The Language Learning Crisis in the Philippines

Understanding the Language Challenge in the Philippines

By Cliff Potts, WPS.News

Date: March 11, 2026

Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines – The Philippines is a country with a lot of different languages. Estimates say there are between 120 to 195 languages spoken across its 7,641 islands. But many people wonder why so many Filipinos have trouble speaking English, even though they learn it in school from a young age. The reasons for this problem involve culture, money, and how schools teach languages.

In the Philippines, English and Tagalog (also called Filipino) are the official languages. However, many families use Tagalog at home. Census data shows that almost 40% of households speak Tagalog, while about 16% use Cebuano. Even though English is taught in schools, many students don’t use it outside of class, which makes it hard for them to become fluent.

Experts say that practicing a language is very important. Many Filipinos talk mostly in their local languages every day, which means they don’t get much chance to speak English outside of school. People living in rural areas might also have fewer opportunities to learn English from good teachers, making it even harder for them. Schools often focus on grammar and writing, rather than on speaking and listening.

Dr. Maria Santos, a language expert, explains, “The way we teach English in schools doesn’t help students practice speaking. They might know the rules but not how to use the language in real life.”

Culture also affects language use. Many Filipinos feel very connected to their own languages and don’t see the need to learn English as much. They often prefer to speak in their native languages, which they see as part of their identity.

A recent study found that not having regular chances to speak English hinders many people from improving their skills. Additionally, learning the local language is important for building friendships and understanding one another in the community. It’s not rude to ask why some people struggle with English; it’s actually important to understand this issue. Not being fluent in English can hurt individuals and their communities, making it harder to connect with the world.

“To become better at English, we need to find ways for people to use it in their everyday lives,” Dr. Santos says. “Creating activities where people can practice speaking English together could really help.”

As the Philippines works on improving its language education, schools and leaders must create a better balance between teaching English and encouraging local languages. Finding ways to help people use English more often could not only improve their skills but also prepare future generations to succeed in a global world.

The Philippines is at an important point. It needs to value all its languages while also making sure that everyone has the chance to learn and use English, turning it into a useful tool for opportunity.