On the recently concluded Philippine Education Tourism Conference 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) emphasized its goal to further promote English as a Second Language (ESL) learning to the world. The ESL industry has been seen as the Philippines’ key tourism product. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of students yearly.
The Philippines is one of the most preferred destinations for English learning, the 5th in the world and the 1st in Asia. It has followed after the UK, the US, Canada, and New Zealand.
The Philippines has its advantages as a learning destination; the warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos, the natural resources for combined learning and vacation, the English environment, and most of all, the passion of the Filipinos to teach.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat mentioned the challenges the industry is facing nowadays which forced ESL teaching providers to the digital form but face-to-face classes remain unparalleled.
There may have been challenges to face because of the pandemic, but the industry aims to come back with renewed vigor. The ESL industry will continue to unravel opportunities and emphasize the advantages of learning in the Philippines.
There are pent-up emotions among the students to study, to learn and immerse with the culture, and to travel. These are great motivations to continue to improve in different areas as we wait for the borders to open.
As one of the presenters said, “We are alive. We are ready. We are waiting for you.”
