By Marinel E. Peroy
Ninety years since it opened, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is expanding its operations here in the Philippines.
Filipinos who would like to pursue studies, employment, or permanent residency in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries require an IELTS, which is being offered by the British Council.
Lotus Postrado, the first female Filipino country director of the British Council Philippines, told THEPHILBIZNEWS that her organization is now “going out there.”
Postrado explained that they would like to give more “access” to education opportunities by collaborating with malls to be IELTS Fair venues, such as Shangri-La Plaza in Manila, Ayala Malls Central Bloc in Cebu, and Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao.
The upcoming dates of IELTS mini fairs are:
August 10 – Cagayan De Oro
August 17 – Bacolod
August 31 – Cebu
September 14 – Batangas
September 21- General Santos
“It’s really more about providing opportunities because you need IELTS to pursue your dreams abroad,” Postrado added.
This year, the British Council celebrates its 90 years of promoting arts, culture, and education opportunities globally. Since its establishment in 1934, it has strengthened its presence and relationships worldwide, including in the Philippines.
Last August 2, the British Council Philippines hosted a “90s on our 90th” event, gathering different IELTS partner review centers and visa processing offices nationwide.
The British Council Philippines and its partners shared laughter, friendship, and values in IELTS Partners Got Talent-Season 2. This year’s grand champion is AUG Student Services Manila with a trip down memory lane, showcasing a 90s groove performance.
A celebration of amity and more opportunities
From April 2023 to March 2024, the British Council in the Philippines had administered over 33,000 tests. According to them, as more Filipinos are interested in studying or working overseas, the count grows every year.
The British Council Philippines celebrated its 45th anniversary last year.
With successful IELTS collaborations and registration programs, British Council Philippines now focuses on a more personalized approach like university roadshows. Such initiatives can be expected across education, arts, cultural exchanges, turning a dream into reality for Filipinos with international aspirations.
The British Council Philippines also honored its partners with awards. The top prize of the 2024 National Partner of the Year went to 9.0 Niner IELTS Review and Tutorial Center. The nine that received the 2024 National Partner Awards were: BS Migration Visa Processing Services, CEVAS Language Center, Relicus Learning Hub, De Jesus-Beltran & Co. World English Inc., MLD Marcus Review Center, Virtus Learning Hub, Pines International Academy Inc., ELA – English Language Academy, and Center for Premier International Language Studies Inc.
Certificates of Appreciation were also given to Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as APTIS Partners. APTIS is an assessment tool that helps accurately test English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
