The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said Friday that more Filipino working professionals can now complete their college education through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

This follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act 12124 on Thursday, which institutionalizes the ETEEAP and designates CHEd as the lead agency for its implementation.

The ETEEAP allows Filipinos to earn degrees by recognizing their work experience and prior learning from formal, non-formal, and informal systems.

“Since its inception in 1999, ETEEAP has empowered over 41,286 Filipinos — many of whom had to pause their education for employment — to complete their degrees through deputized HEIs,” CHEd chairperson Prospero De Vera III said.

“Its institutionalization will allow CHEd to increase its manpower, strengthen our regional offices, increase government funding and expand enrollment in ETEEAP so more individuals who stopped their schooling can go back and earn their degrees,” he added.

The new law mandates CHEd to deputize higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer ETEEAP programs and develop standards for assessing skills, values, knowledge, and competence.

As of January 2025, CHEd has deputized 111 HEIs to offer ETEEAP programs.

“We are targeting to authorize more HEIs to become ETEEAP providers so Filipinos in all regions can go back to school and earn their credentials,” De Vera said.

With the passage of Republic Act 12124, CHEd will reassess existing HEIs to ensure only quality institutions offer ETEEAP undergraduate degree programs.

CHEd is also mandated to monitor HEI implementation, convene consultation meetings, grant or revoke HEI authority, and set standard fees.

The CHEd-Office of Programs and Standards Development will serve as the technical secretariat for the law’s functions.

“We are fully committed to implementing this transformative legislation and ensuring its success and impact,” De Vera said as he expressed gratitude to legislators and the president for their support.