SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12124, which strengthens the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, offering professionals the opportunity to earn academic degrees based on their skills and competencies.

Go, who co-authored the law, emphasized its importance for Filipinos who couldn’t finish formal college education due to financial challenges but have gained significant industry experience.

“Maraming Pilipino ang hindi nakapagpatuloy ng kolehiyo dahil kailangang maghanapbuhay agad para sa pamilya,” Go said.

“Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon na wala na silang sapat na kaalaman at kasanayan. Dito pumapasok ang batas na ito—kung may sapat kang karanasan at husay sa isang larangan, maaari mo nang makuha ang diploma na makakatulong sa iyo sa trabaho at promosyon,” he added.

Under the law, professionals with at least five years of relevant industry experience may be granted academic degrees after a rigorous assessment of their knowledge and skills.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will implement the program, set assessment standards, and deputize higher education institutions to grant equivalency-based degrees.

Go stressed that this approach will benefit skilled workers, including overseas Filipino workers and those who have advanced in their careers despite lacking a formal college diploma.

“Sa loob at labas ng bansa, marami tayong kababayang eksperto na sa kanilang trabaho pero walang diploma. Sa ilalim ng programang ito, hindi na magiging hadlang ang kawalan ng college degree para sa promosyon at mas magandang oportunidad,” he said.

Go urged CHED and participating universities to ensure the program remains accessible, transparent, and free from unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa diploma; ito ay tungkol sa pagbibigay ng pantay na oportunidad sa bawat Pilipino na umasenso. Kapag mas maraming manggagawa ang may pormal na pagkilala sa kanilang kakayahan, mas lalakas ang ating ekonomiya,” he added.