47 BI personnel complete basic language Mandarin program

The Bureau of Immigration announced on Saturday afternoon that forty-seven (47) immigration personnel graduated from an introductory Mandarin language course led by Chiang Kai Shek College.

On 10 November (Friday), the graduation ceremony held at the Chiang Kai Shek College Auditorium marked the successful completion of the program aimed at providing a more efficient service to Chinese-speaking clientele.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that these forty-seven graduates are comprised of employees assigned to the country's premier ports and frontline offices.

Tansingco added that the Basic Mandarin Language Program, consisting of a 50-hour curriculum split into 25 comprehensive sessions, was scheduled at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 from 11 July to 3 October, while another batch was held at the BI Main office from 10 July to 9 October.

This program equipped immigration personnel with the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese, cultural insights, and practical exercises.

According to the BI Chief, the event was graced by Guest of Honor Marilyn Jansiongkun, Director of Wong Chun Seng Memorial Preschool; Keynote Speaker Consul General Wang Yue of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines; and Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Tansingco further shared the significance of Mandarin language proficiency in the context of immigration and international travel.

He added that these newly acquired skills of their officers will foster positive client interactions and enhance intercultural communication. Not only will they enhance the overall travel experience of the growing number of Chinese-speaking travelers in our country, but they will also reinforce the Philippines as a welcoming and hospitable destination.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese nationals ranked second in the highest number of foreign arrivals in the country.