Working Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now turn years of job experience into a pathway toward earning a college degree under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), the Commission on Higher Education in Central Visayas (CHED 7) said.
CHED 7 said the program allows qualified individuals to convert relevant work experience, prior learning, and non-formal training into academic credits, enabling them to complete higher education without going through the traditional four-year classroom setup.
The initiative, which originated in 1996 through a memorandum order, was strengthened under Republic Act No. 12124 or the ETEEAP Act signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 5, 2025.
Under the law, Filipino citizens aged at least 23 years old, who have completed secondary education and have a minimum of five years of work experience related to their intended degree, may apply for the program.
CHED 7 Information Officer Jogi S. Rivamonte said the program continues to expand in Central Visayas, with a total of 1,489 learners currently enrolled under ETEEAP.
Of these, 1,197 learners or about 80 percent are based in the region, covering Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and nearby areas, while 292 or 20 percent are overseas Filipino workers pursuing degrees while working abroad.
Rivamonte said the highest number of OFW learners are in the United Arab Emirates with 20 enrollees, followed by Saudi Arabia with 17 and Qatar with 16.
Singapore has nine learners, while Canada and the United States have five each. Japan and Australia both recorded four enrollees.
CHED also noted that it has partnered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) through a memorandum of agreement to support OFWs affected by crisis situations, particularly in the Middle East.
The partnership created the Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for OFWs (LEAP-OFWs), which aims to help migrant workers complete college degrees in a shorter period through ETEEAP.
Under the program, qualified applicants may finish a bachelor’s degree in as little as one to two years depending on their verified experience and academic equivalencies.
Graduates are awarded the corresponding degree and may take licensure examinations if required for their profession.
Only CHED-deputized higher education institutions are authorized to implement the program after undergoing evaluation and approval.
In Central Visayas, accredited institutions include Cebu Institute of Technology-University, University of Cebu Main Campus, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, and University of the Visayas.
Applicants are required to submit documentary requirements such as a Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate, secondary education credentials or transcript of records, work portfolio, training certificates including TESDA National Certificates if applicable, and employer endorsements or recommendations.
CHED 7 said interested applicants may visit ched.gov.ph or the official CHED social media pages for further information on enrollment procedures and requirements.
Photo courtesy of The Filipino Times
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