Citing that learning is not confined to classrooms, President Marcos said the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act will give Filipinos, who wish to finish college, a second chance at their dream profession.

Marcos led the presentation of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 12124 on Tuesday, June 17 at the Malacañan Palace.

He welcomed the launch of the IRR, saying it was the realization of a long-time dream.

“As I was reading the brief on this particular – it started as an executive order and then became a law – the word that came into mind immediately, which is also what my comment was to everyone as I walked in: finally. Finally we have institutionalized what we have been dreaming to be able to do for many, many years,” he said in his speech.

“Because after all, we all understand learning is not confined to the classroom. Often, the most important lessons are learned in the workplace, on shop floors, helping run a family business,” he added.

The President highlighted that the law, which was signed in March 2025, gives a second chance to Filipinos who were not able to finish college. It will also opens doors to higher positions and opportunities.

“This law gives our fellows who were not able to finish college a second chance,” Marcos said.

“Beyond saving on tuition, books, and time away from work, this law opens doors to higher positions, better income, and more professional opportunities,” he added.

He urged Filipinos to never stop dreaming, emphasizing that the law will help them achieve their aspirations.

“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 bawat Pilipino (Don't stop dreaming. The true measure of wisdom is your ability to face challenges in order to achieve your dreams. I believe you are living proof that there are no limits to what every Filipino can achieve),” Marcos said.

The law helps educational institutions become more inclusive, Marcos said, adding that it acknowledges that learning is not always linear, and intelligence takes on many forms.

The President said the law is a response to the need for higher education institutions to adopt flexible approaches to various backgrounds, life experiences, and learning styles of the ETEEAP applicants.

The law, Marcos further said, supports caregivers, mechanics, technicians, and entrepreneurs—people who have long proven their skill. He added, they will now get the recognition that they properly deserve.

It also leads to the development of stronger industries, a more competitive workforce, a more inclusive path to progress, according to the President.

In his speech, Marcos directed the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and its partners to ensure the implementation of this Act goes smoothly. He told them to monitor the deputized HEIs and see to it that the law benefits those it was created for.

The ETEEAP offers a formal pathway for Filipinos to gain academic degrees based on competencies gained through work experience, non-formal training and informal education.  

It allows qualified individuals to receive academic credits and complete degrees without undergoing traditional classroom instruction.

Under the law, applicants must be Filipino citizens, at least 23 years old and high school graduates with a minimum of five years of work experience related to the degree they wish to earn.  

Their competencies are assessed through written tests, interviews, skills demonstrations and portfolio reviews conducted by deputized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The IRR outlines procedures to ensure consistent implementation and quality assurance across all participating institutions. It supersedes the previous framework established under Executive Order (EO) No. 330, thereby making ETEEAP a permanent, fully funded national program.