The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on the "English as Second Language" Program (ESL), which aims to make the Philippines not only a tourist destination but also a destination for learning the English language.
DFA Acting Secretary Jose Brillantes said the ESL Program aims to increase tourist arrivals in the Philippines by offering to foreigners not only a tour of the Philippines but also an English proficiency program.
Brillantes said the government wants to capitalize on the relatively low cost of English education in the Philippines and is eyeing the ESL markets of Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
Tourism Undersecretary Evelyn Pantig announced that the government has developed ESL Tours combining English language courses with holiday and vacation activities.
Pantig said the ESL Tours will give student visitors the opportunities for cultural immersion which will enhance their appreciation and understanding of the Filipino culture, and improve their English communication skills.
She said the Philippines has an advantage over other countries as a destination for visitors wanting to study the English language since 93.5 percent of Filipinos are fluent in English.
"Ideally the cost of the ESL Holiday Tour Package should be inclusive of airfare and inland transportation, accommodation and meals, the English courses, at least one excursion or out of town trip, and a cultural immersion activity,’’ Pantig said.
