Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__94

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE GENERAL EDUCATION DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN
STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AND TO FACILITATE
COURSE EXPLORATION, ACADEMIC MOBILITY, AND
INTER-INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT TRANSFER

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippine higher education system, students are required to choose a specific
degree program upon admission to a State University or College (SUC) ~ often before they are
fully prepared to make such a decision. Many make course choices based on external pressure
or limited career guidance and later realize that their original program does not align with their
interests or abilities. This leads to widespread course shifting, credit loss, and delayed
graduation.

The fiscal consequences are significant. Based on conservative estimates, each
additional year spent in college due to inefficient credit transfers, rigid curricular structures, or
delayed major declaration costs the government between P30,000 to P60,000 per student
annually in tuition subsidy alone under Republic Act No. 10931, otherwise known as the
Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. When indirect costs such as delayed
employment, foregone income tax contributions, and higher student dropout risk are added, the
figure rises to P60,000 — P120,000 per student per year.

In 2023, there were over 1.5 million students enrolled in SUCs. Assuming even a
conservative 15% incidence of course shifting or inter-institutional transfer disruptions, this
‘means that at least 225,000 students are potentially incurring avoidable delays. Multiplied
by the public cost per student, this translates to an estimated P13.5 billion to P27 billion in
annual inefficiencies borne by the national government and the broader economy.

Worse, many qualified students forgo college altogether after failing to gain admission

into their program of choice ~ despite meeting the general admission cut-off for their SUC.
‘This rigid sorting mechanism wastes potential and institutional resources.

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This bill addresses these inefficiencies by instituting a General Education Diploma
Program in all SUCs. It enables students to complete CHED-prescribed general education
courses — concentrated within the first two years — before declaring a major. It affirms students”
tights to:

Shift from one SUC to another, subject to reasonable admissions requirements;
Have all CHED-compliant subjects credited without undue barriers;

Explore subjects outside their primary program;

Pursue minors and second degrees, with the understanding that such additional units
will be self-funded.

By reducing duplication, enabling academic mobility, and affirming the learner's right
to change direction, this bill promotes a more efficient, equitable, and fiscally responsible
tertiary education system.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 54

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE GENERAL EDUCATION DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN
STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AND TO FACILITATE
COURSE EXPLORATION, ACADEMIC MOBILITY, AND
INTER-INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT TRANSFER

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Academic Freedom Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote flexible,
inclusive, and learner-centered higher education, The State recognizes the need to provide
students enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with opportunities to explore
academic interests, transfer between degree programs or institutions with minimal disruption,
and acquire credentials even prior to major specialization.

SEC. 3. Rights of Students in State Universities and Colleges. To promote academic
freedom and leamer autonomy, the following rights shall be guaranteed to all students enrolled
in any State University or College (SUC):

(a) The right to shift from one SUC to another, subject only to reasonable and
proportionate admission requirements duly promulgated by the receiving institution;

(b) The right to have prior CHED-compliant courses credited in another SUC, without
being subjected to undue repetition or burdensome requirements, provided that the receiving
SUC may require validation through examinations or assessments;

(©) The right to enroll in subjects outside one's declared program of study, for the
purpose of academic enrichment, cross-disciplinary learning, or eventual completion of a
minor or second degree; and

(d) The right to a reasonable period of time to explore academic interests prior to final

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declaration of a major or field of specialization.

SEC. 4. Establishment of the General Education Diploma Program. — All State
Universities and Colleges (SUCs) shall offer a General Education Diploma Program consisting
of the complete general education curriculum as prescribed by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED). The general education courses shall be primarily concentrated within the
first two (2) years of college to ensure early completion and maximum portability of academic
units, Completion of the required general education subjects shall entitle the student to a formal
diploma issued by the SUC.

SEC. 5. Objectives. - The General Education Diploma Program shall:

(a) Provide students with foundational academic knowledge applicable across
disciplines;

(b) Facilitate shifting between degree programs within and across SUCs;
(c) Allow students time to explore academic interests before selecting a major field;

() Enable students to pursue minors or second degrees using credited general
education units; and

(©) Promote seamless inter-institutional credit transfer of CHED-compliant subjects.

SEC. 6. Free Tuition Coverage. — Enrollment in the General Education Diploma
Program and the primary major degree of study shall be covered under Republic Act No.
10931, otherwise known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.”
However, units taken for the purpose of acquiring a second degree or a declared minor shall
not be covered by the free tuition provisions and shall be subject to tuition and other applicable
fees.

SEC. 7. Academic Mobility and Credit Transfer. - No student shall be denied transfer
from one SUC to another solely on the basis of origin or prior enrollment, All CHED-compliant
subjects completed in one SUC shall be credited in another SUC, provided that the receiving
institution may require examinations or assessments to validate subject mastery.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in consultation with
SUCs, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other
issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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