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‘English-only policy’ of a university in Laguna draws criticism

The University of Cabuyao in Laguna province drew wary eyes with a recent Facebook post about its ‘English Only Policy’ (EOP), which started on February 3. The university claimed that such a policy would potentially “uphold academic excellence and global competitiveness.”

The university called for strict compliance from its faculties, students, and personnel, and English will be the sole medium of communication involving transactions and engagements within the university. They sought that everyone should support their campaign for EOP as they “strive to produce globally competent graduates.”

‘English Only Policy’ of a university in Laguna receives criticisms
via Facebook

However, despite the university’s optimism toward EOP, social media users have shared critical sentiments in the comment section. They denounced the “Jurassic mindset” or the backward mindset behind the policy, owing to the fact that language is not a determining factor for one’s intelligence or level of competitiveness.

comments to english only policy

One social media user even cited the Philippine Constitution Article XIV Section 6 and 7 which tackled the importance of Filipino as a national language. In line with this, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts also stated, “The Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.”

comments to english only policy

Furthermore, social media users observed that EOP has a tendency to propagate a neocolonial mindset as well as inferiority toward the Filipino language. They also compared the situation to neighboring Asian countries that are not as fluent in the English language but have remained competitive on a global scale.

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao described themselves as “one of the leading local colleges and universities in the Philippines.” However, due to the amount of backlash they received online, they might have threaded a complicated line as they might have fallen short in fostering Filipino identity toward its students and personnel.

Many social media users also echoed that academic excellence does not necessarily stem from the use of a foreign language. Rather, quality education is what truly guarantees student success and competitiveness within and beyond the professional setting.

 

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