Parents Who Want To Pursue Higher Education, Try This Alternative Education Program Called ETEEAP

Some parents enter parenthood without the privilege of finishing their studies due to financial constraints, obligations, or health issues. It is an ultimate dream to graduate with a degree, but how can parents do it with all their current responsibilities as parents or workers?

If you are a parent who wishes to pursue higher education, ETEEAP may be the answer for you!

What is ETEEAP?

Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program or ETEEAP honors the number of years you have worked in your chosen field. It is an alternative education program in the Philippines that allows professional workers to complete their college education without going through the traditional method. ETEEAP has been administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) since Former President Fidel V. Ramos's administration in 1996.

It started when the government recognized the 10 million Filipinos who worked abroad, and when they were about to be designated with supervisory positions, the issue of academic requirements came up. This required them to go back to college. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized that their experiences "weigh much more than the qualifications of new graduates on a piece of paper in their hands as their only credentials." They recognized that experience is indeed the best teacher.

What are the requirements to enter the program?

The individual must be at least a high school graduate.

According to CHED, they must have worked for at least five years in the field or industry related to the academic program they are obtaining an equivalency.

The program can be finished between 6 and 18 months instead of a four-year course. It will depend on the number of years they have worked in their chosen field. For example, if you have attended a specific training related to the course, they may consider it equivalent to one course or subject.

Celebrity Parents who finished their degrees under ETEEAP Program

1. Ruffa Gutierrez

When Ruffa Gutierrez graduated from the Philippine Women's University with a degree in AB Communication Arts in 2022, she said, "I'm already a degree holder. I realize that you can graduate at any age. For me, education is very important. Gusto ko magsilbing inspiration sa mga anak ko… I'm a single mom. I worked so hard. Nag-stop ako after high school kasi I made the most of my opportunity sa work coming my way back then. But it's never too late to go back to school." 

2. Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion graduated from Arellano University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018. She said, "I want to thank my loved ones who supported me and pushed/inspired me to finish my studies. I also want to thank my professors, classmates, and the ETEEAP program of #ArellanoUniversity for helping me make my dream of finishing college come true. I am so so so happy to finally have a degree. ALL GLORY TO GOD!"

3. Jolo Revilla

Jolo Revilla, an actor and politician, completed his Legal Management degree through an ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program) at Lyceum of the Philippines.

4. Neri Miranda

Neri Miranda is known for being a wais and madiskarte mompreneur. She has lots of different businesses and serves as an inspiration to many moms as she also embarks on continuing learning. Neri Miranda is earning a degree in Business Administration from the University of Baguio.

“Sa lahat ng nakakabasa nito, kung kaya ko, mas kayo nyo. Kung wala pang budget, mag ipon ka lang. Iba iba man ang journey natin, yung iba mas mauuna, may male-late lang konti, meron matagal talagang dumating kagaya ng sa akin. Hindi naging madali sa akin lahat ha? Pero dahil palagi akong positibo na darating ang para sa akin, naghintay lang ako at habang naghihintay, ginagawa kong productive ang sarili ko. Para kapag ibinigay na ni Lord ang tamang panahon para sa akin, I AM READY,” she encouraged other parents.

5. Karla Estrada

Karla Estrada shared that "nothing is too late," even when you are finishing your studies. She graduated at the age of 47. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Office Administration at the Philippine Christian University under the ETEEAP program.

6. Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science-Local Government Administration degree at the University of Makati. He shared: "Let us engrave this in our hearts: It is never too late to dream bigger dreams. It is never too late to accomplish our dreams. LIVE YOUR PASSION, not just for yourself, but for your family and for our country." 

We all have different timelines, and no one is giving you a deadline with your dreams. It is never too early nor too late to pursue your dreams. You can still pursue your education even after years of working or parenting. All you need is the desire and determination to continue your education.