The proliferation of Bisaya newspapers highlighted inconsistencies in spelling, prompting efforts to standardize the written language. Early publications like "Ang Suga" (1901) by Don Vicente Sotto acknowledged the challenge, with Sotto noting that Spanish heavily influenced their writing and spelling lacked consistency. Examples included words like "guinicanan," "camo," and "quini." Subsequent publications such as "Bisaya" (1930), "Silaw," "Alimyon," and "Bag-ong Suga" continued the trend of varied spelling.
Formation of the Akademiya sa Dilang Bisaya
To address this, the Akademiya sa Dilang Bisaya (AKADABA) was established, aiming to create a standard spelling system. According to a 1964 article in Bisaya, the academy was led by former President Carlos P. Garcia and former Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez as patrons, with editors Francisco Candia, Diosdado C. Mantalaba, and Laurean Unabia as members. The academic council included notable figures like Tomas V. Hermosisima, Napoleon Dejoras, and Filomeno C. Kintanar.
Meetings and Guidelines
The academy held regular Saturday meetings, often at President Garcia's home in Quezon City, where they developed the "Lagda Sa Paggamit Sa U ug O" (Rules for Using U and O). This was published in Bisaya on July 15, 1987, as an official standard for writers. However, it only covered the use of "u" and "o," leaving many aspects incomplete.
Subsequently, the "Bag-ong Akademiya" (New Academy) was formed in Cebu, led by Atty. Adelino Sitoy, Don Jesus P. Garcia Sr., and Atty. Cesar Kilaton. Kilaton authored "Binisaya-Sinugbuanon Nga Batadila," which expanded on the "u" and "o" rules to include consonants.
Modern Resources and Accessibility
Building on these guidelines, Edgar S. Godin compiled "Mga Batakan sa Panitik Sa Binisaya-Sinugboanon" (Rules on Cebuano-Visayan Spelling), integrating new additions for easy reference. An online version is available at Bismag's website for broader access.
This article, originally published on February 5, 2014, in the Bismag blog, is part of a series exploring Cebuano spelling. Edgar S. Godin, former associate editor of Bisaya Magasin, invites contributions to the ongoing discussion via akademiyangbisaya@gmail.com.
