Only the Philippines attained a score above 7.0, a BEI (Business English Index) level within range of a high proficiency that indicates an ability to take an active role in business discussions and perform relatively complex tasks. (http://www.globalenglish.com/whoweare/newsroom/press_releases/757)
Behind this impressive news, unfortunately, there is a notion which tells that English proficiency in the Philippines is declining. Today, the state of English and English language teaching in the Philippines is at a critical point. Recent studies confirm the common impression that the English language proficiency of Filipino students is rapidly deteriorating. It is imperative that the trend be reversed if Filipinos are not to lose one of their most useful assets in contributing to national development and international communication. (http://www.admu.edu.ph/ls/soh/acelt)
English even a foreign language should be given much attention. At present, it is considered as our primary language next to Filipino. It plays an important role in the field of education. It is used as the medium of instruction for subjects like Mathematics, Science and other higher subjects, especially in secondary and tertiary level. Moreover, teaching the students good English empowers them to use the language effectively for real life purposes. Besides it helps them inacademics, the language prepares and equips them in the world of work and other social settings. It serves as a great asset why Filipinos are hired by foreign employers and why our country is chosen by foreign capitalists for their business investments.
The fact that English language plays an important role in our world today, everyone must strive to achieve the proficiency in the language at all times. Latest achievements should not be the reason to relax and quit improving ourselves. As early as in elementary level, stakeholders of the academe must join hands in making every Filipino adept of the language. Every teacher should continuously train herself so she can do well her responsibility of imparting the knowledge. On the other end, every student should help himself toabsorb and learn all the things taught to them. At the end of the day, all of us will realize English proficiency as our powerful weapon to meet the demands of time and gear up ourselves to be globally competitive Filipinos.
By: Judith J. Adrados | Tearcher III | Pilar Elementary School | Pilar Bataan
