Education leaders and the British Council are pushing for a clearer national strategy to improve English proficiency in the Philippines. They see it as both an economic need and part of the country’s global competitiveness.
Recent data shows big learning gaps. PISA 2022 found that 76% of Filipino students fall below minimum reading proficiency. EDCOM 2 also noted that almost half of Grade 3 students are behind in reading, with the gap widening by age 15.
Teaching methods add to the problem. The curriculum often teaches English “in reverse,” focusing on reading and writing before speaking and listening. Many teachers themselves fall below CEFR B2 reading level, raising concerns about readiness. There’s also no national system to assess teachers’ English proficiency.
The issue goes beyond classrooms. Recruitment firms have skipped hiring Filipino workers, including nurses, because they didn’t meet English requirements. This limits overseas job opportunities and affects the country’s economic prospects.
Experts say English should be treated not just as a subject but as a pathway to knowledge, skills, and jobs. Current efforts are not enough to stop the decline.
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