NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2090
of tije
23 APR 25 PI 52
RECEIVED B'
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE ENTREPRENEURS' ACADEMY, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine mindset had already shifted from employment to engaging into 
business. As of January 2023, eighty-one percent (81%) of Filipinos had shown 
interest for entrepreneurship - granting that they have a working knowledge on how 
to start a business1. However, many kabayans had, after starting their engagement, 
withdraw from the business and suffered financial drawbacks. This issue is not due 
to the lack of capability of Filipinos to do business but because of lack of knowledge 
on how to sustain it when they encounter corporate risk or loss, how to improve 
services, and how to maintain or increase sales, etc.
The Government must develop a scheme to support the growing business 
sector of the country especially those that are engaged into micro, small and 
medium entrerprises (MSMEs). Primarily, there must be an institution that will 
provide professional and quality education to support Filipinos already starting a 
business and those planning to start a business.
This bill seeks to create a Philippine Entrepreneur Academy for purposes of 
mentoring entrepreneurs engaged into MSMEs. This will increase the interest of 
Filipinos to start their own business and develop their potential livelihood. The 
Philippine Entrepreneurship will offer undergraduate and graduate programs, short­
term technical-vocational and non-degree courses, and modular trainings, including 
in the fields of agriculture, trade, technology and manufacturing. The curriculum and 
modules of the academy will be designed and developed according to the 
competency-based curriculum mode mandate of the Act.
1 Based on the October 2022 survey of the OCTA Research
1


With this, non-formal entrepreneurship programs and short-term technical- 
vocational courses of government agencies will also be formalized and integrated 
under a school system.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2090
of tile
23 APR 25 PI 52
RliCEiy ED 3Y.
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE ENTREPRENEURS' ACADEMY, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the ''Philippine
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Entrepreneurs Academy Act"
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Sec 2. Establishment - A learning institution shall be established under the
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supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), to be known as the
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"Philippine Entrepreneurs Academy", hereinafter referred to as the Academy.
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Sec. 3. General Mandate. - The Academy shall provide undergraduate and
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graduate degree programs, short-term technical-vocational non-degree courses and
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modular trainings that will enhance the core competencies of individuals on
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entrepreneurship. It shall cater to technical-vocational, college, and graduate
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students. It shall also promote the relevance of entrepreneurship to job generation
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and its significant role to the sustainable economic growth of the country.
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The Academy shall formalize and integrate, under a school system, the non-
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formal entrepreneurship programs and short-term technical-vocational courses of
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the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of
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Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and
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other government offices. It shall also administer education and consultancy, and


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supervise publication on entrepreneurship. It shall also conduct scientific and policy- 
oriented research and training.
Sec. 4. Curricular Offerings. - The Academy shall offer undergraduate and 
graduate degree programs and short-term diploma or certificate courses on 
entrepreneurship, including entrepreneurship development in the fields of 
agriculture, trade, technology, and the manufacturing sector. The curriculum and 
modules of the programs shall be designed and developed following the 
competency-based curriculum model and in accordance with the mandate of this 
Act.
Sec. 5. School Sites. - The Academy shall have two (2) campuses, with the 
main campus to be established in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone 
located in the Provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac, to be known as the Entrepreneurs 
Academy-Clark Campus. The other campus shall be located in the City of Baguio, to 
be known as the Entrepreneurs Academy-Baguio City Campus. Other campuses may 
be established upon approval of the Governing Board.
Sec. 6. Governing Board. -The governing board of the Academy shall be the 
Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be chaired and 
co-chaired by the Chairperson of the CHED, and the President of the Academy, 
respectively, with the following as members:
a) Chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational 
Education of the Senate;
b) Chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical Education of the 
House of Representatives;
c) Director General of the TESDA;
d) Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority 
(NEDA);
e) Secretary of the DOST;
f) Secretary of the DTI;
g) President of the federation of faculty associations of the Academy;
h) President of the federation of student councils of the Academy;
i) President of the federation of alumni associations of the Academy; and


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j) Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished
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themselves in their professions or fields of specialization.
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The members of the Board shall not receive any compensation or
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remuneration for their services as such, but may be reimbursed for actual and
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necessary expenses incurred in discharging the business of the Academy.
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Sec. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The Board shall be the highest
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policymaking body of the Academy. In addition to tis general powers of
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administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the Board of a
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corporation under existing laws, the Board shall have the following specific powers
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and duties:
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a) Promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State
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policies and pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on
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education, as well as policies, standards and thrusts of the CHED under
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Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of
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1994";
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b) Prepare, adopt and enact rules and regulations in accordance with
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applicable laws, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and
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functions of the Academy, and to effectively discharge its responsibilities;
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c) Receive assistance from any legitimate source to augment the internal
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sources of funds, as may be provided, for the support of the Academy in
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the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the purposes
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and functions of the Academy;
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d) Constitute the Board, as herein defined;
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e) Appoint the President and as many Vice-Presidents as may be necessary
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to assist the President in the administration of the affairs of the Academy;
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f) Review periodically the administrative procedures and programs of the
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Academy;
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g) Receive, in kind and in trust, legacies, gifts and donations of real and
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personal properties of all kinds, to administer and dispose the same when
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necessary for the benefit of the Academy, subject to the limitations,
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discretions and instructions of the donors, if any;


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h) Fix the tuition fees and other school charges such as matriculation fees, 
graduation fees, laboratory fees, and other miscellaneous fees as the 
Board may deem proper to impose after due consultations with the 
involved sectors: Provided, That these fees shall not be prohibitive or 
unreasonable as to deviate from the purpose for which the Academy was 
created based on the guidelines of the CHED;
1. Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other 
Incomes generated by the Academy, shall constitute its regular fund 
and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository 
bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of 
the same fund for the use of the Academy.
2. Any provisions of existing laws, rules and regulations to the 
contrary notwithstanding, any income generated by the Academy 
from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the operation 
of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the 
Academy, and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, 
research, extension services, or other programs and projects of the 
Academy: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the 
specific purposes for which they were allocated.
3. Of for reason beyond its control, the Academy shall not be able to 
pursue any project for which 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 Academy.
i) Adopt and implement a socialized tuition scheme for greater access of 
poor, but deserving students in accordance with Republic Act No. 10931 or 
the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act";
j) Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, 
equipment, and other facilities, as well as the purchase and acquisition of 
real and personal properties, including the necessary supplies, materials, 
and equipment;


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k) Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the Academy, the 
deans, executive directors, heads of department, faculty members, and 
other officials and employees;
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Prescribe the salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and 
employees, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise 
known as the "Salary Standardization Law of 2019" and civil service rules 
and regulations governing hours of service and related concerns, and 
other pertinent laws;
m) Formulate and implement the curricula and institutional programs of the 
Academy; Provided, That they comply with the minimum CHED 
requirements and guidelines;
n) Formulate and promulgate the rules of discipline for the students of the 
Academy to ensure orderly and effective governance thereof
o) Set policies on admission and graduation of students: Provided, That they 
conform with the CHED guidelines;
p) Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of outstanding 
contribution in the field of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology, or any field of specialization within the academic competence 
of the Academy and to authorize the issuance of certificate of completion 
of non-baccalaureate programs and non-traditional or innovative courses: 
Provided, That these conform with the applicable guidelines of the CHED 
and TESDA;
q) Establish research and extension centers of the Academy where such will 
promote the development of the latter;
r) Establish professional chairs in the Academy and provide fellowships for 
qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;
s) Enter into any agreements or joint ventures with business and industry for 
the profitable management of the economic and manpower assets of the 
Academy, the proceeds from which shall be used for upgrading of facilities 
and its development;
t) Authorize an external management audit of the Academy, to be financed 
by the CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on


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Audit and institute reforms, including academic and structural changes, on
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the basis of the audit results and recommendations;
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u) Import economic, technical and cultural books and publications;
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v) Develop consortia, academe-industry linkages and other forms of networks
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with other institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and
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foreign: Provided, That these comply with the applicable guidelines of the
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CHED in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the institutions as
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well as develop academic arrangements for institution capacity and
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capability building with appropriate institutions and agencies, public and
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private;
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w) Appoint experts and specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange
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professors, scholars, researchers, as the case may be: Provided, That the
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appointment shall conform to the CHED guidelines;
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x) Set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting
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knowledge, such as the use of information technology, the dual training
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system, open distance learning, and community laboratory for the
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promotion of greater access to education;
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y) Outsource, where most advantageous to the institution, the management
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of non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or
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property maintenance and similar objectives;
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z) Delegate any of its powers and duties to the President or other officials of
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the Academy, as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the
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administration of the affairs of the Academy;
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aa) Extend the term of the President of the Academy beyond the age of
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retirement, when deemed meritorious due to outstanding performance,
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but not later than the age of seventy (70) years old; and
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bb)Promulgate rules and regulations, as may be necessary, to carry out the
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purposes and functions of the Academy.
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Sec. 8. President of the Academy. - The Academy shall be headed by a
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President, who shall render full-time service and shall be appointment by the Board
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upon the recommendation of a duly constituted Search Committee. The President
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shall also be the chief executive officer of the Academy.


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The President shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for
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reappointment to another term. Within six (6) months before the expiration of the
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term of office of the incumbent President of the Academy, the Board shall constitute
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the Search Committee for the President.
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The President shall receive such compensation and remuneration in
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accoradance with Republic Act No. 11466 or the "Salary Standardization Law of
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2019", and by such other laws amendatory thereto, which may be hereinafter be
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enacted, and shall be comparable to that being received by the Presidents of similar
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educational institutions.
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The President shall exercise the following powers and duties:
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a) Submit, for the consideration of the Board and Executive Committee, the
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policies, and measures which are necessary to carry out the purposes of
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the Academy;
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b) Recommend, coordinate, and administer the programs and projects of the
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Academy;
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c) Direct and supervise the operations and internal administration of the
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Academy, and delegate administrative responsibilities in accordance with
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the rules and regulations of the Academy;
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d) Submit an annual report to the Board setting forth the accomplishments of
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the Academy during the year, its financial operations and status, and a
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program and budget for the ensuring year; and
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e) Exercise other powers and discharge other functions, as may be vested by
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the Board and the Executive Committee.
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The Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge (QIC) of the Academy in case
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of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death, compulsory retirement,
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resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President to perform the
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functions of the office, pending the appointment of a new President: Provided, That
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the OIC shall not serve beyond the unexpired portion of the term in such capacity.
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The powers and duties of the President of the Academy, in addition to those
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provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the President of
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similar educational institutions, and those delegated by the Board.


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Sec. 9. Executive Committee. - There shall be an Executive Committee
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consisting of the President of the Academy and four (4) other members to be
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elected by the Board from its members. Each Member of the Executive Committee,
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other than the President of the Academy, shall hold office for a term of two (2)
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years, and shall be eligible for re-election, unless at the time of election, a short
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term is specified. The Board shall elect the Chairperson of the Executive Committee
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from the membership of the Board.
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Sec. 10. Functions of the Executive Committee. - The Executive Committee
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shall administer the affairs of the Academy in accordance with such functions,
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powers and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Board.
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Sec. 11. Government Support and Coordination. - The CHED Chairperson is
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hereby authorized to call upon any department, bureau, agency or instrumentality of
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the government for such assistance as may be necessary for the effective
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implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 12. Tax Exemption. -The importation of economic, technical and cultural
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books and publications, which are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific,
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philosophical, historical or cultural purposes made by the Academy, upon
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certification by the CHED, shall be exempt from customs duties in accordance with
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the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as "Customs
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Modernization and Tariff Act".
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All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and contributions made to the
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Academy, to be used actually, directly and exclusively by it, shall be exempt from
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donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross
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income in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the
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provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
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Sec. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the immediate
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implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
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Act.
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Sec. 14. Implementing Ruies and Reguiations. - Within ninety (90) days from
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the approval of this Act, the CHED, in coordination with the TESDA and the DTI,
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shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations to fully implement the provisions
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of this Act.


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Sec. 15. Separability Clause. - If for, any reason, any part or provision of this
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Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not
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affected shall remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
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rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
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repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 17. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,