In the not so distant past, Filipinos were envied in Asia for their proficiency in the English Language. Filipinos were invariably chosen presiding officers or rapporteurs at international conferences in Asia. Filipinos were considered as No. 1 on the recruitment list for overseas jobs that require good knowledge of English.

Soon, this may no longer be true. Our Asian neighbors have realized the value of English as an international language in business, science and technology, and communication, and are working double-time to gain proficiency in it. Thousands are enrolling in English language schools in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo-all eager to learn the language in the shortest possible time.

1. What are the first two paragraphs all about?
2. What is the issue presented?​​