Law Summary

Background and Purpose

• Legal Principle: The Executive Order (EO) establishes the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEAP) as a formal part of the Philippine educational system.
• Key Definitions:
  • Tertiary Education Equivalency: Recognition of skills and knowledge obtained through non-formal and informal education.
  • Accreditation: The process of validating an individual's competencies for degree qualification.
• Objectives:
  • To provide individuals with recognized competencies access to better employment opportunities.
  • To align educational qualifications with global competitiveness and sustainable development goals.

Responsibilities of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

• Legal Principle: CHED is designated as the primary authority for implementing the ETEAP.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Certification: CHED will certify work experiences and knowledge gained from non-formal training towards an academic degree.
  • Evaluation: Determine deficiencies in applicant qualifications that require remedial work.
  • Standards Development: Create methodologies for assessing skills and competencies.
  • Accreditation of Agencies: CHED can accredit other organizations to conduct assessments and offer degrees.
  • Quality Assurance: Maintain the integrity and quality of the program through collaborations with regulatory agencies.
  • Financial Management: Set fees for accreditation contributing to a dedicated fund within the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF).

Consultative and Advisory Body

• Legal Principle: CHED may establish a consultative body to facilitate inter-agency cooperation.
• Composition:
  • Chairman: CHED
  • Vice Chairman: Director-General of TESDA
  • Members: Representatives from DECS, DOST, PRC, National Youth Commission, private and state educational institutions, and business sectors.
• Function: To provide a platform for broad-based consultation among stakeholders.

Support from Other Government Agencies

• Legal Principle: Other government agencies are mandated to support CHED in operationalizing ETEAP.
• Agencies Involved:
  • TESDA, DECS, DOST, PRC, DOLE, and DTI.
• Requirement: These agencies must provide technical support as needed.

Technical Secretariat

• Legal Principle: Establishment of a Technical Secretariat within CHED.
• Function: To provide expert technical support and management for ETEAP.
• Expertise Required: Members must have recognized qualifications in alternative learning systems and educational assessment.

Funding Provisions

• Legal Principle: Funding for ETEAP will be sourced from the HEDF.
• Initial Funding: Approved amount for the first operational year.
• Subsequent Funding: Future appropriations will include ETEAP funding, with additional support from HEDF as required.
• Special Account: Creation of a Special Account within HEDF specifically for ETEAP.

Repeal of Inconsistent Issuances

• Legal Principle: All prior executive issuances that conflict with this EO are repealed or amended.

Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The EO takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Order No. 330 formalizes the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program under CHED's management.
• CHED is empowered to certify competencies, develop assessment standards, and accredit other educational agencies.
• A consultative body with diverse representation will ensure broad stakeholder involvement.
• Funding for the program is secured through the Higher Education Development Fund, emphasizing sustainable financial management.
• The EO emphasizes the importance of collaboration across multiple government sectors to enhance educational equivalency and accreditation efforts.