Status planning at the grassroots: A phenomenological study of English as a language of business and communication in Philippine barangays

Abstract

English as a corporate language is a prominent topic across various regions and globally. While many organizations—including businesses, public and private institutions, government agencies, and workplaces in the Philippines—have already adopted English as their official language, discussions about its implementation continue in numerous settings. Establishing English as the corporate language, however, presents several challenges. Using a qualitative approach, the study explored the lived experiences of elected officials and appointed secretaries regarding English as a language for business and communication at the barangay level. The research focused on the provinces of Leyte and Biliran, involving elected barangay officials and appointed secretaries. To determine the number of participants, a saturation process was employed, considering criteria such as age, years of service as a barangay official, educational attainment, and level of English proficiency. The findings reveal that although barangay officials recognize the importance and value of English in business and communication, they encounter difficulties and obstacles in delivering effective services at the barangay level due to limited English proficiency. The lived experiences of barangay officials in Leyte and Biliran highlight the need to revisit the standards and qualification requirements for aspirants seeking elective positions at the barangay level, ensuring they meet the necessary language proficiency and competency standards.