Romblon State University to Be Formalized as ETEEAP Provider at the 32nd CHED Anniversary

Romblon State University (RSU) is on the cusp of a significant milestone. On June 10, 2026, the university is set to be formally recognized as one of the newly approved Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) providers during the 32nd CHED Anniversary Strategic Partnership Convergence, to be held at the PICC Complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

This upcoming recognition marks an important step forward for RSU and for the many working professionals in the MIMAROPA region who have long sought a flexible pathway to earning a college degree. It also signals continued momentum in the nationwide expansion of the ETEEAP under Republic Act No. 12124, the law that permanently institutionalized the program in 2025.

In This Article

What the Recognition Means

Being formally recognized as an ETEEAP provider is not a ceremonial gesture. It means that RSU has met the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to assess, evaluate, and award academic degrees to qualified individuals based on their prior learning and work experience.

Under the ETEEAP framework, deputized HEIs are authorized to convene a Panel of Assessors that reviews a candidate’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values (KSAVs) as demonstrated through years of industry experience, non-formal training, and informal learning. A successful candidate earns the same CHED-recognized academic degree as a traditional graduate, with full legitimacy for career advancement, civil service eligibility, and, where applicable, professional licensure examination eligibility.

RSU’s inclusion in this select group reflects the university’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and providing meaningful opportunities for individuals who have built careers without the benefit of a formal college diploma.

About the 32nd CHED Anniversary Event

The 32nd CHED Anniversary Strategic Partnership Convergence is a gathering that brings together educators, government officials, and institutional leaders to celebrate the milestones of Philippine higher education and lay the groundwork for its future direction.

This year’s event, scheduled for June 10, 2026, at the PICC Complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila, will include the formal recognition of newly approved ETEEAP providers. RSU is among the institutions that will be honored during this occasion, a moment that underscores the university’s role in shaping inclusive and flexible education in the country.

For RSU and its community, this recognition is both an affirmation of past efforts and a call to continue delivering on the promise of accessible, quality education.

ETEEAP and Its Growing Network

The ETEEAP is a comprehensive alternative learning program that allows Filipino professionals to earn a college degree through the validation of competencies gained from work experience, specialized training, and other non-traditional forms of learning. It is currently governed by Republic Act No. 12124, which transformed the program from an executive policy into a permanent pillar of the Philippine educational system.

Not all schools can offer ETEEAP. Only institutions that have been rigorously evaluated and formally deputized by CHED are authorized to implement the program. This ensures that every degree awarded under ETEEAP meets the same academic standards as those earned through conventional schooling. You can view the current list of accredited ETEEAP schools on this website, including information on program offerings by region.

RSU’s newly approved status joins a small but growing network of public and private HEIs across the country that are helping the program reach more Filipinos in more regions. The expansion of this network is central to the ETEEAP Act’s goal of making flexible higher education accessible to every part of the Philippines.

What This Means for Professionals in MIMAROPA

Romblon is a province composed of islands in the MIMAROPA region, a part of the country that has historically had fewer tertiary education options compared to major urban centers. For working professionals in Romblon and nearby provinces who have accumulated years of valuable work experience but have not completed a formal college degree, RSU’s ETEEAP provider status opens a door that was previously difficult to reach.

Rather than relocating or interrupting their livelihoods to attend a traditional university, qualified individuals may now explore the possibility of pursuing a degree through RSU’s ETEEAP program. This is particularly significant for those who have been waiting for an accredited institution closer to home.

If you are wondering whether there is a school near you or whether you can apply online, the Accredited Schools directory is a good place to start.

Who Can Apply for ETEEAP?

The ETEEAP has clear minimum qualifications set by CHED, though deputized HEIs may add their own admission criteria on top of these. To be eligible, a candidate must:

  1. Be a Filipino citizen, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad.
  2. Be at least 23 years of age at the time of application.
  3. Hold a high school diploma or an equivalent certification such as the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) or the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency Assessment and Certification, showing qualification to enter college.
  4. Have at least five (5) years of aggregate work experience in an industry related to the degree program being sought.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in the discipline through certifications, employer endorsements, or relevant professional credentials.

These qualifications reflect the program’s core principle: that meaningful learning happens in many places, and that years of real-world experience deserve formal recognition. For a deeper look at the application process and what documents you will need to prepare, visit the Get Started page.

It is also worth noting that the ETEEAP is not a shortcut or a fast-track diploma. It is a rigorous academic process that requires thorough assessment and, in many cases, competency enrichment coursework. For a clear comparison of how ETEEAP differs from a traditional bachelor’s degree program, read this guide: Regular Bachelor’s Degree vs ETEEAP: What’s the Real Difference?

Next Steps for Interested Applicants

If RSU’s upcoming ETEEAP recognition has you considering whether this pathway might be right for you, here are a few practical first steps:

  • Check your eligibility. Use the eligibility checker to see if you meet the basic qualifications before reaching out to any school.
  • Browse available programs. Visit the Programs page to explore the range of academic degrees currently offered through ETEEAP providers.
  • Find an accredited school. The Accredited Schools directory lists all currently deputized HEIs, along with details to help you find the right fit.
  • Read the FAQs. The Frequently Asked Questions page answers many common questions about the application process, assessment, and what to expect after enrollment.
  • Prepare your documents. Applicants are generally required to submit a PSA-authenticated birth certificate, a service record or certificate of employment, their most recent academic records, a comprehensive resume, and certificates of training and proficiency. A complete document checklist is available through your chosen deputized HEI.

Be cautious about schools that have not been officially deputized by CHED. Unauthorized institutions have been known to fraudulently offer ETEEAP programs. Learn more about how to protect yourself: Mga Hindi Awtorisadong Institusyon na Nag-aalok ng mga Programa.

Congratulations to the entire RSU community on this well-deserved milestone. The upcoming recognition at the 32nd CHED Anniversary Strategic Partnership Convergence is a testament to the university’s dedication to educational excellence and its willingness to serve professionals who deserve a second chance at formal education.

Are you ready to find out if ETEEAP is the right path for you? Visit ETEEAP.PH to explore everything you need to know about the program, from qualifications and accredited schools to success stories from professionals just like you.

Photo credit: RSU Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs