Kasálin Network pushes the professionalization law for Filipino translators

As translation practices expand nationwide, a network of translators is pushing for a bill to professionalize the field. During the “Layag: Translation Forum” on May 18, 2024, held at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Pasig City and organized by Kasálin Network, two versions of the proposed bill were presented.

Mr. John Enrico Torralba, chief of the Translation Division of the Commission on Filipino Language (KWF-SS), shared the first version, which aims to recognize the rights of translators, ensure the quality of translations, and establish a registry of Filipino translators.

The second version, proposed by Dr. David Michael San Juan, head of the National Language and Translation Board of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA-NCLT), seeks to guide professional relationships among translation stakeholders, encourage cooperation among practitioners, and establish national standards for translator qualifications to benefit all stakeholders.

Atty. Nicolas Pichay, translator and director of the Senate’s Legislative Research Service, responded to the versions presented by Torralba and San Juan. He highlighted the considerations that translators must keep in mind to effectively advocate for the professionalization law.

The forum also marked the launch of the Kasálin Network, a consortium aimed at promoting the professionalization of Filipino translators. This network comprises representatives from 18 language and translation institutions, including KWF, UST Center for Translation and Translation Studies, UA&P Department of Filipino, Center of Filipino Language of UP Diliman (SWF-UPD), PNU Language Study Center, DLSU Salita (Translation, Intellectualization, and Advocacy Center), PUP Translation Center, Ateneo de Manila-Senior High School, Biliran Province State University-SWK, Cebu Normal University Center for Language and Culture (CNU-SWK), Palompon Institute of Technology, Filipinas Institute of Translation (FIT), Magbikol Kita, NCCA-NCLT, Sanggunian sa Filipino (SangFil), Pambansang Asosasyon ng mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Salin (PATAS), Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP), and Bangsamoro Transition Authority Translation and Interpretation Division (BTA-TID).

Around 200 translators and translation advocates from across the Philippines attended the forum in a hybrid format. The event is still available for viewing on the Facebook pages of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and Kasálin Network. The Layag Forum is part of a series of discussions on the professionalization of Filipino translators that will continue in the coming months.

For institutions and individuals interested in becoming part of the Kasálin Network, email networkkasalin@gmail.com.