MANILA, Philippines — Pamantasan ng Cabuyao, a state university, has come under fire after the implementation of its “English Only” policy, which officially took effect on February 3, 2025.

The university made the announcement in a statement, which read:

“To uphold academic excellence and global competitiveness, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (University of Cabuyao) will enforce the English Only Policy starting February 3, 2025.”

Under the new policy, all official transactions, classes, and interactions within the university are required to be conducted exclusively in English, both in written and spoken communication. 

The university further clarified that this includes not only students but also faculty, staff, and all personnel.

“Effective on this date, all official transactions, classes, and interactions within the university must be conducted exclusively in English, both in written and spoken communication,” the announcement said.

The university emphasized that strict compliance with the policy is required, in line with its goal of fostering a strong English-speaking environment.

“We encourage everyone to fully support this initiative as we strive to produce globally competent graduates,” the university said.

The move, however, has sparked criticism from various sectors online, with some questioning the necessity of such a policy and whether it might disadvantage those less proficient in English.

This policy is part of the university’s efforts to align with what it describes as the pursuit of “academic excellence” and “global competitiveness.”