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MANILA, Philippines—The Embassy of France is planning to expand its language program in the Philippines to help open more opportunities for Filipinos in the French-speaking world.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon says the embassy is discussing with the Department of Education the possible expansion of the French language program in public high schools. The program was launched in 2012 through a memorandum of agreement between the two.
At present, French is offered as a language course at 12 public science high schools across the country, all chosen for the pilot project as their students “have undergone and passed a stringent selection process for admission.”
Under the program, some 1,500 students every year are taught basic French by teachers who have experienced intensive language immersion in France for one to two months through an embassy grant.
Garachon says learning the French language is “a great opportunity to increase assets” and tap opportunities in culture, politics and economics.
He says French language training can better prepare the Philippine work force for increasing tourism and investor interest from French-speaking nations.