Gov't aims to promote Phl as ESL destination

CEBU, Philippines - Apart from promoting the country as a tourist destination, government officials eye Philippines, particularly Cebu, as an ideal learning hub for English as a Second Language.

During the inauguration of the brand new, expanded office of the Quick and Quality English Tutorial School in Skyrise 4 at Cebu IT Park, Department of Tourism Regional Director Rowena Montecillo revealed that Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young is working with her department on a partnership in selling Cebu as an ESL destination.

Acknowledging the fluency of Filipinos in speaking the English language, she admitted though that there are no accurate data or specific records as to how many ESL schools have already been established in the country. 

She then added that DOT-7 is employing new marketing strategies in promoting more fun in the Philippines and more fun in Cebu.

“DOT will not just settle for Philippines as a place to see but a place to be. We have to sell Philippines as an ideal destination,” she stated.

With 12 million Overseas Filipino Workers, 27 million Facebook users and 10 million Filipinos who have Twitter accounts, she further encouraged Filipinos to persuade more people to visit the country since tourism is the country’s business of all people as it provides employment and other opportunities.

She also noted that Filipinos with an overwhelming love for the country should be proud since the Philippines has been gifted with rich resources in communication, food, facilities, recreation, enjoyment, out-of-town adventures and culture.

“Everything’s already here. We have to work on what we have. Nganong di man nato i-promote nga naa na man tanan? Promotion na lang kuwang,” (“Why won’t we promote everything that’s already provided to us? What we lack is promotion,”) Montecillo said.

Meanwhile, Japanese Consul to CebuYoshiaki Hata said that ESL training helps promote culture exchange between Cebu and Japan, looking forward to a growing number of Japanese students to learn English in Cebu.

However, he then called for the government’s accountability to assure the safety of the Japanese students in their stay in the Philippines.

Montecillo, on the other hand, responded that they would take care of the well-being of the foreign visitors.  (FREEMAN)