'English Only Policy' at the University of Cabuyao draws mixed reactions
The University of Cabuyao in Laguna has recently sparked mixed online reactions from students and the broader academic community, after implementing an "English Only Policy."
The university announced the implementation on Monday, Feb. 3 saying that the new policy aims to "uphold academic excellence and global competitiveness."
In this policy, "all official transactions, classes, and interactions within the university must be conducted exclusively in English, both in written and spoken communication."
"This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and all university personnel to cultivate a strong English-speaking environment," the academic institution mandated.
It added, "We encourage everyone to fully support this initiative as we strive to produce globally competent graduates."
The new policy was signed by Librado DG. Dimaunahan, the officer-in-charge of the campus.

'Kapag nasa abroad ka walang English carabao'
In a Facebook live during the campus' morning program, Mayor Dennis Felipe Hain supported the policy and stressed the importance of speaking in English.
"Alam mo kapag nasa abroad ka, walang English carabao, kapag hindi ka marunong mag-English hindi kayo magkakaintindihan. Kaya mas magaling ako mag-English kapag nasa abroad," the mayor said.
He continued, "Pero mapapalimit ang pagpunta ko dito kasi gusto kong praktisin ang English skills ko, at ganun din sana kayo."
Social media users react
The post, which, as of this writing, has gained more than 41,000 reactions and 14,000 shares, has drawn mixed reactions from online users.
For some, the policy has been received as a welcome step forward. They argue that it's necessary to make students more competitive, particularly in a world where English is often viewed as an essential skill in both education and the workforce.
"It's time to bring back English proficiency programs (EOPs) in schools. Many young Filipinos today struggle even to form or understand basic English sentences. They find it challenging to provide clear and grammatically correct answers to simple questions. While accent isn't an issue, it's concerning that we're falling behind other Asian countries in English competency. This decline jeopardizes our competitive edge among our Asian counterparts," one user said.
"Congratulations [on] this initiative. English is a global language for business and commerce," another user commented.
However, the policy has not been without its critics. Many users have also raised concerns about the potential negative impact on students who are not as fluent in English while amplifying that mastery of a specific language is not a requirement for developing world-class students.
"Isn't this perspective a reflection of a colonized mindset? Proficiency in a particular language is not a prerequisite for cultivating world-class students. Take Japan, for example, where excellence in education is achieved without prioritizing fluency in a foreign language," a user wrote in the comment section.
"I used to be an advocate of this policy but my exposure to different nationalities has changed my perspective. If I were to be blunt and honest, English lang talaga ang lamang natin sa ibang Asians. Other Asians are way smarter, more skilled, and more world-class by any measure," another one said.
Meanwhile, another user countered that English fluency doesn't necessarily translate to competence, arguing that such mindset is outdated.
Others advised possible ways to achieve globally competitive students rather than imposing EOP. "A good command of any language doesn't make your students or your institution competitive. What will make them competitive and great is by investing in them by training your students to be good in the program you're offering. Give them a robust curriculum, and hire and train your faculty staff and extend to them access and tools to become better educators."
"If you want a globally competitive and world-class curriculum, teach your students how to think for themselves. Teach them how to stand up for what is right while being vigilant on facts," another advised.
"To uphold academic excellence and global competitiveness, a school must have an effective system that caters the needs of every student:
And that is to be inclusive regardless of what city they're from, whether they're from private schools or not," one more user said.
The Philippines has been following the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE) since 2009. The MTBMLE, introduced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is the official term wherein educators and students alike use their mother tongue and additional languages, such as English, in the classroom.
Under the MTBMLE, students in Grades 1, 2, and 3 are taught through their mother language. When they reach Grade 4, English then becomes the primary medium of instruction in academic discourse.
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to the University of Cabuyao for comment but has yet to receive a reply.