The Philippines' Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Shirley Agrupis headlined the  speakers for the English Language Learning Institute's launching on November 23, 2025. Chairperson Agrupis talked about the challenges the education sector faces such as the declining English proficiency and competency levels among others. To approach these challenges, the commission has launched the National Roadmap for Global Competitiveness in Communication Skills which is a comprehensive, three-year strategy to align Philippine higher education with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR. The program offered workshops for faculty and administrators to understand  CEFR levels and the type of teaching and assessment required to move learners from A2 to B1, from B1 to B2, and higher.  

Chairperson Agrupis also emphasized the value of establishing an organization like ELLI noting how its mission to advance English education through teacher development, research, and intercultural collaboration addresses the country’s most pressing needs: better teacher preparation, research-informed methodologies, and globally aligned instructional practices.  She also invited the newly founded organization to collaborate with the commission to expand both's reach and achieve each organization's goals. 

Meanwhile, two other distinguished guests presented during the event.  Jennie Rollof Rothman who is an associate professor at Kanda University of Foreign Studies talked about the practice of critical friendship where two or more people engage in reflective teaching. Through critical friendship, teachers may help each other develop professionally through giving pieces of advice and engaging in series of reflections. 

Mr. Michael Yap, a lecturer from Meiho Junior and Senior High School talked about the changes in the Japanese Ministry's course of study that were implemented in 2020. He highlighted what these changes mean to Assistant Language Teachers teaching with Japanese Teachers of English both in elementary and secondary schools. 

At the end of the event, Dr. Marife Carpio, ELLI's director of professional development and Ms. Maria Theresa Niibori, the director of Immersion Programs talked about the workshops and other programs the organization has to offer. Interested teachers and aspiring teachers may also sign up for a three-year membership to avail discounts on seminars and other benefits. 

You may watch the whole launching event below.