A newly signed law will enable hardworking Filipinos to obtain college degrees by accrediting their work experience, a measure credited as a crucial step in making education more accessible to the people.
Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante pointed out that the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, signed by the President recently, now allows individuals with at least five years of relevant work experience to earn a college degree without having to start from scratch in a traditional classroom setting.
“The law provides an opportunity for those who never had the means to pursue higher education to gain academic credentials through their real-world experience.”
Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure, emphasized that “the law provides an opportunity for those who never had the means to pursue higher education to gain academic credentials through their real-world experience.”
“Isa yan sa realidad sa ating bansa. Many of our countrymen have had to set aside their dreams of finishing college because they needed to work and support their families. This law recognizes their hard work and experience, giving them a pathway to earn a degree, qualify for better opportunities, and even pursue further studies,” the veteran legislator said.
According to the seasoned lawmaker, this will be a boon for experienced workers who do not have the time nor financial resources to go back to college to finish or obtain their college degrees.
“The program will further break down barriers for those who want to get their college degrees.”
“The program will further break down barriers for those who want to get their college degrees. It benefits working students who were unable to complete their degrees, as well as individuals who have spent years in the workforce but lack formal academic credentials. Marami sa kanila gustong bumalik sa kolehiyo, pero syempre, dahil may pamilya na sila, wala silang oras,” he explained.
Abante added that “many who aspire to return to college also find the financial requirements challenging; this law addresses this reality as well.”
He stressed that the ETEEAP is consistent with the Philippine Constitution’s provisions that mandates the government to make education accessible to all.
“Education should not be limited by financial constraints or life circumstances. Through this law, we are opening another door for Filipinos to attain higher education and improve their lives,” Abante explained.
Under the law, qualified applicants will be assessed based on their skills, training, and experience, with accredited higher education institutions granting them equivalency credits toward their degree.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the program, including financial assistance for qualified applicants.
