IECEP KSA-ERC Conducts Online ETEEAP Introduction Session to Empower OFWs Toward Earning College Degrees

February 27, 2026, | IECEP KSA-ERC HQ, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

As part of its continuing advocacy to uplift Filipino professionals, the IECEP KSA-ERC successfully conducted an online orientation on the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), open not only to members but to all qualified Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Despite the gap between registration and actual attendance, the orientation drew active participation from OFWs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several attendees joining from the Philippines and with the support of Ms. Laureen Musa of Migrant Workers Office (MWO). The turnout reflected the strong interest of aspiring professionals determined to fulfill their long-standing goal of earning a college degree.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Engr. Teofilo Bitoon emphasized the value of the participants’ overseas work experience, highlighting how their years of dedication and industry exposure align with the core principles of the ETEEAP program. He encouraged attendees to recognize their competence and qualifications, reminding them that their professional journey has prepared them to take the next step toward achieving a bachelor’s degree.

The three-hour session was comprehensively delivered by Engr. Melvin Landicho, Chairman of the ETEEAP Committee, former Governor of IECEP KSA-ERC, and one of the key advocates of the OFWs’ ETEEAP Scholarship Grant under DMW-OWWA. He began by presenting practical scenarios to clearly illustrate the relevance and purpose of ETEEAP.

His discussion covered the program’s mandate, eligibility requirements, step-by-step process, and a list of accredited institutions implementing the program.

The success of the event was evident in the participants’ thoughtful and relevant questions, demonstrating their genuine interest and eagerness to pursue the opportunity.

The session concluded on a high note by Engr. Jonas Calayag (VG for External), guidance of the virtual host Engr. Kelvin Cano (VG for Internal) and made possible through the collective efforts, dedication, and selfless service of the Board of Trustees, Former Governors, and dedicated functionaries of IECEP KSA-ERC.