INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ISSN(print): 2643-9840, ISSN(online): 2643-9875 Volume 07 Issue 06 June 2024 DOI: 10.47191/ijmra/v7-i06-34, Impact Factor: 8.22 Page No. 2687-2689 IJMRA, Volume 07 Issue 06 June 2024 www.ijmra.in Page 2687 Factors Influencing the English Language Competency of Filipino University Students Arriane Kris Maramag- Manalastas 1 , Boyet L. Batang 2 1 Faculty, College of Education, Isabela State University- Cauayan City Campus 2 Faculty, Graduate School, College of Education, Isabela State University- Cabagan Campus ABSTRACT: This study explores the factors influencing English competency among Filipino university students to develop effective strategies for improvement using Descriptive- Qualitative Design. Findings indicate that the factors that influenced the students’ English competency are their commitment to improvement, aspirations to become future teachers, and engagement in hobbies; while the negative factors include cognitive processing difficulties, external determinants, and affective factors. To overcome the challenges in English competency, educators should foster a supportive learning environment, reduce anxiety by managing cognitive load, implement activities that build confidence, and strengthen students' self-belief. This holistic approach can enhance students' attitudes towards language learning and improve their English competency. KEYWORDS: English language competency, factors, Filipino university students I. INTRODUCTION English competency is a critical skill for Filipino students in today's globalized world, especially for students entering higher education, because having the basic English language competence is a must for academic success, effective communication, job opportunities, personal development, and access to resources (Rao, 2019; Todorova and Todorova, 2018) including research papers, e-books, and academic journals, that are primarily written in English. Recent studies have shown that our rank in the English Proficiency Index or EPI have declined since 2018, but despite of our lower ranking, we still manage to rank second in English proficiency in East and Southeast Asia (Santos, et. al., 2022). However, majority of public SHS graduates, and most students who enter universities often lack the necessary English communicative skills to succeed academically and professionally (Manuel, 2022). Recognizing this gap, this study was conducted to determine the factors that are influencing the English competency of Filipino university students that can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers and enablers of English language acquisition that can help develop more effective strategies and interventions to improve English competency among Filipino students. II. FOCUS OF STUDY The main objective of this study is to determine the factors that had influenced the English competency of Filipino university students. III. RESEARCH DESIGN The Descriptive- Qualitative Research Design using an open- ended questionnaire was used to determine the factors that had influenced the English language competency of the students. The questionnaire had undergone face and content validity and was evaluated by language and professional education experts. Twenty (20) participants who were enrolled for the Second Semester, School Year 2022- 2023 from the College of Education were randomly selected to answer the open- ended questionnaire. The responses have undergone initial coding using inductive approach, specifically the in vivo and values coding, after the initial coding, the data were thematically arranged, and analyzed.