The Philippines has demonstrated notable progress in English proficiency, climbing two spots to rank 20th among 113 countries in the 2023 English Proficiency Index (EPI) compiled by Education First (EF), a leading international education company. This upward trajectory reinforces the country's position as the second-highest-ranked nation in Asia for English proficiency, trailing only Singapore.
With an overall score of 578, the Philippines falls within the category of "high proficiency," indicating that Filipinos possess the requisite English skills to effectively navigate tasks such as delivering work presentations, comprehending TV shows, and deciphering newspaper articles. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the index's comprehensive assessment of 2.2 million English proficiency test takers aged 18 to 60 from around the globe.
Among Asian economies, the Philippines outperformed Malaysia (ranked 25th globally) and Hong Kong (29th globally), solidifying its status as a regional leader in English proficiency. This is further underscored by the Philippines' performance at the regional level, where the Cordillera Administrative Region emerged as the nation's most English-proficient region, boasting a score of 616. Davao, Eastern Visayas, the National Capital Region, and Central Visayas followed closely behind.
Urban centers also displayed impressive English proficiency levels. Baguio City topped the list of Philippine cities with a score of 618, followed by Dumaguete (617), Davao City (609), Dasmariñas City and San Jose del Monte City (both with a score of 606), and Bacolod City (605). These results highlight the significance of urban areas in driving the country's overall English proficiency.
Interestingly, individuals in the 26 to 30 age group demonstrated the highest levels of English proficiency among Filipino test takers, followed by those in the 31 to 40 age bracket. This finding suggests that younger generations are increasingly proficient in English, boding well for the country's future competitiveness in the globalized world.
The EF's Standard English Proficiency test, administered online to participants, evaluated three key language skills: reading, listening, and speaking. The Philippines' improved performance across these skill areas underscores the nation's commitment to enhancing English proficiency, a crucial factor in attracting foreign investment, fostering international collaboration, and expanding educational opportunities.
As the Philippines continues to elevate its English proficiency, it paves the way for greater economic prosperity, enhanced cultural exchange, and broader access to international knowledge and resources. These advancements position the country for continued success in the ever-evolving global landscape.
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