Philippines moves to shut down ‘diploma mills’

MANILA — The government is well on its way to putting an end to the perennial problem of “diploma mills” or fake diplomas often sold in some of Manila’s main streets, particularly Recto.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Dr. Carlito Puno said the antidote to this long-time problem is through the centralization of the printing of diplomas.

“There is much more to be accomplished if government agencies cooperate with one another. In this case, the CHED has linked up with the National Printing Office (NPO) in the production of college diplomas with security features,” Puno said.

He said the paper to be used in the printing of diplomas would be the same paper used in printing the Philippine currency. Aside from a serial number, a bar code with the graduate’s photo not visible to the naked eye, would be among the other security features to be included.

Puno said the system to curb diploma mills would be carried out in one or two years.

The CHED chairman said that this system would prevent Filipino professionals from being banned by foreign employers as there have been numerous cases that fake diplomas were detected.

Puno also informed the students that the CHED has expanded its scholarship and loan program for them.

“The President has issued an order that we expand our scholarship and loan programs for students 10 to 20 times,” he said.

Puno was the guest Cabinet man at the NBN 4’s TV program, “The Cabinet Speaks.” The program is hosted by the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) Undersecretary for Broadcast Martin Antonio Crisostomo.