FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'11 
MAY 17 P 5 :25 
SENATE 
S. No. 2830 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Since its establishment in 1946, the Negros State College of Agriculture has 
demonstrated relevance and quality in its educational programs not only in the entire 
Negros and Panay Islands but also in the neighboring provinces of the region. The 
College has been engaged in education and training of skilled farmers, entrepreneurs, 
technicians, teachers, social workers and other professionals that now help tum the 
wheel of the highly agricultural economy in the Negros Island and Western Visayas. 
On October 2, 1946 Republic Act No. 43 created the Negros Occidental National 
Agricultural School (NONAS). It stands on a 4,653.7-hectare land reservation, which is 
traversed by a new concrete national highway linking the two Negros Provinces. In 
1977, Negros Occidental National Agricultural School became a College named as 
Negros Occidental Agricultural College offering both degree and non-degree courses. 
Due to its dynamism and guided by its vision, NOAC was converted to Negros State 
College of Agriculture (NSCA) on July 3, 2001 by virtue of Republic Act no. 9141. 
NSCA, the "agro eco tourism" state college in Central Philippines is the largest 
state college in the Visayas in terms of land area. The conversion of NSCA into a 
university to be known as the Central Philippines State University will bring the 
government closer to the po r but deserving students who cannot afford private higher 
education. Being a universit' it can offer courses relevant to the needs of the industry 
which at present are offered y private education institutions that charge very high fees. 
~~ 
Central Philippines State University (CPSU) can be a vehicle of the vision of a 
Strong Republic. As a State U!Jversity in Central Philppines in general an~ vyestern 
Visayas in particular, its offenng of the relevant courses will help revolutionize the 
monocropping sugar industry into a diversified industry by producing quality graduates 
who will man the various industries, and at the same time reach out to the sons and 
daughters of the marginalized farmers, fisherfolks, "sacadas" and other hacienda 
workers with the most affordable tertiary education in agriculture and other professional 
courses which answers to the needs of industries in the locality. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly requested. 
/. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'11 
MAY 17 P 5 :25 
SENATE 
S. No. 2830 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
AN ACT 
CONVERTING THE NEGROS STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NSCA) IN THE 
CITY OF KABANKALAN, PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL INTO A STATE 
UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY 
(CPSU) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Conversion. - The Negros State College of Agriculture in the City of 
2 
Kabankalan, including its extension campuses in the municipalities of Hinobaan, Cauayan, lIog, 
3 
Candoni, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, and in the cities of San Carlos, Sipalay, Himamaylan and 
4 
Victorias all located in the Province of Negros Occidental is hereby converted into a state 
5 
university to be known as the Central Philippines State University (CPSU), hereinafter referred 
6 
to as the University. The main campus of the University shall be in the City of Kabankalan. 
7 
8 
SECTION 2. 
General Mandate. -
The University shall primarily provide advanced 
9 
education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in agriculture/fisheries, 
10 
animal science, forestry, education, computer studies, engineering, arts and sciences and other 
11 
relevant fields of study. It shall also promote and undertake research, extension services and 
12 
provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. 
13 
14 
SECTION 3. 
Curricular Offerings. - The University shall offer undergraduate and 
15 
graduate studies in the fields of agriculture/fisheries, animal science, forestry, education, 
16 
computer studies, engineering, arts and SCiences, short-term technical or diploma courses in 
17 
agricultural technology, and other degrees within its areas of specialization and according to its 
18 
capabilities, as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives and in 
19 
order to meet the needs of the Province of Negros Occidental and Region VI. 
20 
The University shall maintain and operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school, under 
21 
its College of Education in the main campus. 
22 
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SECTION 4. 
Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a 
24 
corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Big. 68, as amended, otherwise known as the 


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"Corporate Code of the Philippines". The administration of the University and the exercise of its 
corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the 
University. 
SECTION 5. The Governing Board. - the governing board of the University shall be 
the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the 
following: 
(a) 
The Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), Chairperson; 
(b) 
The President of the University, Vice Chairperson; 
(c) 
The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the Senate, 
member; 
(d) 
The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of 
Representatives, member; 
(e) 
The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 
member; 
(f) 
The Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), member; 
(g) 
The President of the federation of faculty associations of the University, member; 
(h) 
The President of the federation of student councils of the University, member; 
(i) 
The President of the federation of alumni associations of the University;, member; 
OJ 
Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished themselves in 
their profession or fields of specialization, members. 
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from among a list of at least five 
(5) qualified persons in the Province of Negros Occidental, as recommended by the search 
committee constituted by the University President, in consultation with the Chairperson of the 
CHED and the other members of the Board, based on the normal standards and qualifications 
for the position set by the Board. 
The President of the federation of faculty associations, the President of the federation of 
student councils and the President of the federation of alumni aSSOCiations shall serve in the 
Board only for the duration of their terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions 
and bylaws. 
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the date of 
appOintment. 
34 
SECTION 6. 
Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. -
The Board shall 
35 
promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies on education 
36 
and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, agriculture, science 
37 
and technology, as well as the policies, standards and thrusts of the CHED under Republic Act 
38 
No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994". 
39 
40 
SECTION 7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. - The Board shall have the 
41 
following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of administration and the 
42 
exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation under existing laws: 
2 


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(a) 
To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry 
out the purposes and functions of the University; 
(b) 
To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the University 
in the manner it may determine in its discretion, in order to carry out the purposes and functions 
of the University; 
6 
(c) 
To import economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications; 
7 
(d) 
To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all 
8 
kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of the 
9 
University, and subject to the limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any; 
10 
(e) 
To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as, but not limited to, 
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matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to 
impose, after due consultations with the involved sectors. 
Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by 
the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized 
government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the 
same funds for the use of the University. 
Any prOVision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, any 
income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the 
operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University, and may be 
disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension or other programs/projects of the 
University. Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for 
which these are collected. 
If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any project 
for which the funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of 
expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, 
in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of 
the University; 
(f) 
To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees for greater 
access to poor but deserving stUdents; 
(g) 
To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and other 
facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including necessary supplies, 
materials and equipment; 
33 
(h) 
To appoint upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice Presidents, 
34 
deans, directors, heads of departments/heads of campuses, faculty members, and other 
35 
officials and employees of the University; 
36 
(i) 
To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and employees, 
37 
subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System as 
38 
modified by Joint Resolution No.4 dated June 17, 2009 and by such other law amendatory 
39 
thereto which may hereinafter be enacted, and other pertinent budget and compensation laws 
40 
governing hours of service and such other duties and conditions as it may deem proper; to grant 
41 
them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any 
3 


1 
provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in 
2 
accordance with the requirements of due process of law; 
3 
U) 
To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the 
4 
5 
Administrative and Academic Councils herein provided; 
(k) 
To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
6 
(I) 
To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding contribution 
7 
in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and technology, agriculture or in any field 
8 
of specialization within the academic competence of the University; and to authorize the 
9 
awarding of certificates of completion of nondegree and nontraditional courses; 
10 
(m) 
To establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions within the Province of Negros 
11 
Occidental as branches and centers, in coordination with the CHED and in consultation with the 
12 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and to offer therein programs or courses to 
13 
promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by the 
14 
Constitution; 
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(n) 
To establish research and extension centers of the University where such will promote 
16 
the development of the latter; 
17 
(0) 
To establish professional chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified 
18 
faculty members and scholarships to deserving students; 
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(p) 
To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the President 
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and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the 
administration of the affairs of the University; 
(q) 
To authorize an external management audit of the University, subject to the rules and 
regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA); and to institute reforms, including academic and 
structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and recommendations; 
(r) 
To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and universities within 
the Province of Negros Occidental or Region VI, under the supervision of the CHED, and work 
towards the restructuring of the University to become more efficient, relevant, productive and 
competitive, in consultation with the DBM; 
(s) 
To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable development 
and management of the economic assets of the University, the proceeds from which shall be 
used for the development and strengthening of the University; 
(t) 
To develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local government units 
(LGUs), institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in the furtherance 
of the purposes and objectives of the University; 
(u) 
To develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with appropriate 
institutions 
and 
agencies, 
public and 
private, 
local 
and 
foreign, 
and 
to 
appoint 
experts/specialists as consultants, part-time or visiting or exchange professors, scholars or 
researchers, as the case may be; 
(v) 
To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge such 
as the use of information technology, the dual learning system, open learning or distance 
education and community laboratory for the promotion of greater access to education; 
4 


1 
(w) 
To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and 
2 
transparency within the University; 
3 
(x) 
To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management of 
4 
nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance and 
5 
such other similar activities; and 
6 
(y) 
To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of retirement but 
7 
not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been unanimously rated by the 
8 
Board as outstanding, based on the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, 
9 
after unanimous recommendation by the search committee. 
10 
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SECTION 8. Meetings of the Board. - the Board shall regularly convene at least once 
12 
every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three (3) days' prior written 
13 
notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings whenever necessary. 
14 
A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all its members holding office at the time of 
15 
the meeting. Provided, however, That the Chairperson of the Board or the President of the 
16 
University is among those present in the meeting. 
17 
In the absence of the Chairperson of the CHED, a Commissioner of the CHED, duly 
18 
designated by him/her, shall represent him/her in the meeting with all the rights and 
19 
responsibilities of a regular member: 
Provided, however, That during this meeting, the 
20 
President of the University as Vice Chairperson shall be the Presiding Officer: Provided, fw1her, 
21 
That this proviso notwithstanding, the Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to 
22 
designate a CHED Commissioner as the regular Chair of the Board, in which case said CHED 
23 
Commissioner shall act as the Presiding Officer. 
24 
In case the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on EdUcation shall not be 
25 
able to attend the Board meeting, they may duly designate their respective representatives to 
26 
attend the said meeting, who shall have the same rights and responsibilities as a regular 
27 
member of the Board. 
28 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
29 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance to 
30 
meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by resolution of 
31 
the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
32 
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SECTION 9. 
The University President. -
The University shall be headed by a 
34 
President, who shall render full-time service. He/She shall be appointed by the Board, subject 
35 
to the guidelines, qualifications andlor standards set by the Board, upon recommendation of a 
36 
duly constituted search committee. He/She shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be 
37 
eligible for reappointment for another term: Provided, That in order to effect a smooth transition 
38 
to a state university, the incumbent President of the Negros State College of Agriculture, if 
39 
qualified, shall serve as the first President of the University. 
40 
Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent 
41 
President of the University, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee for the Presidency 
42 
(SCP). 
5 


I 
In case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death, compulsory 
2 
retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President to perform the functions 
3 
of his/her office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge of the University within six (6) 
4 
months from date of vacancy, pending the appointment of a new President. 
5 
In case of vacancy in the Office of the President as mentioned in the immediately 
6 
preceding paragraph, his/her successor or the Officer-in-Charge shall serve only the unexpired 
7 
portion of the term. 
8 
The powers and duties of the President of the University, in addition to those specifically 
9 
provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the President of similar 
10 
universities, and those delegated by the Board. 
II 
The salary of the President of the University shall be in accordance with the ReVised 
12 
Compensation and Position Classification System as modified by Joint Resolution No.4 dated 
13 
June 17, 2009 and by such other law amendatory thereto which may hereinafter be enacted and 
14 
shall be comparable to that being received by the Presidents of similar educational institutions. 
15 
The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President for Academic Affairs and a 
16 
Vice President for Administration, who shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation 
17 
of the President. 
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SECTION 10. 
Heads of University Campuses. -
Each extension campus in the 
20 
municipalities of Hinobaan, Cauayan, Ilog, Candoni, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, and in the cities 
21 
of San Carlos, Sipalay, Himamaylan and Victorias shall be referred to as the University 
22 
Campus. 
23 
A Campus Administrator shall head each University Campus and he/she shall render 
24 
full-time service. He/She shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the search 
25 
committee and the President of the University, subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or 
26 
standards set by the Board: 
Provided, That the incumbent College Administrator of an 
27 
extension campus shall serve as its Campus Administrator. 
28 
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SECTION 11. The Administrative Council. - There shall be an Administrative Council 
30 
consisting of the President of the University as Chairperson, Vice Presidents, deans, directors, 
31 
campus administrators and other officials of equal rank as members, whose duty is to review 
32 
and recommend to the Board the policies governing the administration, management and 
33 
development planning of the University. 
34 
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SECTION 12. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council to be 
36 
composed of the President of the University, who shall act as Chairperson and all academic 
37 
staff with the rank of at least an assistant professor, as members. 
38 
The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the curricular offerings 
39 
and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval of the Board. It shall fix the 
40 
requirements for the admission of students, as well as for their graduation and conferment of 
41 
degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the Board through the President of the University. 
6 


1 
It shall have the disciplinary power over students of the University and shall formulate academic 
2 
policies and rules and regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of the Board. 
3 
4 
SECTION 13. The Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a secretary, 
5 
who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and shall keep all records and 
6 
proceedings of the Board. He/She shall serve upon each member of the Board the appropriate 
7 
notice of the Board meetings. 
8 
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SECTION 14. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines 
10 
shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. 
11 
12 
SECTION 15. 
The Faculty. -
No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or 
13 
community affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of 
14 
inquiry in the apPOintment of faculty members of the University: 
Provided, That said 
15 
appointment shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board: 
16 
Provided, further, That no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any particular church 
17 
or religious sect. 
18 
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SECTION 16. 
Scholarship Program/Admission. - The University shall provide a 
20 
scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students 
21 
who qualify for admission to the University. 
22 
No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of gender, religion, cultural or 
23 
community affiliation or ethnic origin. 
24 
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SECTION 17. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The University shall 
26 
enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of 
27 
Article XIV of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. 
28 
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SECTION 18. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment/Supplies and 
30 
Detail of Personnel. - The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government are 
31 
hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the President of the University, such 
32 
apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed by the University, and to detail employees 
33 
for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of bureau or office, such apparatus, 
34 
equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to 
35 
public service. 
36 
The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the 
37 
President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their regular 
38 
services. 
39 
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SECTION 19. 
Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and personal, 
41 
personnel and records of the Negros State College of Agriculture, as well as liabilities or 
42 
obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. The positions, rights and security of tenure 
7 


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of faculty members and personnel therein employed under existing laws prior to the conversion 
2 
into a University shall be respected. 
3 
All parcels of land belonging to the government and occupied by the Negros State 
4 
College of Agriculture, are hereby declared to be property of the University, and shall be titled 
5 
under that name: Provided, That should the University cease to exist or be abolished or should 
6 
such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same shall 
7 
revert to the LGUs concerned. 
8 
9 
SECTION 20. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. - The importation of 
10 
economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications, which are for economic, technical-
11 
vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes made by the Central 
12 
Philippines state University, upon certification by the CHED, shall be exempt from customs 
13 
duties in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as 
14 
amended. 
15 
All donations of any form to the Central Philippines State University shall be exempt from 
16 
the donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income 
, 
17 
in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the 
18 
National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
19 
20 
SECTION 21. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
21 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Negros State College 
22 
of Agriculture, except the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high school. 
23 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of 
24 
the Central Philippines State University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
25 
Act. 
26 
27 
SECTION 
22. 
Development 
Plan, 
Management 
Audit, 
28 
Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure. -
Within the period of one hundred 
29 
twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following: 
30 
(a) 
Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget to 
31 
the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the DBM; 
32 
(b) 
Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and 
33 
(c) 
Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative, as well as academic structure, 
34 
including the appointment of the key officials of the University. 
35 
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SECTION 23. Filing of Report. -
On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second 
37 
(2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file with the 
38 
Office of the President of the Philippines through the Chairperson of the CHED, and with both 
39 
Houses of Congress a detailed report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University. 
40 
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SECTION 24. Suppletory Application. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292, 
2 
otherwise known as "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997", shall be an integral part of 
3 
this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University. 
4 
5 
SECTION 25. Parity Clause. - All other powers, function and privileges, responsibilities 
6 
and limitations to state universities and/or their officials under existing laws shall be deemed 
7 
granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever appropriate. 
8 
9 
SECTION 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, in consultation with 
10 
the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act. 
11 
12 
SECTION 27. Separability Clause. -If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act 
13 
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby 
14 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
15 
16 
SECTION 28. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
17 
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
18 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
19 
20 
SECTION 29. Effectivity Clause. -
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
21 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
22 
23 
Approved, 
9