The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched Project ASCEND on February 6 to help over 22,000 experienced social workers earn college degrees and qualify for licensure.
The program, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, recognizes prior work experience, training, and competencies to fast-track degree completion.
Project ASCEND is part of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), institutionalized under Republic Act No. 12124, allowing professionals to obtain degrees based on real-world experience.
The University of Northern Philippines, La Consolacion University, and 19 additional institutions nationwide will provide access to the program.
CHED and DSWD aim to professionalize the social welfare workforce, improve service delivery, and strengthen national human capital.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 7, 2026
CHED AND DSWD LAUNCH PROJECT ASCEND TO EXPEDITE DEGREES FOR 22K SOCIAL WORKERS
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