The University of Baguio proudly joins the ranks alongside sixteen (16) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) around the Philippines and is officially credited as one of the newly approved providers of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) during the 32nd CHED Anniversary Strategic Partnership Convergence
Affirming the university’s continuous quest and aspiration to achieve academic and organizational excellence, the national recognition was brought forth by meticulous evaluation metrics in the parameters of institutional readiness, academic delivery systems, student support mechanisms, industry relevance, faculty qualifications, assessment methodologies, and commitment to learner-centered education. Reaching a formidable ranking as one of only two universities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to be accredited and certified with the ETEEAP provider status.
Held on June 10, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the event was honored and facilitated by distinct members of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), namely, Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis; distinguished national diplomats; government leaders; and honored guests, including Senator Loren Legarda, Congressman Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, CHED Commissioners, and CHED officials and staff nationwide.
Waving the banner high from the University of Baguio during the awarding ceremony were Linkages Office Director Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro and ETEEAP staff member Ms. Jera Cachapero, on behalf of UB President Dr. Javier D. Herminio Bautista and tenured University Management members.
More than a mere organizational milestone, at its core, the quality assurance processes are conducted by the CHED Technical Panel and the CHED-CAR Regional Quality Assurance Team from 2024 to 2025. Reflecting on the institution’s mission to provide innovative education that nurtures globally competitive professionals, ethical leaders, and empowered communities.
The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program creates opportunities for working professionals, industry practitioners, and lifelong learners to obtain academic degrees through the recognition of prior learning, work experience, technical expertise, and professional competencies acquired outside of formal education. Giving the program’s direct and official implementation bridges professional experience with academic achievement, transforming years of practical learning into recognized academic qualifications.
ETEEAP Implementation: Legal Bases and Accredited Assessments
Republic Act No. 12124 institutionalizes the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), an educational assessment scheme that aims to shape the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values (KSAV) gained by individuals from non-formal, informal, and work-based learning experiences.
Governed solely by the previous executive order issued in 1996, the national program has since then flourished a permanent civic statute. Guaranteeing broader access to quality knowledge building that allows working-class individuals to avoid traditional classroom attendance, all while expanding the playing field, helping professionals to advance their careers by fully recognizing occupational expertise as equal to formal schooling.
Deputized higher education institutions can assess and validate prior learning competencies using competency standards and comprehensive assessment techniques like written examinations, interviews, skills demonstrations, portfolio assessments, and other practices/processes. Successful candidates may be granted equivalent academic credits or college degrees in their field of competence.
Expressed through quality education and economic growth and development initiatives brought by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the university acknowledges the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of the ETEEAP Committee, composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), deans, directors, faculty mentors, assessors, coordinators, and administrative staff, whose collective commitment to quality education and student success made this recognition possible.
Garnering a holistic framework for pedagogical shifts found in the 21st century, UB is dedicated to enhancing accessible, adaptable, industry-responsive, and globally linked educational programs that empower a culture of excellence and continual development through accessible and globally competitive education.
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Written by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
