Manila, Philippines — English assessment remains crucial for measuring proficiency. However, as global competition for talent intensifies and with artificial intelligence reshaping the workplace, the Philippines must also focus on something that no test score alone can capture: the confidence, adaptability, and real-world communication skills that enable Filipinos to apply English effectively in education, employment, and cross-border careers.
On 30 July, the British Council, together with partners from the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) and Visa Solutions Healthcare (VSH), convened "Next Chapter: Making English Work for Every Filipino." The forum brought together leaders from government, education, and industry to address a critical question: how can the Philippines better prepare learners and workers to access overseas employment, international education, and careers in globally connected industries?
The discussion comes at a time when AI is rapidly changing the nature of work. While technology can process information and automate technical tasks, human communication remains irreplaceable in fields such as healthcare, education, business, and diplomacy. "AI can analyse, interpret and summarise data and information in a patient’s chart. However, the care, compassion and empathy in communicating this information cannot be done by AI. This is what nursing is about. This is why we have nurses still doing this job," said Frederick Sampang, Director of International Healthcare at Visa Solutions Healthcare.
For Mike Cabigon, British Council Philippines' Head of Market for English and Exams, English readiness is measured not only by assessment results but by how confidently people communicate in real-life situations. "It shows up in the workplace, the classroom, and every border Filipinos try to cross," he said. Cabigon noted that growing demand for English-proficient talent in international education and overseas employment presents significant opportunities for Filipinos. He added that, through English assessment, learning, and partnerships across sectors, the British Council has long supported Filipinos in translating language skills into global opportunities.
The forum explored three key opportunity pathways: overseas employment, international study, and careers in globally connected industries at home. Atty. Yla Paras, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Local Prize winner, illustrated the impact. Her IELTS achievement opened the door to a master's degree at the London School of Economics, which catalysed a career transition from law into international policy and climate governance, work that she now pursues in the Philippines.
Across these pathways, global employers prioritise communication skills alongside technical and vocational expertise when placing Filipino workers abroad. While Philippine talent is widely recognised for technical capability, a confidence gap in spoken English often limits long-term career advancement.
Higher education institutions are already responding to this challenge. Dr. Ferdinand Somido, Commissioner at PACUCOA, acknowledged that Filipino students continue to lag in reading, writing, and communication skills, according to national and global assessments. "We've long assessed English through written exams. What we're strengthening now is how well that translates into real communication," he said.
He pointed to PACUCOA's recognition of the British Council's Aptis test as valid proof of English proficiency, part of updated accreditation criteria for higher education institutions starting August 2026. The test assesses listening, reading, speaking, and writing alongside grammar and vocabulary, and is used by governments and institutions in over 85 countries. Under the new standards, students must reach at least a B1 (intermediate) level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while teachers must demonstrate C1 (advanced) proficiency, aimed at closing graduates' communication gaps and strengthening their employability.
Closing readiness gaps, participants agreed, requires coordinated action across three constituencies. Employers must communicate what readiness looks like in their sectors. Education institutions must build curricula and assessments that foster real-world application, not test-taking alone. Government bodies must set standards that align these efforts.
The British Council said it will continue working with PACUCOA, employers, and industry partners to translate the forum's discussions into practical support, from classroom resources to workplace-ready English programs, as more Filipinos pursue opportunities across borders and industries. This commitment reflects the organisation's broader mission to strengthen international connections and create opportunities for people to communicate, collaborate, and compete effectively across borders.