New law scuttling college barriers, says Abante

A newly signed law will enable hardworking Filipinos to obtain college degrees while crediting them for their work experience, marking a crucial step in making education more accessible.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. Has highlighted that the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, recently signed by the President.

The law 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.

Rep. 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.”

“That is a reality in our country. 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.”

According to Abante, this will benefit experienced workers who lack the time or financial resources to return to college and complete their degrees.

“The program will further break down barriers for those who want to earn their college degrees. It benefits working students who were unable to complete their studies, as well as individuals who have spent years in the workforce but lack formal academic credentials. Many of them want to go back to college, but since they already have families, they simply don’t have the time,” 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 aligns with the Philippine Constitution’s mandate for 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.”

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 is tasked with overseeing the program’s implementation, including financial assistance for qualified applicants.