Many Chinese parents send their kids to English training schools. (Photo : Getty Images)
Sixto Julio Piso is a 33-year-old Filipino who teaches English in Beijing. He knew about the loosening of requirements for Filipinos to work in China as teachers.
He said, "I saw on social media that the Chinese government is considering adding the Philippines to the list of native English speaking countries for English teachers. If it comes true, it is really good news for us."
Although it is unknown when the policy will be implemented, an officer of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs said that restrictions on Filipino teachers will be loosened.
Noli Castillano Apachicha has been teaching in Beijing for nine years. He currently works at RISE English, a language training school.
He said that most parents would want Chinese teachers but once they see that Filipinos are good at English, they are willing to adjust.
"Some parents are very particular about natives, and we are not given a chance to showcase our teaching capabilities. But after we are given a chance to teach, some Chinese parents realize that Filipino teachers are also good," said Apachicha.
Many Filipinos can speak with an American accent, or can easily learn how to get the accent because Filipino culture is heavily influenced by Americans.
"Young Filipinos have a strong American background, and they can easily get an American accent without many difficulties in speaking. They are born to be good speakers," he said.
Even in the Philippines, a Chinese English teaching company is hiring 2,000 Filipino English teachers for students in China.
Sue Ting, the founder of 51Talk, said that 8,000 of teachers for her online learning platform are Filipinos.
