Beyond literacy Why language skills matter in an AI-driven economy

Here is a rewritten version of the blog post

Beyond Literacy Why Language Skills Matter in an AI-Driven Economy

As the Philippines continues to develop its National Education Plan for 202
2026-2035, there is growing emphasis on strengthening foundational learning
learning, particularly literacy. This focus is timely and necessary, as fou
foundational skills are the bedrock of learning that shape how students abs
absorb knowledge, think critically, and progress through the education syst
system.

However, in today's AI-driven economy, literacy is no longer just about com
comprehension; it's also about communication across contexts. The integrati
integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workplaces has led to a ne
new set of requirements for language skills, particularly English proficien
proficiency.

The Role of Language Skills in an AI-Driven Economy

According to the recently released Toeic Global English Skills Report by Ed
Educational Testing Service (ETS), employers across 17 countries view Engli
English language proficiency as a critical capability linked not just to co
communication but also to productivity, collaboration, and overall business
business performance. In fact, 90 percent of employers say English proficie
proficiency is essential for organizational success, while 92 percent belie
believe it's more important today than five years ago.

These insights reflect a broader shift in the global economic landscape la
language skills are no longer just academic outcomes but practical tools th
that shape how individuals participate in the workforce and how businesses 
function in an increasingly globalized world. In fact, AI-powered tools, di
digital platforms, and professional resources operate primarily in English,
English, making it essential for employees to engage with content in Englis
English as part of their daily work.

The Importance of Language Skills in an AI-Driven Economy

As the Philippines continues to strengthen its education system, it's cruci
crucial to connect foundational learning with long-term workforce readiness
readiness. This means developing additional language skills, especially in 
English, that can expand access to global knowledge, opportunities, and net
networks. For policymakers, this means ensuring that language education sup
supports both strong early literacy and the gradual development of skills t
that enable students to engage with global content and technologies over ti
time.

For employers, it underscores the need to invest in continuous learning, in
including language skills development, as part of broader workforce upskill
upskilling efforts in an AI-driven economy. In fact, 78 percent of employer
employers report using English assessments in recruitment, while 71 percent
percent use them for pre-training evaluation and 66 percent for promotion r
readiness.

Thriving in a Global, AI-Driven Economy

As education reforms move forward, strengthening foundational learning will
will remain a critical priority. At the same time, the evolving demands of 
the global economy highlight the need to view language skills through a bro
broader lens, not just as a foundation for learning but also as a core work
workforce capability that supports employability, adaptability, and long-te
long-term career growth.

In an AI-driven world, the ability to navigate both local and global contex
contexts will matter more than ever. Supporting learners in developing stro
strong literacy alongside practical communication skills can help ensure th
that they are not only prepared to learn but also ready to participate, con
contribute, and thrive in the future workforce.

About the Author

Ratnesh Jha is the general manager of institutional language products at Ed
Educational Testing Service (ETS), a nonprofit organization that designs, a
administers, and scores standardized tests used for education, employment, 
and certification worldwide.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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