Hon. Rep. Jude A. Acidre graced the first day of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I’s (CHED RO1) Lifelong Learning Summit in Calasiao, Pangasinan, on July 28, 2026, as he encouraged Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ramp up their work to provide alternative learning platforms for learners.

The CHED RO1 Lifelong Learning Summit gathered academic leaders from across the Ilocos Region to strengthen the implementation of lifelong learning initiatives and promote the expansion of flexible learning pathways in accordance with Republic Act No. 12124 and CHED’s lifelong learning agenda.

Rep. Acidre, the Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Technical and Higher Education and the Co-Chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), championed the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in the chamber as one of the authors of House Bill 9015.

The lawmaker emphasized that lifelong learning is essential in equipping Filipinos with relevant knowledge and competencies amid the rapidly changing demands of the global economy, noting that HEIs play a crucial role in making quality education more accessible to working professionals, adult learners, and individuals seeking career advancement.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12124, or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program Act, on March 3, 2025, to allow Filipinos, especially working professionals, to finish college education for career advancement.

There are 12 deputized HEIs offering ETEEAP and four are recognized to offer ODeL in the Ilocos Region. CHED RO1 is processing more applications to offer ETEEAP and ODeL.

Image courtesy of Dani Sagayap

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