Understanding Rule I – General Provisions of CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, Series of 2025

The newly issued CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 11, Series of 2025 provides the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12124 — the law that institutionalizes the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

For many Filipinos who gained knowledge, skills, and experience outside the traditional classroom, this is an important milestone in making higher education more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to real-life learning.

In this first part of our article series, let us explore Rule I – General Provisions and understand why this section matters.

What is Rule I All About?

Rule I lays down the foundation of the entire IRR. It explains:

• the official title of the rules,
• the guiding principles behind the law, and
• who the program applies to.

Although it may appear introductory, this section is very important because it defines the vision and direction of ETEEAP implementation in the Philippines.

Section 1: The Official Title

The IRR officially refers to the rules implementing Republic Act No. 12124, also known as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act.

In simple terms, this means that the government now has a formal and updated framework for recognizing learning gained through:

• work experience,
• trainings,
• community involvement,
• industry practice,
• and other non-traditional learning pathways.

This is a major step in valuing practical knowledge and lifelong learning.

Section 2: Declaration of Policies

“Learning does not only happen inside the classroom.”

This section contains the heart of the law.

The IRR emphasizes that the State recognizes that many Filipinos acquire valuable competencies outside formal education systems. Through ETEEAP, these competencies can now be assessed and accredited toward earning a college degree.

Key Highlights from this Section

1. Recognition of Prior Learning

One of the strongest messages in Rule I is that learning gained from real-life experience matters.

Whether someone learned through:

• years of work,
• technical training,
• entrepreneurship,
• public service,
• or self-directed learning,

those experiences may now be recognized academically through ETEEAP.

This gives opportunities to professionals and workers who were unable to finish college but have already developed expertise in their field.

2. Inclusive and Accessible Education

The IRR stresses that education should be:

• accessible,
• inclusive,
• responsive,
• and quality-driven.

This reflects a national commitment to reach more Filipinos — especially adult learners, working professionals, and those from underserved sectors.

ETEEAP becomes more than just an alternative education pathway; it becomes a bridge toward empowerment and career advancement.

3. Support for Non-Formal and Informal Learning

The policy also highlights support for:

• non-formal learning,
• informal learning,
• indigenous learning systems,
• and out-of-school study programs.

This is significant because it acknowledges that education exists in many forms and environments — not just within schools and universities.

The law respects community-based learning, workplace learning, and culturally rooted knowledge systems.

4. Flexible Learning Pathways

Another important point is the promotion of flexible educational and training pathways.

This means learners can potentially move more smoothly between:

• formal education,
• non-formal training,
• and informal learning experiences.

The goal is to create better opportunities for lifelong learning and stronger integration into the labor market.

In today’s rapidly changing world, flexibility in education is becoming increasingly important.

Section 3: Scope and Application

This section explains who the IRR applies to.

The IRR covers:

• both public and private Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) that offer or plan to offer ETEEAP; and
• Filipino citizens who meet the eligibility requirements to obtain a degree through the program.

This is important because it establishes that ETEEAP is not limited to a few institutions. More colleges and universities may now participate in offering degree opportunities through this expanded system.

For many working Filipinos, this could mean increased access to higher education closer to home or within their preferred institution.

Why Rule I Matters

Rule I may be called “General Provisions,” but it sets the tone for the entire ETEEAP law.

Its message is clear:

Education is not limited by age, background, or traditional schooling pathways.

The IRR recognizes the value of experience, practical knowledge, and lifelong learning. It opens doors for countless Filipinos who have long deserved recognition for the competencies they already possess.

ETEEAP is not simply about earning a diploma — it is about validating years of hard work, dedication, and real-world expertise.

Up Next in Our ETEEAP Explained Series

In the next article, we will discuss the next rule of the IRR and break down its important provisions in a simple and practical way.

This series aims to help educators, professionals, workers, and aspiring ETEEAP applicants better understand the opportunities provided under Republic Act No. 12124.

Rule II – Click here!

This article is based on the provisions of CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, Series of 2025, implementing Republic Act No. 12124 or the ETEEAP Act.