Manila’s academic and business landscape is experiencing a renewed interest in the Spanish language, thanks to Instituto Cervantes de Manila’s expanding programs.

Although Spanish is no longer a mandatory subject in the Philippine education system, demand for proficiency in the language is rising, driven by career prospects, global mobility, and growing appreciation for Hispanic culture.

Meeting demand for Spanish education

Instituto Cervantes, the world’s largest public institution for teaching Spanish, is strengthening its presence in the Philippines.

Director Francisco Javier López Tapia, appearing on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk program on Wednesday, said the institute has partnered with several top schools and universities, including De La Salle University, Saint Benilde, Poveda and Mapúa.

Beginning September, programs will also be extended to Everest Academy in Bonifacio Global City and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“While Spanish is no longer mandatory, there is a strong desire among institutions to integrate it into their curriculum,” Tapia said. “Spanish is increasingly recognized as a key asset for academic and professional success.”

Competitive edge for Filipinos

With over 500 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is the second most spoken native language and is an official language in 21 countries. For Filipinos, learning Spanish offers not only cultural enrichment but also career advantages, particularly in international business, customer service and diplomacy.

“Many Filipinos working abroad, especially in the United States, recognize the value of being bilingual in English and Spanish,” Tapia explained. “Companies favor employees who can communicate with the growing Hispanic community.”

Industries such as BPO, hospitality and trade see Spanish as a valuable skill, providing professionals with better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Investment in language education

To meet the demand, Instituto Cervantes offers courses tailored to professionals. These courses, which range from beginner to advanced levels, focus on conversational fluency, business communication, and cultural immersion, ensuring that students acquire practical language skills for their industries.

Promoting Hispanic culture

Beyond language courses, Instituto Cervantes actively promotes the Hispanic culture through film screenings, art exhibitions, and culinary events. Earlier this year, the institute hosted a wine and architecture exhibition with Spanish wine tasting and tapas sampling, which resonated well with Filipino audiences.

“We know that food and culture are powerful connectors,” Tapia said. “This June, we’re collaborating with the Spanish Embassy for a series of film screenings and gastronomy-related events.”

For businesses and individuals seeking to enhance their language skills and cultural appreciation, Instituto Cervantes de Manila provides structured and accessible programs — an invaluable advantage in today’s globalized world.