By Dr. Elmer Eligio and Dr. Stacy Haynie Ayson
The University of Baguio (UB) actively contributed to the national conversation on flexible and competency-based teacher education pathways through the participation of Dr. Elmer Eligio and Dr. Stacy Haynie Ayson in the Workshop on the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) as Contextualized to Teacher Education, held from May 25–27, 2026 at the Orchid Garden Suites Hotel, Manila City.
Organized by the Teacher Education Council (TEC), the workshop brought together representatives from selected Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) previously deputized to implement ETEEAP. The activity aimed to gather institutional insights, recommendations, and proposals that will help strengthen teacher education programs offered through ETEEAP and support the implementation of Republic Act No. 12124 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, series of 2025.
Representing the University of Baguio, Dr. Eligio and Dr. Ayson joined education leaders, policymakers, and ETEEAP practitioners in examining existing policies, processes, and assessment frameworks. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on challenges encountered at institutional and system levels, common concerns raised by ETEEAP applicants, innovative practices adopted by higher education institutions, and the development of a harmonized assessment system for teacher education programs under ETEEAP.
The three-day workshop generated valuable outputs, including policy recommendations for improving ETEEAP implementation and proposals for operationalizing assessment systems that recognize prior learning and professional competencies while ensuring academic quality and standards.
As a long-standing advocate of accessible and quality education, the University of Baguio welcomed the opportunity to share its experiences and best practices in implementing alternative pathways to higher education. The participation of Dr. Eligio and Dr. Ayson reflects the University’s continuing commitment to educational innovation, lifelong learning, and responsive teacher preparation programs that address the evolving needs of learners and communities.
Through its involvement in initiatives such as this, UB reinforces its role as a partner in shaping policies and practices that expand access to teacher education while maintaining excellence in professional preparation.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
The workshop aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly in promoting inclusive and equitable access to higher education and lifelong learning opportunities. By strengthening ETEEAP as an alternative pathway for aspiring educators, the initiative supports the recognition of prior learning, expands opportunities for working professionals, and contributes to the development of a qualified and diverse teaching workforce.
The activity also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enabling professionals to gain formal academic credentials that enhance career mobility, professional advancement, and workforce development.
