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Excluding English, Filipino (Tagalog-based) is the third most frequently spoken language in the U.S., according to latest census estimates.

In the last couple of years, two Ivy League universities—Harvard and Yale—have opened Filipino language courses. Two other Ivies, Cornell and UPenn, have been offering these courses for decades.

UW-Madison, however, is bucking these trends.

Starting this fall semester, UW-Madison will discontinue its Filipino language courses, which have been offered since the 1970s. Administrators reasoned that this is due to budget cuts.

According to reports, other Southeast Asian (SEA) languages are "safe" from being axed by UW-Madison this fall. Only the Filipino program, which ironically brings in the highest enrollment among SEA language courses, will be taken down.

This development has affected members of the Filipinx American Student Organization (FASO). According to the group's statement posted on Dec. 14, 2025:

"FASO was founded 34 years ago when students from the Filipino Language Program decided to create a space for Filipino culture on UW's campus... FASO would not exist without the Filipino Language Program."

FASO continues its discussion with the university to find ways to save the program, which would likely be through fundraising to support the instructors' salary. Once details are ironed out, PAMANA will be FASO's key partner in this community endeavor.

For now, FASO invites everyone to attend a town hall meeting this Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m (Central), at the Sewell Social Sciences Hall, Room 6203 (Address: 1180 Observatory Dr, Madison). You can also attend online through Google Meets. See link below.

PAMANA is firming up our plans of organizing a "summer day camp" this year for kids age 7-18, tentatively every Saturday afternoon from June to August.

The goal is for participating kids to appreciate and learn more about Philippine culture, history, and arts.

We thank those who have already answered our survey and shared their ideas on how to make this activity more meaningful.

If you are interested in this activity, please answer this quick survey.

Overture Center

201 State St, Madison

Mark your calendars and watch out for more details, including PAMANA's participation in this event.

Waunakee Public Library

201 N Madison St., Waunakee

Forward this email to those you think might be interested.

Visit our website for our full lineup of activities.

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About PAMANA

The Philippine-American Association of Madison and Neighboring Areas is a registered non-stock, nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity that aims to foster unity and harmony among Filipino, Filipino-American, and other communities throughout Madison and nearby areas of Wisconsin. In Filipino, "pamana" means inheritance or legacy.

Philippine-American Association of Madison & Neighboring Areas (PAMANA)
P.O. Box 5013 Madison, Wisconsin, USA 53705-0013
pamanamadison.org

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