Teaching English in the Philippines

English in the Philippines

Official language: English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, along with Filipino.
Usage: English is widely used in government, business, media, and education.
Home use: Most Filipinos speak Filipino or a local language at home. English is mainly used in schools, government, and formal settings.
Percentage of speakers: About 58–60% of the population can speak English fluently or understand it well.
Transactions and communication: English is commonly used in business transactions, banking, official documents, and higher education.

The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking nations in Asia. With English as one of its official languages, it is used in government, business, media, and education. For teachers, the Philippines offers a unique environment. English serves as both a subject and a tool for learning across all academic levels.

Preschool: Building the Foundation

In preschool, children are first introduced to English through songs, rhymes, games, and storytelling. The focus is on listening and speaking. Teachers often blend English with Filipino to make sure children understand while still developing early vocabulary. Activities like singing the alphabet, naming objects, and reciting short poems help lay the groundwork for future fluency.

Elementary School: Developing Basic Skills

At the elementary level in the Philippines, English is a core subject. Students develop all skills like reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Storybooks, simple essays, and short plays are common tools. Teachers also begin introducing students to critical thinking in English. They teach students to summarize a text. They guide them to answer comprehension questions. Students also write their own short paragraphs. The challenge at this stage is making sure students balance fluency with accuracy.

High School: Mastering Academic English 

In high school, English is not only a subject but also the medium of instruction for science, history, and math. Students are expected to write essays, reports, and research papers. They also explore world literature in English, which helps broaden cultural awareness. Teachers focus on developing argumentation, public speaking, and academic writing skills to prepare students for college and professional life. 
 

College: English as a Professional Tool 

At the college level, English becomes a professional skill. Students write research papers, give presentations, and engage in debates. Universities in the Philippines often require courses in English Communication, Technical Writing, and Research Methods. For many, English proficiency is directly linked to future career opportunities. This is especially true in business process outsourcing (BPO), tourism, law, and education.

MA and PhD: Advanced Research and Teaching

At the graduate and doctoral levels, English is the language of research. Students write theses and dissertations, present at conferences, and publish in academic journals. For those studying English Language Teaching (ELT), Linguistics, or Literature, English is not only the subject. It is also the medium of scholarly exchange. Many Filipino scholars publish internationally, contributing to global research on second language learning.

Why Teaching English in the Philippines Matters

Teaching English in the Philippines goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. It empowers students to gain confidence, access opportunities, and connect with the world. From a preschooler singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to a PhD candidate defending a dissertation, English is woven into every stage of learning. It is not just a subject but a language that shapes both education and identity in the Philippines.