Following an increase in security concerns and heightened political scrutiny, over 150 volunteer Chinese teachers officially pulled out of Philippine schools and returned to China on Thursday, October 1.
Chinese Commercial News reported Friday that the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center (PCERC) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) approved the teachers’ withdrawal at their parents’ request.
Families of the dispatched teachers expressed concern for their safety following growing public scrutiny of Chinese-Filipino educational institutions and criticisms raised by public officials.
“The volunteer Chinese teachers were recalled to China upon the request of their respective parents and with the approval of FFCCCII and the Chinese Embassy,” the FFCCCII, the umbrella organization of over 170 Chinese business groups, said.
“The parents were concerned about the articles written by Ray Powell attacking Chinese-language schools in the Philippines,” it added.
Affected institutions include the Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan City and Jubilee Christian Academy in Quezon City. Both schools have informed parents and are actively seeking substitute teachers.
The growing public worry was spurred by reports from Ray Powell, director of SeaLight—a Stanford University initiative that monitors maritime and geopolitical activity, including developments in the West Philippine Sea dispute.
Powell highlighted links between Chinese-language education programs in the Philippines and institutions affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front system. A notable example in his reports was the partnership between Jinan University in China and the PCERC.
He noted that Jinan University trains Chinese-language teachers deployed to Philippine schools, warning that such partnerships could expand Beijing’s foreign influence operations across local educational networks.
Powell’s concerns were echoed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who publicly raised alarms over foreign influence activities in the Philippines, including the potential use of academic exchanges for political leverage and information collection.
“Firstly, it is really part of the doctrine of China. One of the main efforts of China is the United Front Work,” Teodoro said.
“We have seen, too, information regarding the use of these educational exchanges to gain a foothold in the Philippines for them to scope for information,” he added.
According to Teodoro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has coordinated with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to conduct “evidence-based operations” against potential “nefarious activities” by foreign actors.
However, the Defense Secretary stressed that the public should not view this as a reason to harbor animosity toward the Chinese community or Filipino-Chinese citizens.
“We don’t want to create an atmosphere of xenophobia in this country. We don’t want to create bigotry in this country,” Teodoro added.
Written by Chesca Chua, Insight PH
Chesca Chua, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
