TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list has voiced full support for President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to accelerate the implementation of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, a move aimed at expanding access to higher education through flexible and inclusive learning pathways.
Authored and championed by Tingog Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Avorque Acidre, the ETEEAP Act (Republic Act No. 12124) institutionalizes lifelong learning by recognizing prior work experience, non-formal education, and skills acquired outside the traditional classroom. The program primarily benefits working Filipinos, overseas Filipino workers, adult learners, and individuals unable to complete college through conventional means.
President Marcos issued the directive during the presentation of the law’s implementing rules and regulations, stressing the need for higher education institutions and CHED to ensure a swift and effective rollout.
Rep. Romualdez emphasized that the law seeks to make higher education more accessible by validating skills and experience gained outside formal schooling. Rep. Acidre highlighted the importance of adapting learning opportunities to the realities of Filipinos, reinforcing that education should extend beyond conventional classroom settings.
Tingog party-list reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the full implementation of the ETEEAP Act, advancing lifelong, flexible, and inclusive learning opportunities for all.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
