Esteemed leaders and academic representatives from the University of Baguio participated in the Lifelong Learning Caravan cum Zonal Public Orientation on the Addendum on the Eligibility Requirements for ETEEAP Deputization of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for the North and Central Luzon Cluster on September 10, 2026, in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
The Caravan provided participating HEIs with policy updates, orientation, and benchmarking opportunities on new educational pathways that expand access to education, employment, and skill development. As part of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED-OPSD) ongoing efforts to promote lifelong learning, higher education institutions were also encouraged through the activity to exchange best practices and explore novel strategies to improve accessibility, flexibility, competency-based learning, and responsiveness to the evolving demands of students and the labor market.
Strengthening UB’s ETEEAP and Lifelong Learning Initiatives
Proudly representing the academic institution were Dean John Balanquit from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), Director Melanie Saro of the Linkages Office, Ms. Jera Cachepero, ETEEAP staff from the Linkages Office, Ms. Cherrie Almazan, Program Chair of the School of Information Technology (SIT), and Ms. Faith Pae Javier, Review Coordinator from the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS).
The participation of representatives from different academic and administrative units underscored the university’s institutional commitment to keeping abreast of national policies, emerging opportunities, and innovations in lifelong learning and alternative learning pathways.
A major focus of the orientation was the Addendum on the Eligibility Requirements for ETEEAP Deputization, presented by the technical panel for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). The session enhanced participants’ understanding of the policies, standards, and institutional requirements HEIs must meet to pursue ETEEAP deputization.
The orientation focused on the need for qualified staff, appropriate institutional systems and procedures, and systems for program delivery, quality control, and assessment to successfully implement alternative learning pathways. Institutions looking to give qualified professionals the chance to have their prior education, skills, and professional experiences officially recognized toward a degree should pay special attention to these requirements.
Alt Text: University of Baguio’s dedicated booth handled by Linkages ETEEAP Staff, Ms. Jera Mae Cachapero during the 2026 CHED ETEEAP Caravan
For UB, the discussions provided valuable insights to inform ongoing institutional conversations on strengthening its ETEEAP programs, quality assurance mechanisms, learner support systems, and alternative pathways for professionals seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The sessions highlighted the importance of building trust and recognition in micro-credentials through appropriate policies, standards, quality assurance mechanisms, and clear implementation guidelines. The sessions featured discussions on the growing role of micro-credentials in strengthening lifelong learning pathways and responding to evolving workforce requirements.
Further discussions covered the development, delivery, and publication of micro-credentials, emphasizing the need for programs to be relevant, quality-assured, accessible, and responsive to industry and labor-market needs. Providing representatives with opportunities to examine how emerging credentialing models may complement existing academic programs and professional development initiatives.
These Micro-credentials may also give learners and working professionals opportunities to acquire targeted competencies and demonstrate skills relevant to specific occupations and industries.
Connecting Education, Labor, and Industry
Focusing on aligning education and employment with regional labor-market needs, strengthening social protection and empowerment through lifelong learning pathways, providing educational assistance for overseas Filipino workers, and developing skills-based micro-credentials, the morning plenary sessions further explored the One Workforce Agenda, highlighting the importance of convergence among education, labor, and industry in building a future-ready Philippines.
The afternoon sessions provided more practical and technical perspectives through breakout discussions on the online enlistment system for ETEEAP, capacity building for Regional Quality Assurance Teams (RQATs) and CHED Regional Offices, and best practices in ETEEAP, micro-credentials, and Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL). Offering the direct participation of HEIs, practical insights into institutional implementation, quality assurance, digital learning systems, and flexible educational pathways.
A Platform for Benchmarking and Institutional Learning
Beyond policy orientation, the Caravan served as a valuable platform for benchmarking, institutional learning, and strategic collaboration. Such cross-unit collaboration can strengthen the institution’s capacity to respond to emerging opportunities in higher education and develop initiatives that are both academically sound and responsive to industry and community needs.
The participation of the said departments (SBAA, Linkages Office, SIT, and SCJPS) showcased the interdisciplinary nature of lifelong learning. Different academic and administrative units can contribute to and benefit from emerging educational pathways by integrating academic expertise, industry linkages, technology, professional development, continuing education, and learner support.
The exchange of experiences and perspectives reaffirmed the importance of strong partnerships among education, government, industry, and other stakeholders in creating a more flexible, inclusive, and responsive higher education system.
Advancing UB’s Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The activity was particularly timely to the University of Baguio’s continuing pursuit of quality, innovation, lifelong learning, and industry-responsive education. As higher education evolves beyond traditional degree pathways, initiatives such as ETEEAP, micro-credentials, and ODeL offer opportunities to recognize competencies, respond to workforce needs, and provide learners with more flexible ways to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and skills.
Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), participation highlighted the following
- SDG 4: Quality Education – by promoting inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by strengthening the connection between education, skills development, and employment
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among educational institutions, government, industry, and other stakeholders
Having engaged 218 participants from Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Lifelong Learning Caravan served as a significant venue for collective learning and dialogue on the future of flexible and accessible higher education. Reaffirming the shared commitment to creating pathways that recognize learning beyond the traditional classroom and empower individuals to learn, earn, and contribute throughout their lives.
For the University of Baguio, participation in the Caravan goes beyond staying informed of national developments. It represents an opportunity to benchmark, collaborate, innovate, and translate emerging lifelong learning policies and practices into meaningful educational opportunities for learners and working professionals.
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Written by: Ms. Faith Pae R. Javier
Photos by: Melanie Rulla-Saro
Article enhancement by Gabriel Madriaga
