Marcos signs college equivalency law for workers

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. signed into law the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act on February 3.

The new law enables working professionals to complete their college education through non-traditional means based on prior learning from various sources including formal, non-formal, and informal systems as well as relevant work experience.

Filipinos aged at least 23 years old with a minimum of five years of work experience can now apply for equivalency and accreditation through ETEEAP under the supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Rep. Fidel Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, commended the signing of RA No. 12124 as it provides employees with an avenue to advance their careers without sacrificing work.

The law mandates CHEd as the lead agency in implementing ETEEAP, which recognizes and accredits knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values obtained by workers from their work experience.

ETEEAP aims to help employees earn a degree and promote upskilling, reducing career disruptions, and fostering social mobility.