A school in Pangasinan has banned students from using the viral Visayan slang term ‘esmiringhoy’ and other similar expressions on school premises, during official school activities, and on school-affiliated online platforms.

In a Facebook post, the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) of Bani East Integrated School in Bani, Pangasinan, announced the prohibition in coordination with the school administration.

Aside from “esmiringhoy,” the prohibited terms include “jerjer,” “espekikay,” “esmeringer” and “bembang,” among other variations.

The SSLG said the initiative aims to promote mindful speech, respect, inclusivity, and good moral conduct while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for students and school personnel.

“This initiative promotes mindful speech, respect, inclusivity and Good Moral and Right Conduct. Let us choose our words carefully and help maintain a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment for everyone,” the student government said.

It continued, “May we remind everyone that these kind of words are not to be joked about, especially that it is not a relevant term to be used in our school.” 

“Let us all be mindful, our actions and verbal statements are commonly the reflection of who we are. Always remember that it does not mean that if one thing is trending, we should immediately join in,” it added.

The school government cited Rule No. 9 of the student handbook, which covers “respect, safety, and proper conduct.“ Under the rule, threats, intimidation, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and abusive behavior are prohibited.

According to the SSLG, repeatedly using the banned terms toward another student or school personnel may be considered “harassment.“

Violations will be addressed through the following interventions:

  • First offense: Counseling and verbal warning.
  • Second offense: Written warning and a conference with the student's parents, adviser, and designated guidance counselor.
  • Third offense: Referral to the Office of the Principal for disciplinary intervention.

The term “esmiringhoy,” a Visayan slang expression commonly understood as a euphemism for sexual intercourse, recently gained popularity on social media.

It began circulating widely through viral clips from an October 16 episode of the YouTube program “Raffy Tulfo in Action,” hosted by broadcast journalist-turned-Senator Raffy Tulfo. The term was used by a complainant discussing her husband's alleged infidelity.