“We need not strive to master American English. What truly matters is our grasp and command of Philippine English—a valid, accepted, and professional form of English.”

In his opening address at the Seminar on Philippine English in Academia held at BiPSU Gymnasium today, July 31, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. welcomed around 300 participants, including BiPSU faculty from both Naval and Biliran campuses and the resource person, Dr. Shirley Dita from De La Salle University, whom he honored as the Mother of Modern Philippine Linguistics.

Dr. Cañezo emphasized the importance of English proficiency in teaching, noting it as the primary means of communication in classrooms. However, he urged educators not to aim for mastery of American English but to focus on Philippine English.

“This event is a vital part of our ongoing capacity-building series on faculty empowerment, designed to better equip us for the Academic Year 2024-2025, which was rolled out just last week,” he added.

Dr. Cañezo underscored the significance of this seminar as part of the university’s faculty empowerment series, designed to prepare educators for the upcoming academic year. He noted that while recent training sessions focused on new modes of delivery, this seminar would address the crucial yet often overlooked role of the medium of instruction—English.

“Dr. Dita, we are truly grateful for your time and expertise. Your insights will undoubtedly enrich our understanding and appreciation of Philippine English. Your work in this field is inspiring, and we look forward to learning from you today,” he emphasized.

Expressing gratitude to Dr. Shirley Dita, Dr. Cañezo acknowledged her contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Philippine English, noting that her expertise would enhance the seminar’s impact.

“The landscape of education and language is ever-evolving, and it is imperative that we engage in activities that allow us to reskill, upskill, and refine our abilities,” he added.

He also shared his personal connection as an English major and underscored the need for continuous skill development to meet the evolving demands of education and language.

“This seminar is an opportunity for us to unlearn outdated practices, learn new strategies, and relearn essential skills. This process of unlearning, learning, and relearning is a hallmark of a good 21st-century teacher,” he exclaimed.

Dr. Cañezo described the seminar as a chance to “unlearn outdated practices, learn new strategies, and relearn essential skills,” vital for modern educators. He urged participants to commit to professional growth and excellence, which is crucial for delivering high-quality education to students.

He concluded by encouraging attendees to engage with open minds, emphasizing that each participant has valuable insights to contribute.

“Together, we can enhance our proficiency in Philippine English and continue to deliver quality education to our students, our BiPSUnistas,” he concluded.