13/07/2026
CHEDROII Advances Flexible Higher Education Through Non-Conventional Learning Convergence
TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN โ The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office II reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality higher education through the successful conduct of the convergence of alternative modes of learning in Higher Education, bringing together higher education institutions (HEIs), education leaders, and policy experts to discuss the future of non-conventional education.
The convergence highlighted CHEDโs continuing efforts to strengthen lifelong learning, flexible education pathways, and institutional readiness in response to the evolving needs of Filipino learners, particularly working professionals, adult learners, and non-traditional students.
"As we continue strengthening ETEEAP and ODeL, we are not replacing traditional educationโwe are expanding educational opportunity. We are recognizing diverse pathways toward excellence and building a higher education system where every Filipino, regardless of age, circumstance, or location, has a genuine opportunity to learn, succeed, and thrive," said Dr. Julieta M. Paras, Director IV of CHED Region II. She underscored the importance of reimagining higher education to be more inclusive, responsive, innovative, and adaptable to the evolving needs of Filipino learners. She emphasized that flexible learning pathways empower professionals, adult learners, and non-traditional students to pursue quality higher education without compromising their personal and professional responsibilities.
In his keynote address, Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, Director IV of the CHED Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), emphasized the transformative role of lifelong learning in national development. He underscored the need for a coherent national strategy that enables prior learning, professional experience, competencies, and workplace training, ensuring that learning extends beyond the traditional classroom.
The first day of the convergence focused on policy discussions that equipped participating higher education institutions with the latest developments in non-conventional higher education. Dr. Melquiades C. Ancheta, Chief Education Program Specialist of the Non-Conventional Higher Education Programs Division (NHD) of CHED OPSD, led an in-depth discussion on CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 11, s. 2025, covering the implementation of the Enhanced Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Implementing Rules and Regulations, deputization, and re-certification of HEIs. He also introduced the draft Addendum to Rule III, Section 1 of the CMO, which proposes enhancements to the eligibility requirements for HEIs seeking deputization, further strengthening quality assurance and institutional readiness in the implementation of ETEEAP.
Complementing the policy discussions, Ms. Cristina E. Rotairo, Supervising Education Program Specialist of the same division, presented innovative strategies in Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL). She highlighted the growing role of microcredentials in stackable, industry-validated credentials in preparing learners for rapidly-changing workforce demands. These flexible learning pathways allow learners to acquire competencies progressively while enabling institutions to respond more effectively to developments in industry, technology, and lifelong learning.
Recognizing the growing influence of digital technologies in higher education, Mr. Jorel C. Ramirez, Education Supervisor II of CHED Region II, delivered a timely presentation on Artificial Intelligence in Flexible Higher Education: Enhancing Teaching, Learning, Assessment, and Learner Support. He discussed the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence to improve instructional delivery, personalize learning experiences, enhance learner support systems, and strengthen assessment practices while reaffirming the indispensable role of education in the learning process.
Throughout the convergence, participants actively engaged in discussions on curriculum innovation, competency-based educational learning principles, digital transformation, institutional collaboration, international partnership, microcredentials, and emerging technologies. These exchanges reinforced the importance of building higher education systems that are accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive.
As the event concluded, CHED Region II reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the number of deputized and recertified HEIs implementing the ETEEAP, while encouraging more institutions to adopt ODeL as a strategic pillar of lifelong learning.
More than promoting alternative modes of education, the convergence demonstrated that non-conventional higher education is no longer an alternative to quality educationโit is a catalyst for greater accessibility, equity, innovation, and the development of a highly competent and future-ready Filipino workforce.
