The Pilipino language is really rich and is now being spoken in almost the whole stretch of the archipelago. In my barangay in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, the young converse only in Pilipino. Whenever I talk with them in Ilocano, they would answer in Pilipino—with an Ilocano accent.

No doubt, the widespread use of Pilipino is the result of its use as medium of instruction in the elementary grades. The government is joining the act by using the Pilipino name of its various department and agencies. Old habits die hard, however, for many still refer to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as Central Bank. And have you ever heard anyone use the Pilipino name of the Development Bank of the Philippines?