The UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin (UST SSAS) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) organized Kasalin 2022, a two-part event on the professionalization of translation in the country.
KWF Chair Arthur P. Casanova, Ph.D., and Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, imparted their messages on the importance of language and translation in nation building.
Featured in the first part of the event was a webinar by Atty. Rolando A. Bernales, Ed.D., and Prof. Minerva P. Calimag, M.D., Ph.D.
In his lecture “Mula sa Praktikal at Legal na Perspektiba: Ang Pagsasalin bilang Propesyon” (From a Practical and Legal Perspective: Translation as a Profession), Bernales explained that translation is a legitimate profession in any country with cultural, social, political, and economic interactions with countries of other languages.
According to Bernales, who is a practicing lawyer and educator, professional translators should also learn how to translate and interpret legal and moral obligations and rights under the law.
Meanwhile, in her lecture “Mga Karanasan sa Pagsusulong ng Batas at Adhikain: Halaga at Proseso ng Lobbying sa Larangan ng Medisina” (Experiences in Advocacy and Advocacy: Value and Process of Lobbying in the Medical Field), UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Prof. Minerva P. Calimag, M.D., Ph.D., pointed out that lobbying gives voice to the voiceless.
There are two categories of lobbying, according to Calimag, which include direct and grassroots communication. She also shared her personal encounters in lobbying as an active member of medical organizations and as an advocate of principal issues on health.
Calimag, a two-time president of the Philippine Medical Association, received the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award last year.
Zarina Joy T. Santos of UP Diliman and Mubarak M. Tahir of Mindanao State University served as reactors.
During the second part of the session, participants engaged in 45-minute focus group discussions by entering one of the five breakout rooms. Aside from examining the salient points in the webinar, they also deliberated on the top priorities for the practice and training in translation for the next 2-3 years.
A Kasalin core group was created, with members Dr. Teresita F. Fortunato, Maria Christina A. Pangan, Dr. Lita A. Bacalla, Dr. Radji A. Macatabon, Victor Dennis T. Nierva, and Jenalyn Lai.
KWF Sangay ng Salin head John Enrico C. Torralba gave the closing remarks.
