Manila translated signages into a writing no one understands anymore

Manila City Hall just unveiled the newly-renovated Lagusnilad Underpass, and as someone who spent his college years commuting in these sketchy tunnels, it is a welcome – and gorgeous – change.

The once-grimy walls have been replaced with murals depicting important pieces of Filipino history and Manila landmarks such as Jones Bridge and the Binondo Chinatown arch. Plus, as we featured earlier, the iconic Books of Underground has been revived in its original space.

LOOK: The newly rehabilitated Manila City Hall or Lagusnilad Underpass features a 25×2.8 meter mural showcasing various aspects of our culture and history, as well as a tribute to pandemic frontliners. | via @tinapperezpic.twitter.com/2pRdAEj4CH

— GMA News (@gmanews) August 24, 2020

LOOK: Photos of Lagusnilad underpass in Manila before and after its recent renovation (: Manila PIO) pic.twitter.com/YEwRggKLAn

— Kat Domingo (@_katrinadomingo) August 24, 2020

Another key highlight in the renovation is that the signages have also been translated in Baybayin, one of the more recognizable old writing systems in the Philippines. It’s an aesthetically pleasing look, far better than the tired facade of its predecessors.

Overall, it’s a beautiful reimagining. But in the midst of its commendable effort, it seems City Hall forgot one crucial thing: Signages are meant to help people first.

LAGUSNILAD SIGNAGES WITH BAYBAYIN TRANSLATION

Have you seen these Baybayin translations on the signages of the renovated Lagusnilad underpass in Lawton, Manila? (Photos/MPIO, DTCAM, Ramri Rivota) pic.twitter.com/z8TBfX3bxP

— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) August 24, 2020

Yes, Baybayin looks cool at a glance. It tugs at our nationalistic heartstrings. It can inspire a revisiting of our traditional roots. The effort is a not-so-subtle love letter to being a Filipino. We get that.

But the average commuter does not understand Baybayin. Will these obscure writings help an illiterate or someone who can’t read English? Or would have they’ve been better served by icons or Filipino translations? Lucky them if they were in possession of a Baybayin script, but that most certainly won’t be the case.

the level of performative wokeness has me screaming. you know what would have made sense?

ICONS for the illiterate
TRANSLATIONS for tagalog readers
NOT BAYBAYIN as basically no one is proficient

istasyon ng tren – LRT 1 sentral
bulwagang panlungsod ng maynila
sm manila https://t.co/dp3v9gnGiC

— jari bot (@gudejari) August 24, 2020

Yes, our culture should be appreciated, but as per the old adage, there is a time and place for everything. Let’s explore Baybayin in our museums, our culture & arts classes, or in our own personal time. Maybe we’ll eventually ingrain the writing back into our lives in some way. Who knows?

But when we’re talking about how to best serve the greater public during these current times, where the average Filipino has little to no background of the writing, practicality wins over aesthetic.

The post <b> Manila translated signages into a writing no one understands anymore </b> appeared first on WE THE PVBLIC.

Source: we the pvblic