Academic Sector Inputs on RA 12215 IRR Discussed with CHED

In response to the various concerns raised in the previous consultation meeting with the academic sector, a consultation meeting was conducted with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on July 18, 2025, at the CHED central office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The meeting was graced by CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, along with the Technical Panel for Agricultural Education (TPAE) and key officials from the CHED. The meeting focuses on discussing concerns raised by the SUCs, particularly on the requirement of a license in teaching foundational courses of agriculture in SUCs and equal salary grade of entry-level position in government and SUCs, with the latter requiring higher educational qualifications.

The meeting from CHED resulted in the following suggestions and agreements:

• Include a provision that CHED will coordinate directly with schools, in case of modification of foundation/core courses that will be included in the scope of examination, aligning with its mandate.

• Specify the 27 units in the IRR and not only the foundation courses for elaboration in the IRR.

• PhD holders who will apply for the Registration without Examination should be required to have a reputable scholastic accomplishment/output related to agriculture.

• On issues on Salary Grade, a provision for SG applicability for the faculty in SUCs with advanced studies (lateral entry) can be included.

• During the meeting with CHED, it was clarified that only the assessors for DA-accredited learning sites and NCII teachers of TESDA are required to be Registered Agriculturists.

• The transition period is extended to five (5) years, applicable to all agencies, SUCs, and local government units.

• The employment of faculty members in SUCs requiring Registered Agriculturists applies to core/foundation and major courses only, as agreed. Graduate courses are not included.

The suggestion to create another pathway through equivalency in taking the licensure exam has been noted, such as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), along with the provision that CHED will develop a competency-based equivalency framework, which will be deliberated by the Technical Working Group.

The TWG acknowledges the support and inputs of CHED in creating an inclusive and operational Implementing Rules and Regulations for RA 12215, or the Philippine Agriculturists Act.