“Graduates leave our universities with diplomas, yet too many cannot find work. Employers search for talent, yet industries remain understaffed. While the world moves forward, our curricula too often lag behind, leaving our students unprepared,” Agrupis said.

To address this gap, she proposed the implementation of a micro-credential program in purposive communication, aimed at strengthening Filipinos’ English proficiency and boosting their confidence in using the language.

She emphasized that being skilled in English does not only help Filipinos excel in their respective fields but also enhances their global competitiveness, with English remaining the most widely used language worldwide.

According to the 2024 Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), the Philippines ranked 22nd out of 116 countries in English proficiency, making it the second highest in Asia after Singapore.