To speak English, maybe in London

KRIPOTKIN By Alfred A. Yuson
The Philippine STAR 04/09/2007

The English Speaking Union-Philippines chapter has selected two student representatives for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition to be held in London from May 14 to 17.

Coordinated by the UP Debate Society last Saturday at UP Diliman, in conjunction with the annual Philippine Intercollegiate Debating Championship, the local contest actually produced three winners, including a high school student.

Earning the top slot was Weber Amores, 20 years old, and an Architecture student at Far Eastern University. He will be ESU-Phil's lead representative to the London competition that draws as many as 60 participants from over 35 countries.

Since an ESU member-chapter can field a maximum of two delegates, Sarah Kristine Alanzalon of Malate Catholic High School, who surprisingly placed second despite her tender age of 15, may also represent the Philippines. She actually turns 16 later this month, thus meeting the age requirement, which is from 16 to 20.

That she gained the judges' nod is certainly no fluke. Early last February, Sarah topped the Voice of the Youth impromptu speaking contest organized by Rotary Club District 3810 together with the Department of Education, with Allied Banking Corporation as sponsor.

Named as an alternate after placing third was 19-year-old UP Diliman Psychology student Samantha Ann Tirthdas.

The contestants spoke for five minutes on the theme "Dynamic World." On the judging panel were ESU-Phil chair Ambassador Cesar Bautista, our former envoy to the Court of St. James, who was instrumental in organizing the Philippines chapter; this writer who serves as ESU-Phil vice president; guest judges Prof. Zenaida Martinez of FEU and Edgardo Maranan, prizewinning poet and writer who just returned home after years of serving as information officer at the Philippine embassy in London; and our previous representatives to the ESU IPSC: Ryan Buenafe, Kevin Punzalan and Celine Guinto.

Apart from these three, four other Philippine students have competed in London since 2002 when ESU-Phil first sent a contestant, with Patricia Evangelista of UP Diliman copping the grand prize in 2004.

Pilipinas Shell traditionally supports the Philippine representation in the ESU International Public Speaking Competition. Other officers of the Philippines chapter which gained formal entry into the ESU only over a year ago are Dr. Butch Dalisay of UP as president, Dr. Marlu Vilches of Ateneo as secretary, writer-editor Erlinda Panlilio as treasurer, and Atty. Katrina Legarda as corporate secretary.

At a recent meeting attended by Her Majesty's Ambassador Peter Beckingham, various plans of action were discussed to help promote and enhance the use of English, including the possibility of organizing a video-conference debate between a Philippine university team and one from Hong Kong or Singapore.

We were also delighted to hear from the British Council representative, David Hopkinson, that it has been doing its part in disseminating English-teaching programs. Arranged for local broadcast, for instance, was the "English by Radio" program co-sponsored by BBC World Service, in partnership with Radyo ng Bayan and the DepEd.

Here we help disseminate the following information provided by Ms. Jennifer Domingo of the British Council Philippines:

"The objective of the project is to provide a practical English-language-assisted 'learning-through-listening' program that would be broadcast around the country for use by schools.

"Using the English language curriculum of the DepEd, three radio programs have been initially produced. They are: 1) ALPHABETICUS — designed for Elementary learners (ages 6-8) — a program that includes songs and simple interactive English exercises, and is transmitted over Radyo Ng Bayan at 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. every Tuesday; 2) E-CLUB — designed for early high school learners (ages 11-12) — includes conversation and comprehension exercises, carried at the same time slot every Thursday; 3) E-CLUB Storyland — designed for early high school learners (ages 11-12) — includes conversation and comprehension exercises, on broadcast every Friday."

Launched at the ambassador's residence last August, the English by Radio project features materials that are now utilized by e-PLDT Ventus for the implementation of its English Day Outreach Programs for 2007. Last month, the country's biggest radio network, the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), began to air English by Radio through its Radyo Natin network.

Future programs will include the E-Club 2: for later high school, with conversation, stories, quizzes and comprehension; Adventures in English: short stories and comprehension exercises; Working English: for those wanting English practice for their work; and Follow Us: English conversation and repetition only — a lesson that concentrates on good pronunciation.

The BC Philippines hopes to re-launch the project in June with DepED's support, so that the program can be integrated into public elementary and secondary schools' daily English instruction.

Per Ms. Domingo: "We are also hoping to partner with other radio stations to increase our area of coverage. We are looking for volunteer radio talents, scriptwriters and creative ideas! Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact Nadine Jacinto-Alberto, consultant/director, English by Radio, third floor, Ventures I Bldg., 7849 Makati Ave. corner Gen. Luna St., Makati City, tel. nos. 899-3324." One may also log in at http://www.englishbyradio.com.ph.