Many people were shocked when the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) released its final report. It showed the rise of diploma mills and even the selling of thesis projects in the Philippines. This problem is not only embarrassing—it is dangerous for the future of our schools and our students.
What Are Diploma Mills?
Diploma mills are schools that give out degrees quickly, even if students do not learn enough or do not attend real classes. Some programs even claim you can finish a PhD in just six months to one year, even though it should take three to five years.
EDCOM2 found that many graduate programs—especially in teacher education—are low‑quality or even fraudulent. Some teachers even pay for their thesis to be written by someone else.
Why Is This Happening?
One big reason is the promotion system in the Department of Education (DepEd). Many teachers feel pressured to get a master’s degree because they need it for ranking and promotion. This creates a system where earning a diploma becomes more important than true learning.
This leads to a sad mindset:
“Kahit saan ako mag‑Master’s, ma‑po‑promote naman ako.”
But this thinking harms the entire education system, because teachers are pushed toward quick programs instead of programs that actually build skills.
The Real Cost of Shortcuts
According to studies, half of all graduate-school enrollees in the last decade came from education programs, yet Filipino students still score very low on international tests like PISA and TIMSS.
Even worse, 8 out of 10 graduate students do not finish their programs on time. Many struggle because of lack of time, money, or proper guidance.
This shows a deeper problem: the system rewards the diploma, not the knowledge.
Why This Matters for Teachers
Being a teacher is not just a job. It is a responsibility. A master’s degree or PhD is not a decoration or a title for bragging rights—it should represent real training and real expertise.
When teachers enter diploma mills, students suffer. Poor-quality education for teachers leads to poor-quality education for children.
Education Is Not a Shortcut
Writing a thesis is not something to be bought. It should be written with hard work, honesty, and dedication. A real thesis takes sweat, tears, and commitment to truth.
A degree should show a person’s learning—not just their ability to pay for a quick program.
A Call to All Educators
If we are teachers, we have a higher calling. We study not just for promotion, but for the future of our students. They deserve teachers who understand their subject, who study seriously, and who model integrity.
The fight against diploma mills starts with one choice:
Choose real learning over shortcuts. Choose honesty over convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a diploma mill?
A diploma mill is a school that gives degrees quickly without proper classes, training, or research. Some even allow students to graduate without attending sessions or meeting academic standards.
Is it true that some PhD programs finish in 3 to 6 months?
Yes. EDCOM2 found that some schools offer PhD programs that can be finished in six months to one year, even though a real PhD should take three to five years.
Why do diploma mills exist in the Philippines?
Many teachers pursue fast, cheap graduate degrees because the DepEd promotion system gives points for diplomas. This creates pressure to choose the quickest program, not the best one.
Are teachers really buying thesis papers?
Yes. EDCOM2 reports show cases where teachers pay for thesis writing or panel approval, instead of doing the work themselves.
How do diploma mills affect students?
Low‑quality graduate programs mean some teachers lack deeper knowledge in their subjects. This results in weaker teaching and poor student learning outcomes across the country.
Why do some teachers take degrees outside their specialization?
Many teachers choose programs that are easier or faster to finish, even if the course is unrelated to their subject. This creates a mismatch in content knowledge, which affects classroom teaching.
How big is the problem?
Studies show that more than half of all graduate programs in the country are in teacher education, but many programs are low‑quality. Also, 8 out of 10 graduate students do not finish their degrees on time.
What is the government doing about diploma mills?
EDCOM2, CHED, DepEd, PRC, and the Teacher Education Council released an Online National Registry (PhilTER) to identify legitimate programs and stop fraudulent schools.
How can teachers avoid diploma mills?
– Check if the school is CHED‑recognized.
– Review the program’s curriculum and research requirements.
– Avoid programs that promise extremely fast completion.
– Verify the school in the Philippine Teacher Education Registry (PhilTER).
Why does real education matter?
A real degree builds skills, knowledge, and professionalism. Shortcuts harm not just the teacher, but also the students who depend on them for quality education.
