President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
June 17, 2025

“Huwag kayong humintong mangarap. Ang tunay na sukatan ng dunong ay ang kakayahan ninyong harapin ang mga pagsubok upang matupad ang inyong mga pangarap. Naniniwala po akong patunay kayo na walang limitasyon ang kayang abutin ng Pilipino,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the launch of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos Jr. emphasized that life experience is a legitimate form of education, as reflected in the new law granting academic degrees to Filipinos who have acquired knowledge and skills through work and real-life experiences, despite not completing formal college education.

According to the Chief Executive, learning extends beyond the traditional classroom and can take place in various environments such as workplaces, family businesses and everyday life situations. With the ETEEAP Act now fully in motion, the government affirms the principle that informal education can be as valuable as structured academic learning.

He pointed out that many Filipinos were compelled to leave college to work and support their families. Nevertheless, he acknowledged their intelligence, resourcefulness and determination despite the absence of a diploma.

“Through this Act, we now have a clear and structured way to recognize the prior learning of individuals—be it from years of work or because they have taught themselves these skills—and match that with an academic equivalency,” the President said.

Further elaborating, he highlighted that one of the notable features of the law is the inclusion of enrichment support to help learners meet both academic and professional standards in their chosen field. He also noted that the law encourages flexible learning systems, including online platforms, to cater to the diverse needs and life situations of applicants.

Moreover, the President tasked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and partner institutions to ensure the effective and fair rollout of the program. He emphasized that ETEEAP serves as a tool to build a more competitive workforce and stronger industries by recognizing various forms of intelligence and learning.

“Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino has the chance to be recognized, to grow and to succeed,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

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