How much does a Filipino candidate’s location affect their English skills? In the Philippines, where English is one of the official languages and a key medium of instruction in many schools, proficiency levels can still vary by region. English proficiency plays a vital role in communication, especially in business process outsourcing, finance, and remote work. While the National Capital Region remains a strong performer, recent data shows that regions like the Cordillera Administrative Region and Eastern Visayas outperform Metro Manila in standardized English proficiency assessments.
This article explores English proficiency by region in the Philippines and compares Metro Manila with provincial areas to help recruiters make more informed hiring decisions.
Why English Proficiency Matters for Remote Hiring in the Philippines
Hiring remote workers from the Philippines is a popular strategy for global businesses. The country has a large population of English-speaking Filipinos skilled in both written and spoken English. These Filipino professionals are a growing part of the global workforce, often using modern technology to support teams in customer service, IT, and finance. However, English proficiency levels aren’t equal across all regions, and assuming otherwise can lead to miscommunication or training delays.
In the 2020 EF English Proficiency Index, the Philippines ranked 27th out of 100 countries with a score of 562. It placed second in Asia, just behind Singapore. While the Philippines consistently ranked in the top 15 globally from 2016 to 2018, including 13th place in 2016, its global standing dropped to 27th in the EF EPI by 2020. Compared to top-ranking countries like the Netherlands and Austria, there remains significant potential for improvement.
English proficiency in the Philippines also differs across regions. Rather than relying on assumptions, it’s better to use reliable screening tools to evaluate each candidate’s skills. Many of these tools are free and offer a clearer picture of a person’s ability to communicate effectively before making a hiring decision.
What makes the Philippines a top English-speaking outsourcing destination?
English is one of the official languages of the Philippines and is used in schools, government, and business. Many Filipinos learn to speak English from a young age, which is why the country consistently ranks in the EF English Proficiency Index. Its workforce is considered reliable, affordable, and skilled, making it a top choice for outsourcing business processes.
How English ability affects communication, productivity, and training
Strong English skills allow remote teams to follow instructions, handle client calls, and complete tasks with minimal confusion. Misunderstandings caused by low proficiency can slow down projects or lead to mistakes. Hiring workers with high English proficiency ensures smoother onboarding, faster learning, and better long-term results.
How English Is Taught and Used in the Philippines
Most Filipino students are introduced to English early in life. It is taught in schools and reinforced through media, online platforms, and daily conversations. This exposure plays a significant role in shaping the English proficiency of a large portion of the population across different age groups.
A quick look at the Philippine education system
In the Philippines, English is introduced as a second language starting in Grade 1. By Grade 3, English becomes the official medium of instruction for key subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, as mandated in the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum. At the secondary level, public and private schools are required to use English as the primary medium of instruction for most learning areas, with at least 70% of total instructional time delivered in English.
Students are assessed regularly on their English skills, often using frameworks like the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) or similar local standards. Because learners come from different backgrounds and regions, the national policy aims to equip them with strong English skills to support further education or employment—both locally and in global markets such as the Middle East and other countries where high English proficiency is in demand.
Why Filipino professionals are often fluent in both spoken and written English
Filipinos use English language in emails, meetings, and digital platforms, which helps them build fluency in both written and spoken forms. Many adults gain real-world experience through jobs in customer service, IT, and other industries that require constant English use. English proficiency by region in the Philippines may vary, but professionals often boost their credentials by taking the EF Standard English Test to certify their level.
Regional Differences in English Proficiency
While English is spoken nationwide, proficiency levels vary from region to region. Factors such as school quality, internet access, and exposure to international work play a role in these differences.
How Metro Manila performs in English usage
The National Capital Region (NCR) remains a strong performer in English proficiency, but it does not top the national rankings. According to the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, regions like the Cordillera Administrative Region and Eastern Visayas scored higher than NCR. Manila-based professionals still benefit from better access to schools, internet infrastructure, and international work environments, which support their continued development of advanced English language skills.
What to expect from candidates in Cebu, Davao, and other cities
According to the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, Davao and Cebu rank among the top regions in the Philippines for English proficiency—Davao with a score of 606 and Cebu with 590, placing them above or near Metro Manila’s level. These cities have well-established BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industries and learning institutions where English plays a big role in education, especially in business and tech-related programs.
Cebu, in particular, is emerging as a key ESL (English as a Second Language) hub in the Philippines. A 2019 report by Manila Bulletin noted Cebu’s growing appeal to international students, especially from Korea and Japan, due to its immersive English training, affordable cost of living, and increasing number of ESL centers.
With a large population of trained professionals and English proficiency levels equivalent to major urban centers, candidates from Cebu, Davao, and similar cities are often well-prepared for roles in customer service, tech support, and remote operation, making them strong options for global employers.
What the data says about provincial areas (and how reliable it is)
Outside major cities, English proficiency levels vary; notably, the Cordillera Administrative Region and Eastern Visayas have higher scores than Metro Manila. Nonetheless, many Filipinos from various regions demonstrate strong English skills, especially those with international work experience or remote roles. It’s important to note that EF EPI data may not equally represent all areas, as participation rates can differ across regions.
Does Location Impact Communication Skills for Remote Teams?
English ability doesn’t always depend on geography. Many provincial workers across the Philippine workforce have strong communication skills, even if their accents or writing styles differ slightly from those of city-based peers. With proper screening, regional location becomes less important than actual skill.
Comparing formal fluency vs. conversational fluency
Some test takers show strong formal writing skills but struggle in live conversations. Others may speak clearly but rely on casual phrases or regional expressions. Understanding both types of fluency helps match candidates to roles that fit their strengths—whether in support, sales, or content creation.
Understanding regional accents and writing style differences
Accents in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can differ slightly, though most are easy to follow. Writing style also varies based on education, job history, and exposure to the English language. Candidates from regions with a strong education system often show better grammar and structure, contributing to a higher EPI score.
Are city-based workers always better communicators?
City-based workers are not always better communicators. Many professionals from rural areas have worked abroad in countries like Japan, Singapore, or Malaysia, where English is commonly used in the workplace. These international experiences often help them develop strong English skills and confidence, especially in remote or global-facing roles. In most cases, a candidate’s English proficiency score and real-world experience are better indicators of communication ability than location alone.
What Recruiters Should Know Before Hiring by Region
Hiring based on region can help with timezone alignment or language support, but it shouldn’t replace skill-based evaluation. There are strong candidates in urban and rural areas, and integrating screening tools is key to measuring real communication ability. Looking at English proficiency by region Philippines data helps set expectations, but individual assessments remain the best way to find the right talent.
Do you need Manila-based hires for client-facing roles?
Client-facing roles often require clear speaking skills and professional writing. Many Manila-based professionals have advanced English skills, especially those trained in BPO or finance. However, other regions may offer equally qualified candidates at a lower cost.
Can provincial hires meet your expectations with proper screening?
Effective screening can show that location is not a barrier to finding qualified candidates. With the proper methods in place, provincial workers can meet or even exceed expectations. Many Filipinos in rural areas demonstrate strong English proficiency, often developed through overseas work experience, international education, or regular engagement with English-language media.
What hiring data and client success stories show
Hiring data and industry statistics show that English-speaking Filipinos from various regions perform well in roles such as customer service, tech support, and writing. Candidates from areas with very high English proficiency often bring added confidence and clarity to client-facing work. Recruiters note that with the right hiring strategies, location matters less than communication skills, attitude, and the ability to enhance performance through training and support.
How to Assess English Proficiency Accurately During Hiring
English proficiency is best measured through structured testing and real-world communication samples. This avoids guesswork and ensures that new hires can communicate clearly.
Sample questions and screening methods
Testing for English proficiency should go beyond grammar quizzes. Use practical tools and questions that reflect how candidates will communicate on the job:
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- Use CEFR-aligned tests – Assess reading, writing, and listening with tools that follow international standards like the EF Standard English Test.
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- Ask scenario-based questions – “How would you explain a billing issue to a confused customer?” checks clarity and tone.
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- Test summarizing skills – Provide a short article or task description and ask for a summary in their own words.
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- Include role-specific prompts – For tech roles, ask: “Explain how you would guide someone to reset a password.”
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- Use chat simulations – Simulate a live customer support conversation to evaluate grammar, structure, and speed.
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- Give short writing tasks – Ask them to write an email response, internal update, or product explanation to check tone and flow.
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- Gauge listening and comprehension – Play a short video or audio and ask questions to confirm they understood the key points.
When to request a video or written sample
Ask for a short video response or a written sample to see how candidates speak and write. For example, ask them to explain a process, summarize a document, or answer a mock customer inquiry. This helps assess tone, grammar, and clarity.
Mistakes to avoid when judging communication skills
Some hiring teams make quick decisions based on surface-level impressions. To find the best English-speaking Filipinos, avoid these common mistakes:
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- Focusing only on accent – A strong accent doesn’t mean low proficiency. Many candidates with regional accents have advanced English skills.
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- Judging based on speaking speed – Speaking slowly may reflect caution or thoughtfulness, not poor communication.
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- Ignoring written ability – Strong writing is just as important as speaking, especially for remote jobs that rely on chat or email.
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- Assuming city hires are always better – Workers from rural areas or overseas often have excellent communication skills and real-world experience.
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- Skipping real-world tests – Relying only on interviews without a writing or video sample can miss red flags or strengths.
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- Confusing vocabulary with clarity – Using big words doesn’t always mean better English. Focus on how well they organize and explain their thoughts.
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- Overvaluing grammar perfection – Good communication is about being clear and professional, not sounding like a textbook.
Metro Manila vs Provinces for English-Speaking Talent
Both Metro Manila and provincial regions in the Philippines offer valuable English-speaking talent, but each comes with its strengths. Manila-based professionals often show high proficiency levels due to access to top schools, faster internet, and international job exposure. On the other hand, cities like Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo produce highly skilled candidates with strong English skills, especially in BPO and tech roles. Provincial hires may offer cost advantages and strong work ethics, especially with proper screening and training. Choosing between regions should depend on the role’s communication needs, your budget, and your ability to support training and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English proficiency level in the Philippines?
According to the 2024 English Proficiency Index (EPI) by Education First, the Philippines ranks 22nd globally with a “high proficiency” score of 570 in the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index.
Which region in the Philippines has the highest English proficiency?
Based on the English Proficiency Index (EPI) results, the Cordillera Administrative Region leads with a score of 616, followed by Davao (606) and Eastern Visayas (596).
Is English widely spoken in the Philippines?
According to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, about 55% of Filipino adults can speak English, while around 80% can understand it.
How does the Philippines compare to other Asian countries in English proficiency?
According to the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, the Philippines ranks second in Asia, just behind Singapore, in the EF English Proficiency Index.
Why is English proficiency important for hiring in the Philippines?
High English proficiency ensures effective communication, especially in sectors like BPO and remote work.
References
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- Baron, G., & Tiangco, M. K. (2019, August 1). Cebu poised to become ESL hub in PH. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2019/08/01/cebu-poised-to-become-esl-hub-in-ph/
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- Cervantes, F. M. (2023, August 16). SWS: 47% of Filipinos ‘competent’ with English language. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1207936
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- Department of Education (DepEd). (2006, August 22). DO 36, s. 2006 – Implementing rules and regulations on Executive Order No. 210 (Establishing the policy to strengthen the use of the English language as a medium of instruction in the educational system). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2006/08/22/do-36-s-2006-implementing-rules-and-regulations-on-executive-order-no-210-establishing-the-policy-to-strengthen-the-use-of-the-english-language-as-a-medium-of-instruction-in-the-educational-syst/
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- Education First. (2023). EF EPI fact sheet – Philippines (English). https://www.ef.com/assetscdn/WIBIwq6RdJvcD9bc8RMd/cefcom-epi-site/fact-sheets/2023/ef-epi-fact-sheet-philippines-english.pdf
