The Bureau of Immigration recently announced that the Confucius Institute at the University of the Philippines Diliman and Chiang Kai Shek College are working together to offer Chinese language instruction for the BI's staff.

According to the Bureau, a total of 25 BI personnel from the head office and 25 from different airports are currently undergoing training sponsored by CKSC.

A 50-hour curriculum makes up the Basic Mandarin Language Program Level 1 training. There are two training schedules: one at the BI Main Office, which started last 10 July and will end on 9 October, and the other at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which started last 11 July 11 and will end on 3 October.

The BI added that the Confucius Institute has also started a 36-hour online program for BI personnel nationwide, which started on 29 August and will end on 16 November.

BI commissioner Norman Tansingco said that this partnership reflects BI's commitment to improving communication and efficiency, ultimately enhancing the immigration process for Chinese-speaking individuals.

The BI chief emphasized the importance of the initiative.

"Proper communication is not just essential for effective service but also for building trust with the public. This training equips their personnel with valuable language skills to ensure accurate and efficient interactions with Chinese-speaking individuals."

Tansingco also expressed his gratitude to CKSC and CI-UPD for their support, saying that the program would be beneficial to the agency's delivery of basic public services.

Prior to the pandemic, Chinese nationals ranked second among the highest numbers of foreign arrivals in the country.

The BI's Learning and Development Section organized this initiative. Tansingco said that this is just the start of a series of language-based trainings aimed at strengthening the capacities of their officers.