A screenshot of the Threads post by Neuronakaya (inset). EXPAT MEDIA

A viral post on Threads urging migrants in Iloilo City to learn the local language, Hiligaynon, has divided netizens and reignited discussions about culture, identity, and inclusion in the Philippines. A user named Neuronakaya stirred controversy after sharing her frustrations about people moving to Iloilo and refusing to speak the local language. “I’ve been noticing people from Manila moving to Iloilo City. I’ve encountered taxi drivers who can’t speak Hiligaynon,” she wrote. “You’re all welcome here but please pick up the language, especially if you interact with Ilonggos daily at your job. It’s a way to show appreciation to the culture and people too.” She clarified that her post was not aimed at everyone, but specifically at those who refuse to adapt. “This is for those who refuse to learn the language. Some people move to Iloilo for jobs, not culture,” she added. The post quickly gained traction with over 1,200 heart reactions as of Monda (July 28), but also sparked fierce debate. Supporters agreed with her call for cultural appreciation, but others slammed the post as being “non-inclusive” and “elitist.” One user shared, “Tagalog is my first language. It took me almost two years to be able to hold a conversation in full Hiligaynon. Be patient.” Others reminded her that Iloilo is still part of the Philippines, and Filipinos should not be made to feel like outsiders in their own country. “Iloilo belongs to every Filipino, regardless of what dialect they speak,” another commented. Hiligaynon, also known as Ilonggo, is the dominant language in Iloilo and one of the major Visayan languages. After Cebuano, it is the second-most widely spoken Bisayan language in the Philippines. While the debate remains heated, it sheds light on the delicate balance between cultural preservation and inclusivity in increasingly mobile communities across the country. CAM/Expat Media
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