cariño and Estelle Deamor Elcarte

With the theme “Breaking barriers; bridging gaps through language and literature,” Leyte Normal University had a month-long celebration of the English month in cooperation with the English Circle and Faculty.

                According to Prof. Ma. Rocini E. Tenasas, Head of Languages & Literature Unit, ”(the celebration) gives emphasis on how relevant the English language is in our life today that it gives us awareness as to its position not only in our society but also in the whole world, it being a global language. English is at the leading edge of technological and scientific development, new thinking in economics and management, new literature and entertainment genres, making it the world’s possession and property.”

To formally open the English month celebration, a program was held on November 9, 2009 during the opening of classes for the 2^nd semester at the ORC Quadrangle with a doxology and a verse choir presentation by some selected English majors.

In line with the celebration, various activities were participated in by the English Circle and students from different departments. Selected English faculty members acted as panel of judges in each competition.

On the 11th, a Grammar Blast was held at the Student’s Center Mini-theatre proclaiming Paulette O. Tuan of BSTHRM 1-4 the winner, followed by Ma. Carmie Flor I. Ortego of BEEDBSED 1-1 and Brendon Joe A. Vivero BSBio 1-1 as 2^nd and 3^rd placers respectively.

Declamation and oration contests were held on November 18. The declamation competition winners were Kim C. Amenderez of ABCom 1-1 rendering the piece “The Champion”; Mary Grace V. Fabillar of ABCom 2-1 and Melody Kim O. Amatoza of BEED 1-1 as 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place respectively.

                The oration contest proclaimed Marjune M. Nepaya of BSED 1-1 as winner followed by Melody Kim O. Amatoza of BEED 1-1 and Jed Paolo A. Cairo of BEEDBSED 3-1.

                The culminating program covering Children’s Literature and Literature around the world was held on November 25 at the Student Center Mini-theatre exhibiting a showcase of performances by the English major students.

The above mentioned activities were provided firstly “to inculcate among the students the importance of language specifically English. Secondly, is to tap the potential of our students of all levels not only the English majors of their skills and talents. Discovering their talents and developing them by providing avenues where these talents could be shown. For the English majors, this provides them opportunity on the hands-on and minds-on training of the theories and principles taught to them in the classroom. Thus, reinforces and enhances what they have learned in class. Lastly, in order to cultivate the love or appreciation not only in language but also in literature,” Prof. Tenasas shared in an interview with the An Lantawan.