English might be the 2nd language in the Philippines but this is deemed as one of the most formidable languages in the world. The language is used as a business medium and faculty medium and seems more effective each day – with the evolution of technology.
Currently, the country is sitting at the 15th spot regarded with High Proficiency at the 2017 score rankings across 80 countries in the world. This only testifies that eloquence of the said language still matters as communication is still regarded as one of the best tools in the corporate world or whatever industry a Filipino chooses after getting a college degree.
As teachers, we should not overlook on how important it is to educate the students the importance of the language and how to utilize it in conversing with others. The education sector should always be reminded that the goal is to prepare their readiness in facing the so-called outside world with the advantage of communication skills and strategies.
According to a research from tourism department of the country, there is at least 93.5% English speakers in the country only to show that almost, if not everyone, can speak English fluently among Filipinos. This is an advantage as well since the education is affordable in the country and opens a lot up of opportunities here and dominantly abroad.
Meanwhile, citing the importance of the language through the following:
- Most of the readings/signages available everywhere are in English like the broadsheets and glossy magazines and even online materials. While is it true that with emergence of new media, people tend to forget the print medium, all the materials stated earlier are available everywhere locally and internationally. Knowing how to read and speak what you read makes it easier to connect.
- Majority of the courses taught in college are in English hence the mastery of the language is effortlessly an advantage. Comprehension should always be there, as well, since understanding the language is not an assurance of passing mark.
- A good command of the language propels you to a good state in the workforce. If you a person plans to work in a global company, this will be a springboard to keep a person going because a company which is multi-race in nature requires average to superior communication skills. It will also project you to be a credible speaker if you know how to communicate.
- Access to information will also be simple for a person who know the English language wholly as most of the available readings in the Internet is in the said language.
- The language has also been a steady source of income from tourists coming to the country to study “English as a Second Language” program. This has been proven with the flock of foreigners coming to study.
These are just some of the importance of the language which somehow, we tend to neglect because people just see the course in the secondary education easy to pass once you know how to identify correct subject and verb agreement. However, the language is more than passing your grades but preparing you to be a reliable professional. Citing the importance above should remind us that this is not just a language of rules and memorization but also one of our arsenals to attain success.
Truth and exciting part of this is that we can always see value and the status of this to a person if and only one realizes how the language provides impact to someone’s career and future.
By: Lira Bantay | Teacher I |BNHS |Balanga, Bataan
