Latest news with #CommissiononHigherEducation
GMA Network
06-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Gatchalian: Three-Year College Education Act aims to cut parents' expenses
The proposed measure to shorten college to three years is a move to help parents lessen their children's education expenses, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday. 'Hindi natin ito ginawa para magtipid ang gobyerno. Ginawa natin ito para makapagtipid ang mga magulang,' Gatchalian explained to Super Radyo dzBB. (We're not proposing it so that the government could save money, but to ease the parents' education expenses for their children.) He noted that these expenses include travel fare, dormitory rent, and costs for projects and field trips. The senator said some courses from previous years are being studied again in college. 'Imbis na kukunin lang ulit yung kinuha nung elementarya, PE is an example na binabayaran ng magulang ng four semesters, ibuhos niya na lang ang oras niya sa concentration,' Gatchalian said. (Rather than retaking subjects already covered in elementary, such as physical education, which parents pay for four semesters, students could instead spend that time focusing on other courses.) Among Gatchalian's priority bills in the 20th Congress is the Three-Year College Education Act, which aims to enable the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to shorten degree programs to no more than three academic years. The proposed measure provides that all general education courses shall be integrated and completed at the senior high school level and seeks to ensure students' readiness to go to college and provide them more time for internships and advanced specialization. —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Gatchalian seeks stricter regulation of online gambling
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday proposed a measure that would impose strict regulations for online gambling in the country as part of efforts to address the growing gambling addiction especially among the youth. Gatchalian, however, said the bill which he listed as one of his 10 priority measures in the 20th Congress, would not push for the total ban of online gambling to prevent providers from going underground. 'Ang salient points nito, pagbabawalan na gumamit ng GCash sa online gambling, tataasan ang age from 18 to 21, tapos ang minimum bet is P10,000, ang top up is P5,000,' he said. (Among its salient points are that the use of GCash for online gambling will be prohibited, the age will be increased from 18 to 21, then the minimum bet is P10,000, the top up is P5,000.) 'Naglagay rin kami ng penal provision, kapag hindi ginawa ng mga regulatory agencies ang trabaho nila, pwede silang kasuhan at matanggal sa trabaho at pwede rin silang makulong,' he added. (We also put in place a penal provision, if regulatory agencies do not do their job, they can be sued and fired and they can also be imprisoned.) The unnumbered bill also bans gambling sponsorships of public events and campaign donations, and mandates regulators to allocate a portion of collected regulatory fees for the establishment of gambling addiction rehabilitation centers. Last month, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the government has shut down 7,000 unauthorized online gaming websites. Also included in Gatchalian's priority bills in the 20th Congress is the Three-Year College Education Act, which aims to capacitate the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in allowing flexibility for degree programs to be completed in not more than three academic years. The proposed measure provides that all general education courses shall be integrated and completed at the senior high school level, and seeks to ensure students' readiness to go to college and provide them more time for internship and advanced specialization. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos: ETEEAP law to provide learners with professional standards in their degrees
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. underscored Tuesday that the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Law would aid learners in meeting the professional standards of their chosen degree. Marcos said this during the launch of the implementing rules and regulations of the ETEEAP Law. 'By encouraging higher education institutions to adopt flexible approaches such as online learning, we respond to various backgrounds, life experiences, and learning styles of the ETEEAP applicants,' Marcos said in his speech. The President said the law 'gives our fellows who were not able to finish college a second chance.' 'Beyond saving on tuition, books, and time away from work, this law opens doors to higher positions, better income, and more professional opportunities,' Marcos said. For the implementation of the law, the Commission on Higher Education will deputize higher education institutions with academic degrees to be opened for the ETEEAP. Meanwhile, the higher education institutions that will be tapped by CHED will be mandated to develop clear policies, procedures, and processes for the implementation of the ETEEAP. Marcos said through the law, the country has attained a clear and structured way to recognize the prior learning of individuals—be it from years of work or because they have taught themselves these skills—and match that with an academic equivalency. He added that this would provide support to caregivers, mechanics, technicians, and entrepreneurs—people who have long proven their skill, but who now get the recognition that they properly deserve. 'This leads to the development of stronger industries, a more competitive workforce, a more inclusive path to progress,' Marcos said. The law was inked last March 5. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
The Print
07-06-2025
- Health
- The Print
MBBS Abroad Just Got Easier: Philippines Emerges as a Game-Changer for Indian Students
New Delhi [India], June 5: As the NEET UG 2025 results approach, Indian students face tough decisions regarding medical education options amid limited government seats and high private college fees. In this context, the Philippines is emerging as a key destination for Indian students seeking MBBS degrees abroad. In a recent move aimed at promoting tourism, the Philippines government announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals for stays of up to 14 days. While primarily intended to boost tourism, this new policy has presented an unexpected advantage for Indian students and their families considering medical education in the country. The visa-free window allows them to visit campuses, interact with faculty, understand the academic environment, and evaluate infrastructure–without the burden of undergoing a lengthy visa process. 'Being able to see and feel where you're going to study — that changes everything for families making this important decision,' says Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy. 'The Philippines is not just welcoming students; it's giving them the confidence to choose wisely.' The Philippines has steadily gained popularity among Indian medical aspirants due to its unique advantages. One of the key draws is that the medium of instruction is English, eliminating the language barriers that often deter students from considering non-English-speaking countries. Additionally, the medical curriculum in the Philippines is based on the US education system, which offers an international standard of learning and exposure. Another significant advantage is the clinical training that students receive during their course. The Philippines has a tropical climate and disease patterns that are similar to those in India. This means Indian students studying there are exposed to medical conditions they are likely to encounter in their future practice back home, providing them with valuable and relevant clinical experience. Cost is another crucial factor influencing the decision. Studying MBBS in the Philippines is substantially more affordable compared to private medical colleges in India or even other popular international destinations like the USA, UK, or Australia. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs are comparatively lower, making it an accessible option for a broader segment of Indian students. The country has also taken progressive steps to reform its medical education system. Recent updates to the Philippines Medical Act now allow international graduates from CHED-accredited (Commission on Higher Education) institutions to register and practice medicine in the country after completing their internship. These reforms are seen as a step forward in aligning the country's medical education with international standards and enhancing its global appeal. For Indian students, this development is particularly important. The updated policy is in line with the Indian Medical Commission's framework, which means students can choose to either pursue a career in the Philippines or return to India and appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT, as required by Indian regulatory bodies. Industry experts suggest that the visa exemption comes at a crucial time. With over 20 lakh students appearing for NEET UG annually and only about one lakh government MBBS seats available, many students inevitably look toward foreign universities. The ability to physically visit institutions and make informed decisions before committing to a multi-year course is expected to positively impact the decision-making process. Currently, several CHED-accredited medical institutions in the Philippines are actively enrolling Indian students. In response to increasing demand, many universities have started offering additional support services, including Indian food, academic counselling, and preparation guidance for Indian licensing exams. These initiatives are aimed at easing the transition for Indian students and creating a more supportive academic environment. As student interest grows, the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a medical education hub in Asia through ongoing policy reforms, improved accessibility, and cultural openness. The country's friendly diplomatic ties with India further support this dynamic, making it easier for students and institutions to collaborate across borders. As Indian students prepare for their next steps after NEET UG 2025, the Philippines stands out as a practical and accessible option for those seeking a quality medical education abroad offering a compelling mix of affordability, academic credibility, and supportive policy frameworks. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
MBBS Abroad Just Got Easier: Philippines Emerges as a Game-Changer for Indian Students
SMPL New Delhi [India], June 5: As the NEET UG 2025 results approach, Indian students face tough decisions regarding medical education options amid limited government seats and high private college fees. In this context, the Philippines is emerging as a key destination for Indian students seeking MBBS degrees abroad. In a recent move aimed at promoting tourism, the Philippines government announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals for stays of up to 14 days. While primarily intended to boost tourism, this new policy has presented an unexpected advantage for Indian students and their families considering medical education in the country. The visa-free window allows them to visit campuses, interact with faculty, understand the academic environment, and evaluate infrastructure--without the burden of undergoing a lengthy visa process. 'Being able to see and feel where you're going to study -- that changes everything for families making this important decision,' says Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy. 'The Philippines is not just welcoming students; it's giving them the confidence to choose wisely.' The Philippines has steadily gained popularity among Indian medical aspirants due to its unique advantages. One of the key draws is that the medium of instruction is English, eliminating the language barriers that often deter students from considering non-English-speaking countries. Additionally, the medical curriculum in the Philippines is based on the US education system, which offers an international standard of learning and exposure. Another significant advantage is the clinical training that students receive during their course. The Philippines has a tropical climate and disease patterns that are similar to those in India. This means Indian students studying there are exposed to medical conditions they are likely to encounter in their future practice back home, providing them with valuable and relevant clinical experience. Cost is another crucial factor influencing the decision. Studying MBBS in the Philippines is substantially more affordable compared to private medical colleges in India or even other popular international destinations like the USA, UK, or Australia. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs are comparatively lower, making it an accessible option for a broader segment of Indian students. The country has also taken progressive steps to reform its medical education system. Recent updates to the Philippines Medical Act now allow international graduates from CHED-accredited (Commission on Higher Education) institutions to register and practice medicine in the country after completing their internship. These reforms are seen as a step forward in aligning the country's medical education with international standards and enhancing its global appeal. For Indian students, this development is particularly important. The updated policy is in line with the Indian Medical Commission's framework, which means students can choose to either pursue a career in the Philippines or return to India and appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT, as required by Indian regulatory bodies. Industry experts suggest that the visa exemption comes at a crucial time. With over 20 lakh students appearing for NEET UG annually and only about one lakh government MBBS seats available, many students inevitably look toward foreign universities. The ability to physically visit institutions and make informed decisions before committing to a multi-year course is expected to positively impact the decision-making process. Currently, several CHED-accredited medical institutions in the Philippines are actively enrolling Indian students. In response to increasing demand, many universities have started offering additional support services, including Indian food, academic counselling, and preparation guidance for Indian licensing exams. These initiatives are aimed at easing the transition for Indian students and creating a more supportive academic environment. As student interest grows, the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a medical education hub in Asia through ongoing policy reforms, improved accessibility, and cultural openness. The country's friendly diplomatic ties with India further support this dynamic, making it easier for students and institutions to collaborate across borders. As Indian students prepare for their next steps after NEET UG 2025, the Philippines stands out as a practical and accessible option for those seeking a quality medical education abroad offering a compelling mix of affordability, academic credibility, and supportive policy frameworks. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
