MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to fully implement Republic Act No. 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, which allows qualified individuals to earn college degrees based on work experience and prior learning.

During the launch of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) at Malacañan Palace, Marcos said the program aims to support skilled workers who were unable to complete formal college education.

The ETEEAP Act enables non-college graduates to obtain a bachelor’s degree and allows graduates to pursue special graduate programs without going through traditional schooling. The program uses academic equivalency and accreditation of prior learning gained through work and training.

Marcos said the law would help make higher education more inclusive and promote a more competitive workforce. He directed CHED to monitor deputized higher education institutions and ensure proper implementation of the law.

The ETEEAP Act was signed on March 3, 2025.