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Chinese Likely to be Optional Language Subject in Colleges in Philippines
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has announced the possible inclusion of the Chinese language as an optional foreign language subject in colleges and universities in the country.
Making her speech Friday during a dinner commemorating in advance the 103rd anniversary of the Philippine Independence, Arroyo said the Commission on Higher Education must make it a policy to expand in all colleges the awareness of "new Filipinos" in foreign language education such as Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese and many others, a Presidential Palace press release said Saturday.
Arroyo urged the country to emulate national hero Jose Rizal and make him a role model, one who knew how to write and speak in Spanish, English French and German.
"In our Constitution, it is written that Spanish and Arabic languages should be taught as optional languages in college. It is also proper to teach Chinese language, especially Mandarin, in schools," Arroyo told some 1,800 members of the Filipino-Chinese community who attended the gathering.
Arroyo explained that due to globalization, there is a need for experts in languages who can communicate with other governments, businessmen and investors, adding that many doors could be open up by knowing how to speak different languages.
Various commemorative activities will be held on the coming Tuesday, the Independence Day.
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