THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
Introduced by SENATOR AQUlLlNO Q. PIMENTEL Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The province of Ifugao, the gateway from Central Luzon to the Cordilleras, 
is home to the awe-inspiring rice terraces which, because of its engineering feat, 
is dubbed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Built mainly in the municipalities of 
Banawe, Mayoyao, Hungduan and Kiangan, the rice terraces is as old as 
Christianity. 
lfugao is accessible to its neighboring provinces through narrow and 
winding roads. The province is relatively peaceful and its municipalities are linked 
,together by barely passable roads. Infrastructure in the centers of population is 
largely wanting and transportation and communications facilities are obsolete, to 
say the least. 
Based on income classification criteria, lfugao is a fourth class province 
and has the second highest poverty incidence in the mountainous Cordillera 
region. Sad to say, the world-renowned lfugao of the rice terraces fame has lain 
dormant for a couple thousand years. 
Todate, there is only one institution of higher learning in the province 
which is the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry (ISCAF). Its main 
campus is in the Municipality of Lamut with branches in three other 
municipalities. This utter lack of higher learning institutions in lfugao compared to 
other provinces translates to a lower literacy rate and ultimately to slow economic 
growth. 
To break the two millennia-long economic stagnation of lfugao and to 
jump-start progress in the Cordilleras, it is imperative that draconian measures 
be resorted to. For a starter, educational endeavors should be given impetus to 
enable native Cordillerans to adequately respond to the demands of modern 
global communication, international trade and commerce and socio-cultural 
developments, among other matters. 
The establishment of a state university with extensive curricular offerings 
in the province of lfugao by converting the state college into a university is the 
key to progress in the Cordilleras. Education can be a magnet to usher in socio- 
cultural and economic development in the region. lfugao and its neighboring 
provinces then can, thru education, be world-class like the majestic rice terraces 
which is an enduring monument to the trailblazing ingenuity and engineering 
skills of the Cordillerans of old. 
This bill is definitely overdue, hence the urgency for its unanimous 
approval. 
AaUILINO Q. PIMENTEL Jr. 


rr7 
r- ,~ - .-') 
;; 
I .i 
7 
j i:: 
, ... 
I 
~ .. .. . . . 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
3 p 
S. NO. r:.~ E7 
Introduced by SENATOR AQUlLlNO Q. PIMENTEL Jr. 
AN ACT 
DEVELOPMENT 
OF 
THE 
CORDILLERA 
REGION 
BY 
ESTABLISHING A STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE PROVINCE OF 
IFUGAO TO BE KNOWN AS THE IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 
(IFSU), CONVERTING FOR THE PURPOSE THE IFUGAO STATE 
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND 
FORESTRY INTO A 
UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
TO ACCELERATE THE SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC 
Be if enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT. - There shall be established in the 
Province of lfugao a state university to be known as the lfugao State University 
(IFSU). For that purpose, the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry, 
with main campus in the Municipality of Lamut and its branches, namely: the 
Potia Campus in the Municipality of Alfonso Lista; the Lagawe Campus in the 
capital town of Lagawe; and the Tinoc Campus in the Municipality of Tinoc, all in 
the Province of Ifugao, is converted into a university, hereinafter referred to as 
the University. The main campus of the University shall be at Lamut, Ifugao. 
SEC. 2. 
GENERAL MANDATE. - The University shall primarily 
provide advanced instruction and professional training in the fields of education, 
law, medicine, arts and sciences, business and industry, agriculture and forestry, 
engineering and technology and other relevant fields of study. It shall also 
promote research and extension services and provide progressive leadership in 
its areas of specialization 
1 


SEC. 3. 
CURRICULAR OFFERINGS. - In addition to the courses 
currently offered by the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry, the 
University shall offer graduate, undergraduate and non-degree courses within its 
mandated areas of specialization, according to its capabilities, as the Board of 
Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, ultimately to address 
the needs and aspirations of the Cordillerans and adequately respond to the 
demands of the times. 
The University shall establish and maintain laboratory schools for 
elementary and high school students in its campus, as may be required by its 
Education courses. 
SEC. 4. 
ADMINISTRATION. - The University shall have the general 
powers of a corporation as set forth in Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, as amended, 
otherwise known as “The Corporation Code of the Philippines.” 
The administration of the University and the exercise of its corporate 
powers shall be exclusively vested in the Board of Regents and the president of 
the University insofar as he is authorized by the Board of Regents. 
SEC. 5. 
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: 
1. Chairman - The chairman of the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED); 
2. Vice Chairman -The president of the University; 
3. Members- 
a. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts 
and Culture; 
2 


b. Chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education of the House of Representatives; 
c. Regional Director of the 
National Economic and 
Development Authority; 
d. Regional Director of the Department of Science and 
Technology; 
e. President of the federation of faculty associations of the 
University; 
f. President of the federation of student councils of the 
University; 
g. President of the federation of alumni associations of the 
University; 
h. Three prominent citizens of the province, preferably 
alumni of the University, to be appointed by the Board, 
who shall serve for a term of two years. 
SEC. 6. 
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. - 
In addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of all the 
powers granted to the Board of Directors of a corporation under existing laws, the 
Board of Regents shall have the following specific powers and duties: 
a. To promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out 
the purposes and functions of the University; 
b. To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative 
decision-making and transparency within the University in accordance 
with existing laws and the Constitution; 
c. To receive and appropriate all sums of money as may be provided for 
the support of the University in the manner it may deem best, to carry 
out the purposes and functions of the University; 
3 


d. To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
properties of all kinds from local or foreign donors, to administer and 
dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of the University, 
subject to limitations, directions and instructions of the donors, if any. 
Such donations shall be exempt from all taxes and shall be considered 
as deductible items from the income tax of the donor; 
e. To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or 
publications, upon certification by the CHED that such imported books 
and/or publications are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, 
philosophical, historical or cultural purposes, in accordance with the 
provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code, as amended; 
f. To fix the tuition fees and other school fees and charges, such as, but 
not limited to, matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, 
as it may deem proper and reasonable to impose after due 
consultation with the involved sectors. 
Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and 
other incomes generated by the University, shall constitute a special 
trust fund and shall be deposited in an authorized government 
depository bank. All interests from the special fund shall form part of 
the same fund for use of the University. 
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 or 
projects of the University. All fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the 
specific purposes for which they are collected. 
If, for reasons beyond its control, the University, cannot 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 purposes which, in its discretion may be 
4 


necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of 
the University; 
g. To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees 
to allow poor but deserving students greater access to education; 
h. To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, 
equipment and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real 
and personal properties, including necessary supplies, material and 
equipment. 
Purchases and other transactions entered into by the University 
through the Board shall be exempt from all taxes and duties; 
i. To appoint, upon recommendation of the president of the University, 
vice-presidents, deans, directors and heads of departments, faculty 
members and other officials and employees; 
j. To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative 
officials and employees subject to the' provisions of the Revised 
Compensation and Position Classification System and other pertinent 
budget and compensation laws governing hours of service, and such 
other duties and conditions as it may deem proper; to grant them, at its 
discretion, leaves of absence under such regulations a5 it may 
promulgate, in accordance with existing law; and to remove them for 
cause in strict observance of due process of law; 
k. To approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline 
drawn by the administrative and academic councils as herein provided; 
I. 
To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
m. To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of 
outstanding contributions in the field of education, public service, arts, 
science and technology or in any field of specialization within the 
academic competence of the University and to authorize the award of 
certificates of completion for non-degree and non-traditional courses; 
5 


n. To establish and absorb tertiary institutions within the province of 
lfugao as branches, centers or stations, in coordination with the CHED 
and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management 
(DBM), and to offer therein programs or courses, to promote and carry 
out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by the 
Constitution; 
0. To establish research and extension centers which will promote the 
development of the University; 
p. To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for 
qualified faculty members and scholarships for the staff and deserving 
students; 
q. To delegate any of its aforementioned powers and duties to the 
President and/or other officials of the University as it may deem 
appropriate to expedite the administration of the affairs of the 
University; 
r. To authorize an external management audit of the institution to be 
financed by CHED, and to institute reforms, including academic and 
structural changes, on the basis of audit results and recommendations; 
s. Subject to financial and administrative requirements, to collaborate 
with other governing boards of state universities and colleges within 
the Cordillera Region, regarding the restructuring of said colleges and 
universities to make them more efficient, relevant, productive and 
competitive; 
t. To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
development and management of its economic assets, the proceeds 
from which shall be used for the development and strengthening of the 
University; 
u. To develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local 
government units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, 
6 


local and foreign, in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the 
University; 
v. To make academic arrangements for institutional capability-building 
with appropriate institutions and agencies, public or private, local or 
foreign, and to appoint experts or specialists as consultants, or visiting 
or exchange professors, scholars and researchers, as the case may 
be; 
w. To adopt modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge, 
such as the use of information technology, the dual system, open- 
learning, community laboratory, and the like for the promotion of 
greater access to higher education; and 
x. To privatize management of non-academic services such as health, 
food, building, grounds or property maintenance and similar such other 
activities under conditions most advantageous to the University. 
SEC. 7. 
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. - The Board shall convene 
once every quarter on a date that it may previously set. Special meetings may be 
called by the chairman upon at least three days prior written notice to all the 
members, 
A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members 
present, including either the chairman or the vice chairman of the Board or both. 
Representatives to the Board shall be limited only to those of members 
holding national offices -the chairman, by a commissioner of the CHED and the 
chairmen of the Congressional Committees, by a person of the respective 
Committee Chairman's choice. The representatives shall have the same rights 
and responsibilities as a regular member of the Board. 
7 


SEC. 8. 
COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD. - The members of the 
Board shall serve without compensation but they shall be reimbursed for actual 
and necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at Board meetings or in 
connection with official businesses as authorized by the Board. 
SEC. 9. 
THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT. - The University shall be 
headed by a president, who shall be appointed by the Board upon 
recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. 
The President shall have a term of four years and shall be eligible for 
appointment for another term. 
For a smooth transition to a state university, the incumbent president of 
the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry shall be the first president of 
the University. 
In case of vacancy in the office of the president of the University by reason 
of the death, compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity 
of the president to perform the functions of his office, the Board shall, pending 
the appointment of a new president, designate an officer-in-charge of the 
University who shall hold office only for the unexpired term of the president. 
The powers and duties of the president of the University shall, in addition 
to those specifically provided under this Act, be those usually pertaining to the 
office of the presidents of similar state universities and those delegated by the 
Board. 
The salary of the president of the University shall be in accordance with 
the Revised Compensation and Position Classification system and shall be 
comparable to that of presidents of similar educational institutions. 
8 


SEC. 10. 
UNIVERSITY VICE PRESIDENTS. - The 
University 
president shall be assisted by vice presidents, not to exceed three, who shall be 
appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the president. 
SEC. 11. 
THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. - There shall be an 
administrative council consisting of the president of the University as chairman, 
the vice presidents, deans, directors and other officials of equal rank as 
members, whose duty is to review and recommend to the Board policies 
governing the administration, management and development planning of the 
University. 
SEC. 12. 
THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL. - There shall be an academic 
council with the president of the University as chairman and all members of the 
instructional staff with ranks of not lower than assistant professors as members. 
The academic council shall have the power to review and recommend the 
curricular offerings and rules of discipline of the University to the Board. It shall 
fix the requirements for admission of students as well as for graduation and the 
conferment of degrees subject to review and appropriate action by the Board. 
The academic council shall formulate academic policies, rules and 
regulations on discipline which shall be approved by the Board. It shall exercise 
disciplinary power over the students. 
SEC.13. 
THE SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY. - The Board 
shall appoint a secretary who shall serve as such for both the Board and the 
University. 
9 


SEC. 14. 
THE TREASURER OF THE UNIVERSITY. - The Treasurer 
of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. 
SEC. 15. 
FACULTY. - No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural 
or community affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion of affiliation shall be 
a matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the University: 
Provided, That no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any particular 
church or religious sect. 
SEC. 16. 
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMIADMISSION. - The University 
shall provide a scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to 
assist poor but deserving students to qualify for admission to the University. 
Subject to rules and regulations as the Board of Regents may promulgate, 
children and dependents of the academic and administrative staff of the 
University shall have first access to the scholarship and other affirmative action 
programs of the University. 
No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of sex, 
religion, cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin. 
SEC. 17. 
ACADEMIC 
FREEDOM 
AND 
INSTITUTIONAL 
AUTONOMY. - The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional 
autonomy, pursuant to Paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution of 
the Republic of the Philippines. 
SEC.18. 
AUTHORITY TO LOAN OR TRANSFER. - Heads of 
bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby authorized to loan or 
transfer, upon request of the president of the University, such apparatus, 
equipment or supplies as may be needed by the University, and to detail 
10 


employees for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of the bureau or 
office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or services of such employees can 
be spared without detriment to the public service. The employees so detailed 
shall perform such duties as required of them by the president of the University, 
and the time they are so employed shall be counted as part of their official 
service. 
SEC. 19. 
ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND PERSONNEL. - All assets, 
real and personal, personnel and records of the lfugao State College of 
Agriculture and Forestry consisting of the main campus and its branches, as well 
as its liabilities or obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. The 
positions, rights and security of tenure of the faculty members and personnel 
currently employed in the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry shall 
be respected. 
All parcels of land belonging to the Government and occupied by the 
lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry including its branches, are 
hereby declared to be the property of the lfugao State University and shall be 
titled under that name: Provided, that should the University cease to exist or be 
abolished or when such aforementioned parcels of land are no longer needed by 
the University, the same shall revert to the Province of Ifugao. 
SEC. 20. 
FILING OF REPORT. - On or before the fifteenth day of the 
second month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall 
file with each House of Congress a detailed report on the progress, conditions 
and needs of the University. 
SEC. 21. 
APPROPRIATIONS. - The amount necessary to carry out 
the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriations of the lfugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry. Thereafter, 
11 


such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of 
the lfugao State University (IFSU) shall be included in the Annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 22. 
DEVELOPMENT 
PLAN, 
MANAGEMENT 
AUDIT, 
ORGANIZATIONIADMINISTRATIVEIACADEMIC STRUCTURE. - Within one 
hundred twenty days after the approval of this Act, the University shall 
accomplish the following: 
a. Submit a five year development plan, including its corresponding 
program budget, to the CHED, for appropriate recommendation to the 
DBM; 
b. Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; 
c. Set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic, structure, 
including the appointment/designation of key University officials. 
SEC. 23. 
ELIGIBILITY. - Members of the faculty of the University at 
the tertiary level shall be exempt from any civil service examination as a requisite 
for appointment, without prejudice to the right of the Board to impose other 
professional examination requirements intended to maintain high academic 
standards. 
SEC. 24. 
SUPPLETORY APPLICATION. - The 
provisions of 
Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization 
Act of 1997" shall form an integral part of this Act. 
SEC. 25. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, presidential decrees, 
executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
12 


SEC. 26. 
EFFECTIVITY. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days after 
its publication in two national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
13