ESL sector cited for role in tourism development

CEBU, Philippines —  Department of Secretary Christina Frasco yesterday emphasized the important role the country's "English as a Second Language" (ESL) sector plays in further developing the country's tourism industry.

Speaking before Cebu ESL sector stakeholders, she said they are a part of the Philippines' tourism endeavor, which was why she met them as she continues her "listening tour" all over the country.

“Because we view you as our partners, as being part of the family of tourism stakeholders.... And of course, ESL is not just an English as a second language, but also a tourism endeavor,” Frasco said.

She cited Austria-based research market specialist Bonard, which said in 2019 that the Philippines is the fifth largest ESL provider in the world.

The country’s current ESL source markets include South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and emerging markets Vietnam, Mongolia, and Russia.

Among those she consulted with yesterday were Cebu-based South Koreans, Vietnamese, and Filipino ESL trainers and executives from various educational institutions.

“Our intention is to listen [and] to understand what are the prevailing challenges that your institutions face, and to explore how the government, from the national and regional levels, may be able to present interventions so that the industry can grow even further,” Frasco told them.

She expected valuable insights and suggestions during the meeting to further improve ESL offerings in the country.

She also shared to them President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s vision for the Philippines as it gears towards post-pandemic recovery

"President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has been very clear in his intention to ensure that the Philippines, which like many countries all over the world, suffered greatly from the pandemic, would not just recover what has been lost, but rather to transcend the times, the demand, and the need for recovery,” Frasco said. (CEBU NEWS)