Law allowing skilled workers to earn college degree hailed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12124, which strengthens the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) and provides professionals with the opportunity to obtain academic degrees based on their skills and competencies.
Senator Go, who co-authored the law, underscored its significance in helping Filipinos who were unable to complete formal college education due to financial constraints but have gained substantial industry experience.
“Maraming Pilipino ang hindi nakapagpatuloy ng kolehiyo dahil kailangang maghanapbuhay agad para sa pamilya,” Senator Go said. “Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon na wala na silang sapat na kaalaman at kasanayan. Dito pumapasok ang batas na ito—kung may sapat kang karanasan at husay sa isang larangan, maaari mo nang makuha ang diploma na makakatulong sa iyo sa trabaho at promosyon.”
Under the law, professionals with at least five years of relevant industry experience may be granted academic degrees following a rigorous assessment of their knowledge and competencies. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is tasked with implementing the program, setting assessment standards, and deputizing higher education institutions (HEIs) to grant equivalency-based degrees.
Senator Go emphasized that the approach will benefit skilled workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and those who have steadily advanced in their careers despite lacking a formal college diploma.
“Sa loob at labas ng bansa, marami tayong kababayang eksperto na sa kanilang trabaho pero walang diploma. Sa ilalim ng programang ito, hindi na magiging hadlang ang kawalan ng college degree para sa promosyon at mas magandang oportunidad,” he said.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 23 years old, have completed secondary education, and demonstrate industry-related experience. CHED will implement diverse assessment methods, including portfolio reviews, practical demonstrations, and written evaluations, to determine an applicant’s eligibility.
Senator Go urged CHED and participating universities to ensure the program remains accessible, transparent, and free from unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
“Dapat siguraduhin natin na madaling ma-access ito ng mga nangangailangan. ‘Wag nating gawing komplikado o mahal ang proseso, kasi ang mismong layunin ng batas na ito ay tulungan ang mga Pilipinong walang kakayahang bumalik sa tradisyunal na paaralan,” he said.
Senator Go reiterated that laws like RA 12124 contribute to national development by bridging the gap between experience and formal credentials.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa diploma; ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay ng pantay na oportunidad sa bawat Pilipino na umasenso. Kapag mas maraming manggagawa ang may pormal na pagkilala sa kanilang kakayahan, mas lalakas ang ating ekonomiya,” he added.
The senator has consistently supported education-related policies. He co-authored and co-sponsored RA 12077, also known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, highlighting Senator Go’s commitment to protecting Filipinos’ dignity in times of crisis. Through this law, he has helped secure temporary financial relief for students with existing loans during emergencies and calamities.
Senator Go earlier co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students.
He also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” which waives entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
