The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and Teacher Education Council (TEC) on Wednesday signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to take decisive action against the crisis of “diploma mills” by establishing a single, authoritative source for legitimate academic programs nationwide.

The JMC affirms the authority of CHED and PRC to regulate program quality and combat fraudulent credentials across the country’s higher education system.

The circular is a direct and urgent response to the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM 2) recent findings on the proliferation of unaccredited and substandard programs, particularly in teacher education. Its primary objective is to protect students by ensuring that only verified programs are recognized for admission to professional licensure examinations, employment, and career advancement.

At the heart of the JMC is the creation of the Online National Registry of recognized undergraduate and graduate programs. The circular explicitly states that only programs listed on the Philippine Teacher Education Registry shall be considered legitimate for professional licensure examinations and professional purposes.

The agreement also initiates a two-year quality assurance period from December 2025 to March 2028, during which CHED, PRC, and TEC will jointly assess and validate all existing teacher education programs nationwide.

“This is an end to ambiguity and fraud in education,” CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said. “Responding to the urgent findings of EDCOM 2, we are activating the most powerful tool available: a single, transparent, national registry. If a program is not on the list, it is not legitimate. This provides immediate, non-negotiable protection to students and the public.”

“Moving forward, CHED will also explore the development of a Teacher Education Post-Graduate Competency Exam to further ensure the quality and readiness of teachers pursuing graduate programs,” she added.

PRC Chairperson Charito Zamora underscored the regulatory commitment behind the initiative.

“Our core mandate is professional integrity and public welfare. The power of the Philippine Teacher Education Registry ensures that only candidates from verified, quality programs can proceed to licensure,” Zamora said.

“The provision for Special Permits will also continue to protect students currently enrolled in programs undergoing the final validation process for the National Registry,” she added.

For his part, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the JMC represents a pivotal step forward for the teaching profession.

“By solidifying the quality and national recognition of teacher education degrees, we are ensuring that future educators are fully qualified for the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers, which is a crucial investment in the quality of education for every Filipino student,” Angara said.

TEC Executive Director Jennie Jocson described the agreement as a triumph of inter-agency collaboration.

“The Quality Assurance Harmonization Committee, which TEC is proud to be a part of, will ensure the standardization and transparency necessary to uphold the national standard and enforce the integrity of the National Registry,” she added.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said the JMC will help address the country’s learning crisis by improving teacher education programs to produce more competent educators.

“This is one of the public information tools about all the universities and colleges that offer teacher education programs. For now, students, parents, and teachers don’t know which schools are good or where they can enroll. Now, on the website that was launched, all government-recognized institutions and programs are listed,” Yee said.