December 28, 2023 – The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has been officially deputized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to offer four new programs under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). These newly approved programs include the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Bachelor of Arts in Music Production, Bachelor of Arts in Production Design, and Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance and the reapproval of Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management for another five years.
This deputization marks another milestone in Benilde’s continuing commitment to accessible, inclusive, and quality higher education. This deputization marks another milestone in Benilde’s continuing commitment to accessible, inclusive, and quality higher education by expanding opportunities for industry professionals to earn a bachelor’s degree through the ETEEAP.
Approval from CHED for Benilde to offer new programs under the ETEEAP, along with the re-approval of the BS-Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management program for another five years.
The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) is a special program of CHED that recognizes the invaluable learning and competencies individuals acquire outside the formal classroom setting. It provides working professionals, skilled practitioners, and lifelong learners the opportunity to earn a college degree based on their knowledge, skills, and achievements gained through professional experience, training, and self-directed learning. ETEEAP is important because it bridges the gap between practical experience and academic recognition, empowering individuals to advance their careers and personal development without interrupting their professional lives.
When CHED deputizes an institution like Benilde to offer ETEEAP, it signifies the government’s trust and confidence in the institution’s ability to uphold academic excellence and integrity. Deputization means that Benilde has been evaluated and authorized by CHED to implement the program, ensuring that the College possesses the proper systems, qualified faculty, and rigorous assessment processes to validate and accredit prior learning. This recognition allows Benilde to confer academic degrees upon individuals who have demonstrated competencies equivalent to those attained through traditional education, ensuring that the same quality and standards are met.
The ETEEAP is closely linked to the pursuit of quality education. It reinforces the concept of outcomes-based learning, where competence and mastery are the true measures of academic success. By aligning professional experience with academic standards, the ETEEAP ensures that graduates possess the same level of skill, knowledge, and professionalism as those who completed conventional degree programs. It broadens the definition of quality education by valuing all forms of learning whether formal, non-formal, or experiential thereby promoting a more holistic and inclusive approach to educational excellence.
Equally important, ETEEAP embodies the principle of equality in education. It offers a second chance to individuals who, due to various life circumstances, were unable to complete their formal studies. Through ETEEAP, they are given equal opportunity to gain recognition for their abilities and experiences, regardless of their socio-economic background. It helps create a more equitable educational system where success is determined by competence and dedication rather than by access to traditional pathways alone. In doing so, ETEEAP empowers diverse learners and supports social mobility by opening doors to advancement, both academically and professionally.
Through its deputization to offer these new programs under ETEEAP, Benilde reaffirms its mission to nurture innovative, inclusive, and socially responsible learners. The College continues to champion the Benildean-Lasallian identity and values of accessibility, excellence, and service by providing opportunities for professionals to formalize their expertise and transform their experiences into recognized academic achievements. Ultimately, Benilde’s involvement in ETEEAP is not just an expansion of academic offerings it is a continuation of its commitment to lifelong learning, quality education, and educational equality for all.
Since 2004, the College has been duly deputized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to offer the ETEEAP.
