Palawan state university it students showcase tagalog-cuyunon translator app to provincial government

The project, which aims to bridge language gaps and strengthen the use of Cuyonon among locals, was introduced during a formal presentation at the Governor’s Conference Room on November 5, 2024.

The PSU students, accompanied by their thesis adviser, outlined the app’s features, which facilitate seamless translation between Tagalog and Cuyonon.

Designed with user-friendliness in mind, the app incorporates phrase translation functionalities to ensure accessibility for various users, from tourists to native speakers.

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Sharlene D. Vilches expressed support for the project, emphasizing the importance of technological initiatives in preserving Palawan’s cultural diversity. Representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Information and Communications Technology (PICT), Provincial Information Office (PIO), and Culture and Arts Program were also in attendance, providing suggestions to further enhance the app’s functionality.

The Cuyonon language, traditionally spoken by the Cuyonon people of Palawan, is one of the province’s oldest and most culturally significant languages. Originating from the Cuyo Islands, which include the town of Cuyo in northeastern Palawan, Cuyonon holds a unique linguistic heritage.

It has Austronesian roots, which relate it to other Filipino languages, but also carries distinct regional influences from Palawan’s history, including Spanish loanwords.

As a language spoken by a minority within Palawan, Cuyonon has faced challenges in retention and transmission, especially among younger generations who often use Filipino or English in education and daily communication.

The development of the Tagalog-Cuyonon Translator app by Palawan State University students is thus particularly timely, as it aims to make learning and using Cuyonon more accessible and relevant in modern contexts.

The students also received valuable feedback to refine the app before its final release.