International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 5
Available Online: 30 September 2026
Author/s:
Malimban, Cristina T.
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
Abstract:
This study investigated the implementation and challenges of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and its relationship with the communicative competence of undergraduate students in selected private and public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, as perceived by English language educators and students. Specifically, the research examined three core dimensions: the current extent of CEFR implementation, the key challenges and structural barriers encountered by English language educators during its execution, and the level of communicative competence demonstrated by undergraduate students. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive research design, the study sampled 42 English language teaching personnel and 435 undergraduate students across six CEFR-implementing HEIs—five located in Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and one in Region VII (Central Visayas). The data collection instrument was adapted from the CEFR Quality Assurance Matrix, undergoing rigorous pilot testing and reliability verification prior to deployment. Findings revealed that both faculty members and students evaluated the undergraduates’ linguistic and sociolinguistic communicative competences as “moderately competent.” To address implementation gaps and enhance learning outcomes, the study recommends establishing a robust quality assurance mechanism for CEFR curriculum integration to standardize faculty evaluation criteria and feedback systems. Finally, a strategic framework for CEFR integration is proposed to guide future curriculum enhancements in Philippine higher education.
Keywords: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), communicative competence, linguistic competence, sociolinguistic competence, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26126
Cite this article:
Malimban, C. T. (2026). Towards an implementation framework of CEFR in the Philippines. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(5), 299-315. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26126