By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The People’s Republic of China is bent on improving its English proficiency level as it continues to invite English-trained professionals from the Philippines to share its expertise in China.
Through the newly-created Chinese Desk under the Office of the Ilocos Norte Governor, Mr. Kenny Lim has bared plans to bring interested English trainers from the province to teach Chinese learners in China.
Edwin Cariño, head of the Sustainable Development Center of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte confirmed this in preparation for the establishment of a language training center specializing in English education.
“This is another good news to all Ilocanos especially those who are seeking for employment opportunities abroad,” said Mr. Cariño as he cited Chinese nationals engaged in hotel and restaurant service need to improve their English language communication skills.
According to the 2017 English Proficiency Index of the Swedish education company Education First, English proficiency of people in 80 percent of China’s provinces and regions has improved following education reforms adopted by the government and the opening up of Chinese society.
For one, the English proficiency of people in Fujian province has risen steadily over the past few years and entered China’s top five for the first time.