Filipino students improve English skills

(MENAFN- Arab News) Philippine schools in the Saudi capital observed English Month in September to improve their students speaking and writing skills. "Schools observe English language month in the Kingdom as per the requirements of the Department of Education in the Philippines, to improve the knowledge of students when it comes to speaking English properly," Perlita F. Ponciano, principal of Al-Taj International School (ATIS), told Arab News. During the month-long event, schools organized various activities including poem recitations, speech choirs, monologues, simulated conversations, declamations and orations. The activities of English month are identical to that of Filipino Language Month. Some schools celebrated the event by organizing programs and contests that tested the English knowledge of Filipino students including ATIS with their "Elocution Fest 2013: Echoing the rhapsody of words with eloquence." According to Ponciano, the event gave students "an avenue to show their English prowess." She said it was important to do so because English, as a universal language, could be a "powerful tool" for students entering the world. Parents and delegates attended the two-day ATIS celebration and served as panelists for the contest. There were also English teachers from other schools present. "We invited guests from other Philippine schools in Riyadh to show that we have good relations with them and demonstrate how Philippine schools in the Saudi capital are united when it comes to producing globally competitive students through the English language," Ponciano said. Parents who attended the event told Arab News they were proud of their children and approve of the strict English teaching methods. "Events like these greatly motivates our child and in a way trains him to become an effective member of society," Romel Villanueva, one of the parents who attended the event, said. Riza Turaray, class adviser of the champions in the poem recitation section, said celebrating the month improved her students speaking skills and other life values such as cooperation and patience.