College graduates in the Philippines scored an average of 631.4 in English proficiency, lower than the 650 goal for cab drivers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This was shown in the initial results of a two-year research using the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) metrics.
The study revealed that Filipino graduates’ English level is even a far cry from the 850 target for call center agents.
Rex Wallen Tan, general manager of Hopkins International Partners, said in a Philippine Star report that this is a serious issue, given that communication skills are vital in seeking employment.
Internationally, Filipino graduates only have a B1 rating in the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages, where A1 corresponds to basic users and C2 is for proficient users.
Tan noted that Filipino college degree-holders’ B1 level actually trails behind the B2 requirement for high school graduates in Thailand.
The report also quoted Tan saying, “Communication skills are the number one reason why graduates are not being hired,” during the Government Academe Industry Network (GAIN) convention.
Speakers at the said convention concurred. Poor English proficiency is a serious threat to Philippine economy, according to GAIN President Monette Ituralde-Hamlin.
She encouraged the government to champion global standards and aim for at least a B2 score, saying, “For us to successfully continue to equip a globally-competitive workforce, we must synergize and take on a multi-sectoral approach.”
Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and Laguna President Peter Laurel also supported the implementation of national English standards among Philippine schools.
GAIN convention speakers all expressed that the country needs to step up its game in language competency and other skills needed in the economic integration of Southeast Asian nations.
Netizens also agreed that the proposed actions to uplift Filipinos’ English proficiency will help maintain OFWs’ standing as some of the best in the world. Ultimately, these policies will aid in keeping the economy afloat.
