Francis Dumanig receives 2023 Filipino American Heritage Month Community Recognition Award
Associate Professor of English Francis Dumanig is known for his teaching and service from the classroom to the island community to the world.
By Susan Enright.
Francisco “Francis” Perlas Dumanig, associate professor of English at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, received the 2023 Filipino American Heritage Month Community Recognition Award, organized by the community-based Filipino American History Month committee. Recognized by the Hawai‘i County Council and the Hawai‘i State Legislature, Dumanig was presented the award at UH Hilo’s Barrio Fiesta held in October at the Campus Center Plaza.
Dumanig is program coordinator for the UH Hilo certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages. He recently received tenure and promotion. He received his master of arts in English from Philippine Christian University, and his doctor of philosophy in linguistics-sociolinguistics from the University of Malaya. His areas of expertise are in teaching English as a second or foreign language, Southeast Asian Englishes, discourse analysis of language and identity, language planning and policy, and sociolinguistics.
Before coming to UH Hilo in 2018, he was a senior lecturer of languages and linguistics at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and other universities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Middle East, and the U.S.
Building community, from classroom to island to the world
Dumanig is known for his teaching and service from the classroom to the island community to the world. At the university, he shows his students the world of English language and literature most often through an international lens. He teaches classes on writing for science and technology, second language acquisition theory, global Englishes, and English as a second language. He also teaches composition with tutorial, composition with non-native tutorial, and Filipino language and culture.
In a highly successful effort to connect his students to the local community, Dumanig is the founding president of the Hawai‘i Association of Filipino Educators (HAFE), a non-profit organization of Filipino educators and researchers working in the state of Hawai‘i. Dumanig says that through the group, he actively bridges the gap between the community and UH Hilo.
“Through collaborative events and initiatives, we strengthen the connection between HAFE members and UH Hilo students, promoting cultural understanding and community engagement,” he explains.
Filipino American History Month Community Recognition Award
In a certificate recognizing Dumanig’s Filipino American History Month Community Recognition Award, the Hawai‘i County Council extends its appreciation for his “remarkable dedication and outstanding contributions in the field of education and community leadership, celebrating his vital role in Filipino history.”
The council goes on to say, “He fosters connections between educators in the Philippines and Hawai‘i, organizes events to promote teacher education and recruitment within the Filipino community, and creates a network of Filipino educators dedicated to community strengthening and cultural promotion.”
The Hawai‘i State Legislature’s proclamation about the award to Dumanig honors his far-reaching work, including his statewide support “to all Filipino educators and researchers in Hawai‘i by fostering strong relationships, promoting Filipino values and culture, and establishing links between key educational institutions and the Filipino community.”
Related stories
UH Hilo Associate Professor of English Francis Dumanig receives tenure and promotion
Susan Enright is a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
