1. Ilokano language learning
2. Ilokano language and culture exposure and immersion
The first component consists lessons focused on the specified key results areas in Ilokano language learning as a heritage and a second language. The direction of the program is towards Level One proficiency in Ilokano Oral Communication.
This component has been designed by Aurelio Solver Agcaoili, PhD. Dr. Agcaoili is the current coordinator of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa’s Ilokano Language, Literature, and Culture Program. He is also an Ilokano lexicographer, scholar, poet, novelist, essayist, editor and creative writer. Dr. Agcaoili heads the instructional faculty for the iLaing program.
The second component of the program consists of cultural exchanges, conferences, and field programs in various venues and communities.
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Edmel was born and raised in Washington. Both her parents immigrated from the Philippines. Growing up, she heard Ilokano being spoken but did not learn to speak the language. It was not until high school that she realized that not knowing Ilokano was like not knowing herself. She wanted to learn Ilokano to better understand her parents, and herself, and be able to share the language with the next generation. Those values brought her to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where she received her BA in Ilokano Language and Literature. Currently, she continues to navigate the importance of the Ilokano language and culture through teaching, developing language content, and supporting the next generation of First-Generation Filipinxs in higher education.
Jairah Mae Pascual was born in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte to a Baccareño mother and a Laoageñio father. She moved to the island of O`ahu when she was 6 years old. Jairah graduated with honors from Farrington High School in 2017 and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with concurrent Bachelor’s degrees in Public Health and Philippine Language and Culture with an Emphasis in Ilokano.
During her college years, Jairah was actively involved in student engagements and leadership including serving as a board member for the Timpuyog Organization and Hui Ola Pono, an organization under the Office of Public Health Studies that served to foster professional skills and meaningful connections for their future public health careers.
Jairah is currently the Ilokano teacher at Farrington High School. She is looking forward to teaching and sharing the Ilokano language and culture to all.