Filipino (Tagalog), the most commonly spoken Filipino language in the Bay Area and the official language of the Philippines, is now a third required language, in addition to Chinese and Spanish, city officials announced April 2 at the Bayanihan Community Center.
 |
| A signboard displays a Tagalog phrase in an establishment, alongside with English and Chinese words. |
Mayor Edwin M. Lee with Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, Supervisors John Avalos and Jane Kim and local community partners today announced the certification of Tagalog as covered under the City’s Language Access Ordinance.
San Francisco’s Language Access Ordinance was established in 2001 and is one of the most comprehensive local language laws in the nation.
The ordinance requires city departments that interact with the public to provide translated materials, interpreters at public meetings and other services.
Several City Departments already provide services in Tagalog and an array of other languages to meet state and federal requirements, but the City’s ordinance requires much more rigorous study and provision of multilingual services.
More than 112 different languages are spoken in the San Francisco Bay Area and 45 percent of all San Francisco residents do not speak English at home.
In certifying Filipino (Tagalog) as a third language, the City’s Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) made the determination that there are more than 10,000 Tagalog speakers in San Francisco who are limited-English proficient and thus, meet thresholds outlined in the law.
As part of its ongoing work to engage and ensure full civic participation, the city is conducting a baseline study of Tagalog speakers in San Francisco to assist departments better understand the specific needs of the community in order to serve more residents.
The Language Access Ordinance ensures that the city communicates well with residents as part of its daily business and especially during crises, emergency and public safety situations.
For more information on the San Francisco Language Access Ordinance and the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs, go to: www.sfgov.org/OCEIA.--Source: Inquirer