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Public university in hot water over English-only policy

A government-run university in Cabuyao, Laguna is under fire for its language policy that requires everyone who steps on campus to communicate exclusively in English in the name of producing “globally competent” graduates, writes Neil Jayson Servallos for The Philippine Star.

Starting on Monday 3 February, the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PNC) enforced its “English only” policy, which mandates all transactions, classes and interactions on campus to be “conducted exclusively in English, both in written and spoken communication”. PNC said the policy covers students, faculty, staff and other university personnel “to cultivate a strong English-speaking environment.”

The measure was met with mixed reactions, with some criticising the policy due to its counter-productivity and the “unnecessary” restrictions it places on members of the university’s community.

Many academics and scholars have also stressed the importance of using the mother tongue in education and how the policy undermines cultural identity.
Full report on the Philstar site