Law Summary
Scope and Application of Accreditation Benefits
- Secondary programs benefit from tertiary-level program accreditations if three basic tertiary programs have Level II accreditation, extended as long as status remains current.
- Secondary programs with outstanding National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) performance may enjoy accreditation benefits for up to five years.
- Other tertiary programs without existing accreditation mechanisms may receive equivalent benefits if at least three tertiary programs have Level II accreditation.
Eligibility Criteria for Accrediting Agencies
- Recognition as an accrediting agency by the Department is a prerequisite solely for institutions to access deregulated status and benefits.
- Accredited institutions must be affiliated with FAAP-recognized accrediting agencies.
- Additional guidelines to maintain uniformity and prevent proliferation of agencies may be formulated in coordination with FAAP.
- Accreditation agencies seeking FAAP affiliation and Department recognition must:
- Be a non-governmental special corporation under the Corporation Code.
- Demonstrate independence and capability in accreditation judgments and activities.
- Conform to generally accepted accrediting principles endorsed by FAAP.
- Publicize accreditation scope, criteria, procedures, and qualifications of governing members.
- Submit minimum academic standards to DECS for review confirming they exceed baseline Department standards.
Classification and Levels of Accreditation
- Progressive deregulation framework is enhanced in line with Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 and National Development Plan.
- Classification of programs into three accreditation levels:
- Level I (Applicant Status): Preliminary survey completed; capability to reach accreditation within 1–2 years; no special benefits.
- Level II (Accredited Status): Initial accreditation granted by FAAP member agencies; benefits accrue from this level onward.
- Level III (Reaccredited Status): Programs meet higher FAAP criteria; receive certificates of deregulated status from the Department.
- Accrediting bodies may set higher standards, additional levels, or extend accreditation to other educational levels.
Benefits for Accredited Institutions
- Level II Accredited Status benefits:
- Partial administrative deregulation including authority to graduate students without prior DECS approval.
- Partial curricular autonomy to revise curricula without DECS approval provided minimum requirements are fulfilled and changes submitted for information.
- Level III Reaccredited Status benefits:
- Full administrative deregulation with minimal reporting requirements.
- Curricular deregulation allowing new allied degree courses without prior DOE approval or permit/recognition.
Implementation and Repeal of Previous Issuances
- Effective starting school year 1993–94.
- Repeals prior circulars, memoranda, and orders related to private school regulation and accreditation, including those from 1967 to 1991.
- Previously granted benefits to accredited programs remain in effect.
- Rescinds any inconsistent issuances to this order.
This comprehensive explanation includes the foundational policy, scope, eligibility of accrediting agencies, levels of accreditation, benefits, and related procedural frameworks governing voluntary accreditation and deregulation in Philippine secondary and tertiary education.