MANILA – A new partnership between OWWA and CHED is set to make higher education more accessible to overseas Filipino workers by recognizing their on-the-job experience as academic credit.
Signed on April 29 in Quezon City, the agreement supports the rollout of the LEAP-OFWs program, which builds on CHED’s ETEEAP system. Through this pathway, qualified workers can translate years of employment into units toward a bachelor’s degree.
According to OWWA Administrator Patricia Caunan, the setup can dramatically shorten the traditional college timeline. Instead of spending four years in school, some participants may complete their degrees in just one or two years.
The program also offers flexibility, allowing OFWs abroad to study online while continuing their employment. Financial assistance from OWWA will be available to help cover tuition in partner institutions.
Caunan emphasized that the initiative targets long-time migrant workers who were unable to finish their studies despite gaining extensive industry experience. By formalizing their skills, the program aims to open more career options for them upon returning home.
The pilot run will accommodate 100 OFWs, evenly divided between those currently overseas and those already back in the country. The funding will be sourced from the national budget and will cover all OFWs under the Alagang OWWA Program, including non-members.
The initiative forms part of a broader reintegration strategy backed by the national government, in collaboration with key agencies such as DOLE and DMW, to ensure graduates are connected to employment opportunities.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis shared that hundreds have already benefited from ETEEAP, underscoring its effectiveness in helping working professionals earn formal degrees.
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