Chiz on college equivalency law: ‘Game changer’
Senators expressed confidence on Friday that the new law allowing Filipinos to secure college degrees through equivalency tests would help improve the quality of the country’s labor force by acknowledging the skills and experiences of workers.
Senate President Francis Escudero described as “game-changer” Republic Act No. 12124, or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, which President Marcos signed into law on Wednesday.
According to Escudero, the law would address the “pressing need for flexibility and inclusivity in our educational system.”
“ETEEAP Act will inspire more policies and programs aimed at fostering inclusive and practical approaches to education, which will lead to a stronger and more competitive Filipino workforce,” the Senate leader said in a statement.
“(This law) is a game-changer, making higher education more accessible, especially to Filipinos who have gained significant skills and knowledge outside traditional classrooms,” he said.
Escudero said rewarding the expertise and work experience of Filipino workers would create a “pathway for individuals to achieve their academic aspirations without having to sacrifice their careers or personal responsibilities.”
Sen. Joel Villanueva, who sponsored the measure in the Senate, said institutionalizing the accreditation system in tertiary education was important for the career advancement of Filipino professionals.
“(This) will ensure that the skills, knowledge and experience gained in the workplace are acknowledged and translated into academic credits, ultimately enabling the attainment of an appropriate academic degree,” said Villanueva, who formerly headed the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“This will open new doors for career advancement, helping many Filipinos further their education while continuing their professional journey,” he added.
Under the law, eligible Filipinos here and abroad may apply for the equivalency and accreditation programs that the Commission on Higher Education will develop for their chosen fields.
Individuals seeking accreditation should be high school graduates who are at least 23 years old at the time of their application.
