DOT 7 to host first ESL national confab in July

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) will play host to the first ESL (English as Second Language) National Convention in Cebu this coming July, boosting the high potential of this industry to rake in more tourism receipts.

In an interview yesterday, DOT-7 regional director Shalimar O. Tamano said that Cebu has to lead in organizing this fast growing sub-sector in tourism the “education tourism” through the ESL edge, and holding the convention will quantify the number of legitimate players, their concerns, so that the government will be able to assist them properly.

Roughly, there are about 100 ESL online and offline schools operating in Cebu, making the province the capital for ESL in the country.

“We want to gather them (ESL school operators) all to create a community,” Tamano said explaining that creating an ESL organization would provide access for government to properly assist the industry.

Aside from the usual Korean and Japanese ESL markets, Cebu is also gaining popularity among Taiwanese, as a preferred ESL destination.

What is noteworthy about promoting ESL, he said is these students who stay from one week to three months spend not only for tuition but also for sightseeing, and shopping, among others.

In fact, DOT discovered that most ESL schools in Cebu have their own facilities for leisure activities for their students, like installing swimming pools in the school, pumpboats, and others.

ESL schools have to be licensed by TESDA, accredited by DOT, and students should have special student permits (SSP) issued by Bureau of Immigration.

At present, DOT is still conducting a survey to quantify the number of ESL students in Cebu. “This is still a new industry.” Tamano added.