What language is spoken in the Philippines?
At the Philippines, the official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. Filipino dominates administration and education, while English is widely spoken in tourism and business.
The two official languages
Filipino, the national language based on Tagalog, is used in administration, education and national media. English retains its official language status inherited from the American colonial period.
Practical use for travelers
English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas, major cities like Manila and Cebu, as well as in the business sector. Filipinos generally have a good command of English, which greatly facilitates communication with foreign travelers.
Local linguistic diversity
Beyond the official languages, more than 170 local languages coexist depending on the region: Cebuano in the Visayas, Ilocano in northern Luzon, Hiligaynon in western Visayas. This linguistic richness reflects the cultural diversity of the archipelago.