Two institutions offering language education were directed to shut down operations
Two Language Centers Shut Down for Alleged Illegal Recruitment
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has closed down two language centres in the Philippines for alleged illegal recruitment. The Japanese Learning Center in Minglanilla and the Language Training Center in Cebu City were both shut down on August 11, 2025.
Japanese Learning Center in Minglanilla
During an ongoing Japanese language class, the Japanese Learning Center in Minglanilla was raided by the DMW 7. The centre was accused of illegally recruiting students by promising them jobs in Japan after completing a nine-month language course. The students were reportedly paying P3,000 monthly for a course originally priced at P72,000. Despite receiving notices from the local government, the centre was operating without a business permit.
Language Training Center in Cebu City
The Language Training Center in Cebu City was also closed on August 11, 2025. The DMW claimed that the centre engaged in "recruitment by referral," which involves referring students to job opportunities abroad. The centre allegedly had "partner agencies" that facilitated these placements. The owner of the centre, identified as Mark, denied any illegal recruitment activities, stating that they only referred students to licensed agencies.
DMW Actions
Both centres were under surveillance for months before the closure. The DMW plans to file cases against the owners of both centres, regardless of whether students file complaints. The DMW will also request the cancellation of the business permits of both establishments. The exact nature of the illegal activities was not specified in the article.
Migrant Workers Protection Bureau Director Eric Dollete stated that the DMW 7 has strong evidence against both the Japanese Learning Center and the Language Training Center. Recruitment by referral is a violation, according to Dollete. Mark, the owner of the Japanese Learning Center, asserts that the students are sent to licensed agencies.
Two establishments, allegedly posing as language schools, were found to be engaging in illegal recruitment by the DMW 7. The shutdown of these centres highlights the importance of ensuring that language schools operate ethically and legally. The DMW 7 also closed down the Language Training Center on General Maxilom Ave. in Cebu City for similar reasons.
- The Japanese Learning Center in Minglanilla and the Language Training Center in Cebu City, despite being presented as language schools, were shut down by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for alleged illegal recruitment practices.
- The shutdown of these centers involved in education-and-self-development, such as the Japanese Learning Center and the Language Training Center, serves as a reminder for businesses to adhere to government regulations and operate legally.
