EDITORIAL - Regaining an advantage

MANILA, Philippines - Here’s one more reason for stopping the deterioration of Filipinos’ English proficiency. Studies show that 75 percent of employers in this country reject job applicants with a poor command of English. This is according to JobStreet, one of the country’s top job search sites. Studies also show that 97 percent of employers believe applicants who are proficient in English are more productive.

JobStreet has launched an English Language Assessment program to determine jobseekers’ English proficiency. It takes about 20 minutes to respond to 40 questions on English grammar, vocabulary, conversation and comprehension. JobStreet said 86 percent of employers said the test helped them shortlist job applicants.

Employers have expressed concern that text messages, social networking sites and the “jejemon” culture have aggravated the deterioration of Filipinos’ English proficiency. But blame cannot be heaped entirely on these new ways of communication. Developing English proficiency should start at childhood, when the young mind is most receptive to the introduction of a foreign language even as the child starts basic education in the native tongue. But over the years, teaching of English has deteriorated across all education levels, with teachers themselves suffering from a poor command of the language.

Proficiency in one’s first language must be given priority particularly in basic education. In his first month in office, President Aquino has done much to promote the national language by delivering his major speeches in Filipino. But proficiency in the language of the Information Age cannot be neglected. English proficiency has long been an edge enjoyed by Filipino jobseekers in both the domestic and global employment market. That edge has slipped over the years, not just because other countries have rushed to catch up but also because Filipinos have become complacent and are rapidly losing that advantage.

It is not too late to reverse the slide. Forget trying to edit text and social networking messages or eradicating jejemon. What the country needs is a pool of qualified teachers who will see to it that the nation’s workforce is equipped with the required language proficiency, starting in basic education. The government can invest in information and communication technology for use in English instruction. Effective communication in the language that is understood worldwide is crucial for competing in a globalized environment. The country can still regain its advantage.