EDCOM II, CHED warns against diploma mills

---

House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairperson and Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) co-chair Jude Acidre said that many teacher graduate programs in the Philippines prioritize credentials over teaching competence, a concern that was raised amid the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) warning against diploma mills. 

Acidre emphasized the purpose of teacher graduate studies, where he said that it must be a meaningful journey that helps educators. 

“Graduate studies for teachers should not be about collecting diplomas but about deepening competence…it must be a meaningful journey that helps educators think critically, teach creatively, and lead with purpose,” he said. 

In an official statement on November 05, 2025, CHED also warned the public against unrecognized institutions offering unauthorized graduate programs, describing them as “diploma mills” that issue degrees without meeting proper academic standards. 

CHED stated that only higher education institutions (HEIs) officially recognized by the agency are permitted to operate graduate programs.

According to CHED, schools found offering unauthorized graduate programs may face sanctions such as cease-and-desist orders, program suspension, or revocation of permits or recognition. The agency also clarified that diplomas from such institutions will not be validated for employment, licensure, or further studies.

Willmer Atibagos, a second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student at Cavite State University Imus Campus shared their views on the issue, saying it is important to ensure that teaching credentials reflect real skills and knowledge. 

“My stand for diploma mills is bad po because a certificate must be gained through experience and not just some paper that you need to buy po from some organisations who sell it…For example po, they used the diploma to be a doctor so we're putting someone's life to someone who's not capable or knows what to do in healing someone, and it's a waste of money na rin at the same time kasi they get paid to make a piece of unauthorized paper,” he said. 

EDCOM II continues to review teacher education programs across the country, while CHED continues to remind aspiring teachers to check if a graduate school is accredited before enrolling to ensure its quality and legitimacy. [F]

via Danna Kurt Sahagun, Staff Writer