SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
'15 
MAY -4 P 4 :37 
SENAT2744 
S.B.No. __ 
_ 
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Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV 
AN ACT CONVERTING THE TARLAC COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (TCA) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
CAMILlNG, PROVINCE OF TARLAC INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE TARLAC 
AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
As we move forward into the future, the challenge for all humanity is how to feed over 
seven billion people in the world, It is a local and global issue for the Philippines, as an 
agricultural country with rich and fertile land, and apt climate for farming. 
It is no wonder that advancements in agriculture and farming technology have 
modernized the industry and resulted in new ways to increase production, maximize yield, and 
efficiently and sustainably utilize land and other resources. 
Equipment and other tools are constantly being fine-tuned and improved while 
strategies in efficient farming are also being studied and developed in research facilities and 
universities around the world. 
The country still has immense room for growth and development in the agricultural 
sector. There is still a long way for us to go in terms of modernizing and streamlining our 
agricultural sector. 
Taking into account that Filipino farmers have an average age of 57 years, just 3 years 
shy of retirement, there is a pressing need to involve the youth in improving farming and 
agriculture in the Philippines. 
The Tarlac Agricultural University Bill of 2015 seeks to do just that through advanced, 
technology-driven education, innovative training, and useful & practical research. 
The proposed measure aims to transform the Tarlac College of Agriculture into a state 
university to cater to the region's needs and potential for agricultural growth. 
The University will seek to offer advanced education, higher technological, professional 
instruction and training in the fields of agriculture, science & technology, teacher education, 
engineering, agribusiness management, nontraditional courses and other relevant fields of 
study. 
It will strive to also undertake research, extension services and production activities in 
support of the development of the Province of Tarlac, and of Central Luzon, an agricultural 
region, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. 
1 


Considering the unprecedented and growing demands of the community and the labor 
market for more specialized and expanded services in agricultural education and other related 
fields, it is high time to have an agricultural university in the region. 
Once converted, the institution will become a potential avenue for intensified 
collaborative researches as well as technology promotion and commercialization, thereby 
attracting more young Filipinos, and probably other Southeast Asian students as well, to take 
on agro-development courses to advance our food security efforts in the region. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
2 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
T;i 
MAY -4 P 4 :37 
SENAT274 
S.B. No. 
4 
Introduced by: Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV 
AN ACT CONVERTING THE TARLAC COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (TCA) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
CAMILlNG, PROVINCE OF TARLAC INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE TARLAC 
AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
1 
Section 1. Conversion. - The Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) in the Municipality of 
2 
Camiling, Province of Tarlac is hereby converted into a state university to be known as the 
3 
Tarlac Agricultural University, hereinafter referred to as the University. 
4 
SEC. 2. General Mandate. - The University shall primarily provide advanced education, 
5 
higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of agriculture, science & 
6 
technology, teacher education, engineering, agribusiness management, nontraditional courses 
7 
and other relevant fields of study. It shall also undertake research, extension services and 
8 
production activities in support of the development of the Province of Tarlac and provide 
9 
progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. 
10 
SEC. 3. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The University shall enjoy 
11 
academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV 
12 
of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. 
13 
SEC. 4. Curricular Offerings. - The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate 
14 
courses in the fields of agriculture, science & technology, teacher education, engineering, 
15 
agribusiness management, and other courses within its areas of specialization and according to 
16 
its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, 
17 
particularly in meeting the needs of the Province ofTariac and Region III. 
18 
The University may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school under its College of 
19 
Education. 
20 
SEC. 5. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a corporation 
21 
set forth in Batas Pambansa Big. 68, as amended, otherwise known as "The Corporation Code of 
22 
the Philippines". The administration ofthe University and the exercise of its corporate powers 
23 
shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University. 
24 
SEC. 6. The Governing Board. - The governing board ofthe University shall be the Board 
25 
of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the following: 
26 
(a) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Chairperson; 
1 


1 
(b) The President of the University, Vice Chairperson; 
2 
(c) The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the Senate, 
3 
member; 
4 
(d) The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House 
5 
of Representatives, member; 
6 
(e) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 
7 
member; 
8 
(f) The Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), member; 
9 
(g) The President of the faculty association of the University, member; 
10 
(h) The President of the student council of the University, member; 
11 
(i) The President of the alumni association ofthe University, member; and 
12 
(j) Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished 
13 
themselves in their profession or fields of specialization of the University, members. 
14 
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from among a list of at least five 
15 
(5) qualified persons in the Province of Tarlac, as recommended by the search committee 
16 
constituted by the University President, in consultation with the Chairperson of the CHED and 
17 
the other members of the Board, based on the normal standards and qualifications for the 
18 
position. 
19 
The term of office of the President of the faculty association, the President of the 
20 
student council and the President of the alumni association shall be coterminous with their 
21 
respective terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions and by-laws. 
22 
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the date of 
23 
appointment. 
24 
SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. - The Board shall have the following 
25 
specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise 
26 
of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation under existing laws: 
27 
. (a) To promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies 
28 
and the provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, agriculture, science and 
29 
technology, as well as the policies, standards and thrusts of the CHED under Republic Act No. 
30 
7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994"; 
31 
(b) To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to 
32 
carry out the purposes and functions of the University; 
33 
(c) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the 
34 
University in the manner it may determine in its discretion, in order to carry out the purposes 
35 
and functions ofthe University; 
36 
(d) To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications, 
37 
upon certification by the CHED that such imported books and/or publications are for economic, 
2 


1 
technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes, in accordance with 
2 
the provisions ofthe Tariff and Customs Code, as amended; 
3 
(e) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all 
4 
kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of the 
5 
University, and subject to the limitations, directions and instructions of the donor, if any. 
6 
(f) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as, but not limited to, 
7 
matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to 
8 
impose, after due consultations with the involved sectors. 
9 
Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by 
10 
the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized 
11 
government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the 
12 
same funds for the use of the University. 
13 
Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding, 
14 
any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the 
15 
operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University, and may be 
16 
disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension or other programs/projects of the 
17 
University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for 
18 
which these are collected. 
19 
If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any project 
20 
for which the funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of 
21 
expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, 
22 
in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of 
23 
the University; 
24 
(g) To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for greater 
25 
access to poor but deserving students; 
26 
(h) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and 
27 
other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including necessary supplies, 
28 
materials and equipment; 
29 
(i) To appoint upon recommendation ofthe President ofthe University, Vice Presidents, 
30 
deans, directors, heads of campuses, faculty members and other officials and employees of the 
31 
University; 
32 
(j) To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and 
33 
employees, subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and Position Classification 
34 
System and other pertinent budget and compensation laws governing hours of service and such 
35 
other duties and conditions as it may deem proper; to grant them, at its discretion, leaves of 
36 
absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any prOVision of existing law to the 
37 
contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in accordance with the requirements 
38 
of due process of law; 
39 
(k) To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the 
40 
Administrative and Academic Councils herein provided; 
41 
(I) To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
3 


1 
(m) To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding 
2 
contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and technology, agriculture 
3 
or in any field of specialization within the academic competence of the University; and to 
4 
authorize the awarding of certificates of completion of nondegree and nontraditional courses; 
5 
(n) To establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions within the Province of 
6 
Tarlac as branches and centers in coordination with the CHED, and in consultation with the 
7 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and to offer therein programs or courses, to 
8 
promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by the 
9 
Constitution; 
10 
(0) To establish research and extension centers of the University where such will 
11 
promote the development of the latter; 
12 
(p) To establish professorial chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for 
13 
qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students; 
14 
(q) To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the President 
15 
and/or other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the 
16 
administration of the affairs of the University; 
17 
(r) To authorize an external management audit of the University, to be financed by the 
18 
CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA); and to institute 
19 
reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and 
20 
recommendations; 
21 
(s) To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and universities 
22 
within the Province of Tarlac or Region III, under the supervision of the CHED and in 
23 
consultation with the DBM, and work towards the restructuring of the University to become 
24 
more efficient, relevant, productive and competitive; 
25 
(t) To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
26 
development and management of the economic assets of the University, the proceeds from 
27 
which shall be used for the development and strengthening of the University; 
28 
(u) To develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local government 
29 
units (LGUs), institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in the 
30 
furtherance of the purposes and objectives ofthe University; 
31 
(v) To develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with 
32 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, and to appoint 
33 
experts/specialists as consultants, part-time or visiting or exchange professors, scholars or 
34 
researchers, as the case may be; 
35 
(w) To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge 
36 
such as the use of information technology, the dual learning system, open or distance 
37 
education and community laboratory for the promotion of greater access to education; 
38 
(x) To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and 
39 
transparency within the University; 
40 
(y) To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management of 
41 
nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance and 
42 
such other similar activities; and 
4 


1 
(z) To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of retirement 
2 
but not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been unanimously rated by the 
3 
Board as outstanding based on the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, 
4 
after unanimous recommendation by the search committee. 
5 
SEC. 8. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene once every three (3) 
6 
months. Whenever necessary, the Chairperson of the Board may call, upon three (3) days' prior 
7 
written notice, a maximum oftwo (2) special meetings within the same period. 
8 
A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all its members holding office at the 
9 
time of the meeting: Provided, however, that the Chairperson of the Board or the President of 
10 
the University is among those present in the meeting. 
11 
In one's absence, the Chairperson of the CHED shall designate a Commissioner of the 
12 
CHED as representative in the meeting with all the rights and responsibilities of a regular 
13 
member: Provided, however, That during this meeting, the President of the University as Vice 
14 
Chairperson shall be the Presiding Officer: Provided, further, that this proviso notwithstanding, 
15 
the Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED Commissioner as the 
16 
regular Chair of the Board, in which case said CHED Commissioner shall act as the Presiding 
17 
Officer. 
18 
In case the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on Education shall not be 
19 
able to attend the Board meeting, they may duly designate their respective representatives to 
20 
attend the said meeting, who shall have the same rights and responsibilities as a regular 
21 
member ofthe Board. 
22 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
23 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance to 
24 
meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by resolution of 
25 
the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
26 
SEC. 9. The University President. - The University shall be headed by a President, who 
27 
shall render full-time service and who shall be appointed by the Board, subject to the 
28 
guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board, upon recommendation of a duly 
29 
constituted search committee. The University President shall have a term of four (4) years and 
30 
shall be eligible for reappointment for another term: Provided, That in order to effect a smooth 
31 
transition to a state university, the incumbent President of the TCA shall serve as the first 
32 
President ofthe University. 
33 
Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent 
34 
President of the University, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee for the Presidency 
35 
(SCP). 
36 
In case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death, compulsory 
37 
retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President to perform the 
38 
functions of the office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge of the University within 
39 
six (6) months from the date of vacancy, pending the appointment of a new President. The 
40 
successor or the Officer-in-Charge shall serve only the unexpired portion of the term. 
41 
The powers and duties of the President of the University, in addition to those specifically 
42 
provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the President of similar 
43 
universities, and those delegated by the Board. 
5 


1 
The salary of the President of the University shall be in accordance with the Revised 
2 
Compensation and Position Classification System and shall be comparable to that being 
3 
received by the Presidents of similar educational institutions. 
4 
The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President for Academic 
5 
Affairs, a Vice President for Finance and Administration, and a Vice President for Research, 
6 
Extension and Training who shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the 
7 
President. 
8 
SEC. 10. The Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a Secretary, who 
9 
shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and shall keep all records and 
10 
proceedings of the Board. The Secretary of the University shall serve upon each member of the 
11 
Board the appropriate notice of the Board meetings. 
12 
SEC. 11. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the 
13 
ex officio Treasurer of the University. 
14 
SEC. 12. The Administrative Council. -
There shall be an Administrative Council 
15 
consisting of the President of the University as Chairperson, Vice Presidents, deans, directors 
16 
and other officials of equal rank as members, whose duty is to review and recommend to the 
17 
Board the policies governing the administration, management and development planning of the 
18 
University. 
19 
SEC. 13. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council to be composed of 
20 
the President of the University, who shall act as Chairperson, and all academic staff with the 
21 
rank of at least an assistant professor, as members. 
22 
The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the curricular 
23 
offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval of the Board. It shall 
24 
fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well as for their graduation and 
25 
conferment of degrees, subject to review and approval by the Board through the President of 
26 
the University. It shall have the disciplinary power over students of the University and shall 
27 
formulate academic policies and rules and regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of 
28 
the Board. 
29 
SEC. 14. The Faculty. - No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community 
30 
affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the 
31 
appointment of faculty members of the University: Provided, That said appointment shall be 
32 
subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board: Provided, further, That 
33 
no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect. 
34 
SEC. 15. Scholarship Program /Admission. - The University shall provide a scholarship 
35 
program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who 
36 
qualify for admission to the University. 
37 
No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of sex, religion, 
38 
cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin. 
39 
SEC. 16. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus / Equipment / Supplies and Detail of 
40 
Personnel. - The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby 
41 
authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the President of the University, such 
42 
apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed by the University, and to detail employees 
43 
for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of the bureau or office, such apparatus, 
6 


1 
equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to 
2 
public service. 
3 
The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the 
4 
President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their regular 
5 
services. 
6 
SEC. 17. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and personal, personnel and 
7 
records of the TCA, as well as liabilities or obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. 
8 
The positions, rights and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein 
9 
employed under existing laws prior to the conversion into a University shall be respected. 
10 
All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the TCA are hereby 
11 
declared to be property of the University and shall be titled under that name: Provided, That 
12 
should the University cease to exist or be abolished or should such parcels of land 
13 
aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same shall revert to the LGU 
14 
concerned or the Republic of the Philippines, as the case may be. 
15 
SEC. 18. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. - The importation of economic, 
16 
technical and cultural books and/or publications, which is for economic, technical, vocational, 
17 
sCientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes made by the University upon 
18 
certification by the CHED shall be exempt from customs duties in accordance with the 
19 
provisions ofthe Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended. 
20 
Donations in any form to the University shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the 
21 
same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation of 
22 
the income tax ofthe donor, in accordance with the provisions ofthe National Internal Revenue 
23 
Code of 1997, as amended. 
24 
SEC. 19. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
25 
shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the TCA except the sums needed 
26 
for the continued operation of the existing high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
27 
necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in 
28 
the annual General Appropriations Act. 
29 
SEC. 20. Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/ Administrative/ 
30 
Academic Structure. - Within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the approval 
31 
of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following: 
32 
(a) Submit a five (S)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget 
33 
to the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the DBM; 
34 
(b) Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and 
35 
(c) Set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic structure, including the 
36 
appointment of the key officials of the University. 
37 
SEC. 21. Filing of Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second (2nd) 
38 
month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file with the Office of 
39 
the President of the Philippines, through the Chairperson of the CHED, and with both Houses of 
40 
Congress, a detailed report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University. 
7 


1 
SEC. 22. Suppletory Application. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise 
2 
known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997", shall be an integral part of this Act 
3 
and shall serve as part ofthe Governing Charter ofthe University. 
4 
SEC. 23. Compliance with CHED Requirements. -
The provIsions of this Act 
5 
notwithstanding, the establishment or conversion of the institution into a state university shall 
6 
become effective only upon the determination and declaration by the CHED, based on the 
7 
recommendation of a panel of experts, that the institution has complied with the requirements 
8 
for a university status. The CHED, through its regional office, shall regularly provide technical 
9 
assistance to the institution and monitor compliance with the requirements of the Commission. 
10 
The CHED shall designate a panel of experts who shall prepare a recommendation to the 
11 
Chairperson of the CHED, on whether the institution has substantially complied with the 
12 
requirements for the grant of university status. 
13 
The following are the operational requirements for a university: 
14 
(a) Level III accreditation or equivalent under CHED policies for at least four (4) of its 
15 
undergraduate programs, one (1) in liberal arts and one (1) in the sciences, and two (2) of its 
16 
graduate programs; 
17 
(b) Ratio of qualified full-time faculty with requisite degrees to number of students; 
18 
(c) Adequate library and laboratories; 
19 
(d) Research and development output of practical and commercial application to the 
20 
community; 
21 
(e) Relevant linkages and outreach programs that are of service to the community; and 
22 
(f) Relevant academic policies, systems and processes. 
23 
The institution shall retain its status prior to the effectivity of this Act, unless in the 
24 
meantime it is able to comply with the requirements provided herein, within a period not 
25 
exceeding January 1, 2016. 
26 
SEC. 24. Parity Clause. - All other powers, functions and privileges, responsibilities and 
27 
limitations to state universities and their officials under existing laws shall be deemed granted 
28 
to or imposed upon the University and its officials, whenever appropriate. 
29 
SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, in consultation with the 
30 
CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act. 
31 
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is 
32 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby 
33 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
34 
SEC. 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and 
35 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
36 
modified accordingly. 
37 
SEC. 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
38 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
39 
Approved, 
8