Escudero’s Bill Promises to Dismantle “Diploma Wall” Obstructing Filipino Career Progress
Senator Chiz Escudero, in a decisive move on Tuesday, called for the swift passage of six pivotal education bills, spearheaded by the groundbreaking Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). This initiative, encapsulated in Senate Bill No. 2568, promises to dismantle the “diploma wall” that hinders countless Filipinos from career advancement due to the lack of formal academic qualifications.
During his impassioned speech, Escudero, who chairs the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education (CHTVE), highlighted the plight of many skilled professionals and overseas Filipino workers who face employment barriers despite their expertise. The ETEEAP seeks to rectify this by validating work experience and non-formal training, offering a lifeline to those who have been unable to complete their college education.
The proposed legislation, SBN 2568, aims to institutionalize the ETEEAP, ensuring its sustainability through adequate funding. The program is designed to recognize the competencies of individuals at the collegiate level, thereby fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
In addition to SBN 2568, Senator Escudero has put forth a suite of bills aimed at addressing various educational challenges:
- SBN 2569: Establishing a Tripartite Council to tackle unemployment and job-skills mismatch.
- SBN 2596: Promoting access to quality legal education through free tuition in state universities and colleges.
- SBN 2597: Strengthening the Legal Education Board by amending the Legal Education Reform Act of 1993.
- SBN 2598: Enhancing mental health services in state universities and colleges.
- House Bill No. 7089: Founding a College of Medicine at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City.
Furthermore, the Senate has advanced House Bill No. 7564, which will enable the current President of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College to assume the inaugural presidency of the Mountain Province State University. This legislative push underscores the government’s commitment to educational reform and the empowerment of Filipino talent.
Senator Escudero’s advocacy for these bills underscores a transformative vision for the Philippine educational landscape, one that values skills and experience as much as formal degrees, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.