Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6414
HOUSE BILL NO. ____

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert the Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology
(BISCAST) into a state university to be known as the Philippine University of Science
and Technology, for the reasons hereunder stated:

Section 1, Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution provides for the rights of all
citizens to quality education at all levels and that appropriate steps should be
taken by the government to make such education accessible to all

BISCAST has been in existence for more than one hundred years. It has undergone
a series of institutional transformations from a humble trade school, Camarines Sur
Trade School, in 1911 under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 825 to a college specializing in
vocational courses, Bicol College of Arts and Trades, in 1967 under R.A. No. 5056 to
its integration as a satellite campus of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
(CSPC) in 2000 under R.A. No. 8760. Finally, in October 19, 2012, it formally
separated from CSPC and became the Bicol State College of Applied Science and
Technology, a premier Higher Education Institution to complement the endeavors of
the provincial government for the benefit of the Bicolanos.

From its conversion into a state college, the community of BISCAST united to achieve
their common goal of becoming the premier college in the Bicol region spécializing in
applied sciences and technology.

In a span of less than seven (7) years, the College expanded its total functional floor
area by an additional space of almost twenty thousand square meters through the
construction of several buildings including a four-storey Academic Building, and five-
storey Learning and Entrepreneurship Building. It has a three-storey Learning
Resource Hub with thousands of books, journals, periodicals and publications
available to its students onsite and linked to a number of other libraries around the
globe through continuing online subscriptions, which keep both students and members
of its faculty up-to-date in the cutting edge knowledge in their respective studies of
discipline and professional sectors. Its practicum laboratories include @ world class


Food Laboratory and Demo Kitchen, which is one of the biggest and well-equipped in
the country. In the rooftops of its buildings, the College incorporated eco-friendly
structures like an urban rooftop garden and rain water harvester projects, as well as
structures geared towards the health and wellness of its employees and students like
a Sports and Wellness Student Center with tennis and sepak takraw courts.

The College computerized its systems in the implementation of the Information System
Strategic Plan and Program through network upgrades, installment of multimedia and
auxiliary facilities, publication of the College website and pages, and the Online
Student Registration and Accounts Management System. The faculty members even
developed an online procurement management system which is considered to be
adopted and implemented in other state colleges and universities, nationwide.

The BISCAST community makes the most of the resources and technologies available
to them by conducting researches as evidenced by many refereed publications,
citations, inventions and patents, where several of its papers have been published and
presented in international and local fora such as the award-winning research on the
E-Cab as an alternative electronic tricycle in small urban communities. In line with
these researches, BISCAST launched one of the biggest automated machine shop in
the country, the Manufacturing and Fabrication Laboratory which is also a member of
the FabLab worldwide network. This high-tech laboratory provides the necessary tools
and equipment for the development of marketable products thereby improving the
competitive edge of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise in the Bicol Region.

The College encouraged members of its faculty to advance their expertise in their
respective areas of specialization, thus, before the years ends, more than thirty
percent of the total number of members of its faculty will be holders of doctoral
degrees, some in highly specialized fields of engineering and information technology.
These faculty members have participated in researches and development activities
documented in refereed journals and publications, both national and abroad.

As a result of the upgrade in the qualifications of its faculty, BISCAST has produced a
steady stream of board passers as well as topnotchers in the fields of Education,
Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics and
Communications Engineering, with a consistent double digit difference over the
national passing rate.

The College’ improved and diversified its curriculum offerings as well as the quality of
its instruction by collaborating with different state colleges and government offices to
formulate and implement an institutional Outcomes Based Education framework and
syllabi.

The Accredited Agency of Chartered Colleges and the University of the Philippines
has determined that BISCAST's bachelor of sciences programs are of a quality and
efficient standard in its implementation in the areas of mission, vision, goals and
objectives; faculty, curriculum and instruction; support to students; research; extension
and community development; library; physical plant facilities; laboratories and
administration.


In 2018, after an audit conducted by TUV Rheinland on the curriculum development,
facilities improvement and dynamic teaching techniques of the College, BISCAST
became an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certified
institution. In less than six months thereafter, it was awarded the ISO 9001:2015
certification.

Aside from the BS in Engineering and Architecture programs, BS in Information
Technology (BSEMC Animation and Game programming) programs, B.S. Health and
Weliness, B.S. in Food Science programs and others, BISCAST has also pioneered
courses in the Philippines — Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with
varied major fields of specialization. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Technology program is adapted to the Sydney Accord, thus, BISCAST'’s engineering
technology academic programs in Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology,
Electronics Technology and Construction Engineering Technology are at par with
international standards. It is worth noting that all programs of BISCAST are CHED
recognized. Also all (100%) of accreditable programs of the College are accredited by
the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and University of the Philippines
(AACCUP).

BISCAST intends to further raise the bar by offering highly specialized doctorate
courses such as Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Applied
Linguistics, Doctor of Philosophy in Education Major in STEM, Doctor of Philosophy in
Development Policy and Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Finance, Management
and Economics, and Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management.

To date, the College has multiple active and ongoing linkages and affiliations with
educational and commercial institutions in the different parts of the globe to aid in its
conduct of research activities. In fact, in less than two years after its establishment as
an independent college, it penned its first international linkage with Deutsche
Gesellscaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for the Integrated Resource
Management in Asian Cities: The Urban Nexus Project, where it explored and
developed numerous projects. In line with the Climate Change Act, one of its major
projects is the construction and development of a Climate Change Resilient Pilot
Housing in participation with the International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives — Southeast Asia Secretariat, United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the City of Naga and the City of Sta Rosa. The
project’ was recognized by the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing
Committee; awarded the Certificate of Accreditation by the Office of the President's
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; and evaluated to have
achieved a 90.4 % mark in the eight categories: (i) Energy and Environment; (ii)
Sustainable and Responsive Sites; (iii) Materials Sustainability; (iv) Indoor
Environmental Quality; (v) Water and Waste Water Management; (vi) Construction
Operations and Management; (vii) Building O&M Management; and (viii) Climate
Change Resiliency of the Geared for Resiliency and Energy Efficiency for Environment
(GREEN) Building Rating System earning the Philippine Green Building Initiative’s
highest award, the platinum award.


The College also has linkages through agreements with institutions in a number of
Asian countries, where it sends its faculty members and students for further studies,
networking and curriculum development, similar to the Memorandum of
Understanding with King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi of Thailand.

Its inter-agency relations with the public sector and local private companies, allowed
BISCAST to actively contribute to projects of the Province of Camarines Sur as well
as local government units. The College was the lead agency in the roll-out of the
Sustainable Anti-Poverty Project for the marginalized sector of Camarines Sur under
the Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program. It actively creates avenues
for livelihood to the Bicolanos through programs like Capacity Training for Micro
Entrepreneurs, Continuing Skills Training in Electrical Technology, Multiple
Community Programs in Food Preparation, and Training on Repair of Household
Appliances. The College holds trade and technology expositions to promote
innovative food products, non-food products and technology.

BISCAST intends to establish branches and satellite campuses to expand its current
curriculum to offer more specialized courses to the Bicolanos. Ultimately, this
conversion into a university will give BISCAST the opportunity to improve and develop
in order to contribute to the competitiveness of Bicolanos, as well as our country in the
global arena.

The foregoing considered BISCAST has complied with the essential and operational
requisites fundamental to its conversion into a university, to wit:

(1) BISCAST faculty members possess relevant degrees in their areas of
specialization. This is evidenced by a strong (28% of total) faculty with
doctorate degrees in their fields of specialization e.g., Doctor in
Information Technology, PhD in Electronics Engineering, Doctor of
Industrial Engineering, PhD in Development Education, Doctor of
Business Administration, Doctor of Language and Literacy
Development, PhD in Applied Linguistics, EdD Educational Leadership
and Management, PhD Human Resource Management, EdD Physical
Education, EdD Industrial Education Management, PhD in Language,
PhD in Behavioral Management, PhD in Commerce, PhD in
Mathematics, PhD in Research and Evaluation, and in other doctorate
fields. More of BISCAST CHED scholars will be graduating this SY 2021.
These faculty members are graduates of De La Salle University,
University of Sto. Tomas, Mapua University, University of the Cordilleras,
University of the Philippines, Bicol University, Ateneo de Naga University
and others.

These BISCAST faculty members participated in research and
development activities in their respective disciplines, as evidenced by
refereed publications and other scholarly outputs claimed by the college.
That even before their graduation from their respective doctorate
degrees their universities’ requirement is at least three (3) publications
in an internationally refereed journal


(2) BISCAST comprehensive range of degree programs in all levels
includes among others the following:

Arts and Sciences

1) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia
Computing, majors in:

a) _ Digital Animation Technology (BSEMC-DAT)
b) Game Development (BSEMC-GD)

2) Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (4-year
straight program)

3) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences majors in:
a) Fitness and Sports Coaching (BSESS-FSC)
b) Fitness and Sports Management (BSESS-FSM)

4.) Bachelor of Physical Education, (4-year straight program) major in
Sports and Wellness Management (BPE-SWM)

5) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT)

6) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship major in Manufacturing
and Service Technology Track (BSEntrep-MSTT)

Engineering and Architecture

1) 5-Year Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSAr)

2) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE)

3) 4-Year Bachelor of Science Electronic Engineering (BSECE)
4) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
5) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Trades and Technology
1) 4-Year Bachelor of Engineering Technology majors in:
a) Construction Eng’g Technology (BET-CET)
b) _ Electronics Eng’g Technology (BET-ECET)
c) Electrical Eng’g Technology (BET-EET)
d) Mechanical Eng’g Technology (BET-MET)


e) Mechanical Eng’g Technology specialized in Automotive
Engineering Technology (BET-MET-AET)

2) 4-Year Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship majors in:
a) Food Management (BSEntrep-FM)
b) Garments Technology (BSEntrep-GT)

3) 4-Year Bachelor in Drafting Technology (BDT)

4) Bachelor in Automotive Technology (BAT)

5) Bachelor in Electrical Technology (BET)

6) Bachelor in Machine Shop Technology (BMST)

7) Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology majors in:
a) Food Technology (BSIT-FT)
b) Garments Technology (BSIT-GT)

Education

1) 4-Year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd)

2) 4-Year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) majors in:
a) Sciences (BSEd-Sciences)
b) Mathematics (BSEd-Mathematics)
c) English (BSEd-English)

3)  4-Year Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education major in:
Home Economics (BTLEd-HE)

4) 4-Year Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education majors in:
a) Food and Service Management (BTVTEd-FSM)
b) Garments, Fashion and Design (BTVTEd-GFD)

5) Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education (BTTE)

Engineering Graduate Studies

1)
2)
3)
4)

Master of Civil Engineering (ME-civil)
Master of Electrical Engineering (ME-electrical)
Master of Electronics Engineering (ME-electronics)
Master of Mechanical Engineering (ME-mechanical)


Education Graduate Studies

1)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) -Technology Education major field of
concentration:

a) TLE

b) Electrical Technology
c) Electronics Technology
d) Mechanical Technology
) Automotive Technology
f) Food Technology etc.

Post Graduate Studies ... scheduled programs...

1)

(3)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) majors in:
a) PhD in Engineering Technology
b) PhD in Educational Technology
c) PhD in Development Education (STEM)

BISCAST viable research programs are anchored on the Philippine
government's Department of Science and Technology varied trusts and
agenda. In the college's degree programs specific disciplinal research is
a requirement. The college also embarked on multidisciplinary studies
like:

1) College's Integrated Resource Management (BISCAST-IRM)
program. It consists of six major study: (1) the BISCAST Sustainable Site
Development Plan; (2) Eco-friendly projects; (3) Capacity Building
Studies (Training of Trainors); (4) Integration of “Sustainable Design’ to
all of BISCAST Curricular offerings; (5) Energy Management Studies;
and (6) Nexus Climate Change Resilient Pilot Housing (CCRPH).

All these studies produced numerous new knowledge, as evidenced by
refereed publications, citations, innovations, and patents, among others.
The program components also received recognition from LGUs, different
Government line agencies, certifying bodies etc. To cite some:

The Eco-friendly project studies e.g. rain harvester, passive lighting and
ventilation, green design is now adopted by the LGUs and are even
made part of the requirements for approval of building permits.


(4)

The integration of “Sustainable Design’ in all of BISCAST curricular
offerings is approved and recognized by CHED. The Energy
Management Scheme is adopted by other SUCs in the Region.

The CCRPH project study has been “accredited” by the National
Housing Authority’s (NHA) Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for
Housing (AITEC).

The project also was the only residential building in the Philippines
awarded “Kamagong’ or platinum certification, the highest Green rating
by the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGB!)

Recently, the CCRPH project was given the “EDGE certification” by the
International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group, Excellence
in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE).

2) BISCAST Innovation and Creativity Center (ManFabLab) is yet
another project that produces new knowledge, inventions, innovations
and patents. The BISCAST Manufacturing and Fabrication Laboratory
(BISCAST ManFabLab) is a member of the worldwide FabLab network
which originated from the Center for Bits and Atoms at the Media Lab in
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Formed between the partnership of BISCAST and the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), the BISCAST ManFabLab aims to be
the leading center for ideas, innovation, and invention in Naga City and
Camarines Sur. The establishment of the facility compliments the
already competitive skills and capabilities of the manpower and
industries in Naga and Camarines Sur, extending its assistance to Micro
and Small Manufacturing Enterprises (MSMEs) and to researchers from
the nearby schools, colleges, and universities.

The lab capabilities are mainly in 3D printing, CNC-Milling,
Laser, Precision milling, Large format multimedia
(sticker/tarp etc.) Print and Cut, and 10-color industry
grade Computer Embroidery

3)  BISCAST together with DTI also stablished a Shared-
Service Facility (SSF) where an advanced milling machine
was provided adding to the capability of the ManFabLab.

4) In process this year 2020 is the establishment of DOST
Metal Industry Research and Development Center
(MIRDC) for Region 5 in BISCAST which will serve as the
hub for metal engineering innovation research in Bicol.

BISCAST has comprehensive learning resources and support
structures.

First, the Learning Resource Hub (LRH) building houses on the ground
floor the modern library certified by the PRC Board of Librarians of the


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Philippines as compliant with all the standards. It is considered one of
the best if not the Best in the whole of Bicol region. It has MOA/linkages
with other libraries. The processes in the library is paperless as it uses
the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). Printed and online
subscription to technical and scientific journals are provided. Digital
Scholar online access and DOST’s Star Books is also available.
Discussion rooms, dedicated conference room, Internet room and Mini
theatre with the latest multimedia facility is also made available to the
students and faculty. The LRH building uses passive lighting and
ventilation thus saving on energy.

Second, BISCAST is also rich in practicum laboratories as it is a former
School of Arts and Trades and a recipient of several international grants
e.g. World Bank Technical-Vocational Education Project (TVEP),
Philippines-Australia Technical Vocational Education Project (PATVEP)
and others. This is why BISCAST is able to provide its student the
resources to explore basic, advance and even cutting-edge knowledge
in a wide range of disciplines or professions.

BISCAST has and is collaborating with other agencies and universities
both local and abroad in areas of instruction, research and cultural
exchange. The GIZ for the IRM in Asian Cities: The Urban Nexus
Project, where it explored and developed numerous projects and
studies. Part of the partnership the German government agency
provided BISCAST long-term (5 years) resident consultant specialists in
the field of water, energy, materials and sustainable design. In line with
the Climate Change Act, one of its major projects is the construction and
development of a CCRPH in participation with the International Council
for Local Environmental Initiatives - Southeast Asia Secretariat, United
Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

The College also has linkages through agreements with institutions in a
number of Asian countries, where it sends its faculty members and
students for further studies, networking and curriculum development,
similar to the Memorandum of Understanding with King Mongkut's
University of Technology Thonburi of Thailand (KMUTT).

BISCAST was the lead agency in the roll-out of the Sustainable Anti-
Poverty Project for the marginalized sector of Camarines Sur under the
Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (CHED-SAPP). As a
product of research it actively created avenues for livelihood to the
Bicolanos through programs like Capacity Training for Micro
Entrepreneurs, Continuing Skills Training in Electrical Technology,
Multiple Community Programs in Food Preparation, and Training on
Repair of Household Appliances. The College holds trade and
technology expositions to promote research based innovative food
products, non-food products and technology and many other community
engagements.


It is for all these reasons that the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Luis



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6414
HOUSE BILL NO. ____

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembied:

SEC. 1. Conversion. — The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology
(BISCAST) in the City of Naga, Province of Camarines Sur is hereby converted into
a state university to be known as the Philippine University of Sciences and
Technology, hereinafter referred to as the University.

The University may establish satellite campuses, branches, and extension class
sites.

SEC. 2. Purpose of the University. — The University shall be an institution of higher
learning which leads in dynamic, unique and distinct academic standards in
technology education, advancement of innovations and discoveries through science
and technology researches, instructions, advance graduate and professional
‘education and training and other related undertakings supportive to technology and
higher than minimum standards set by the Commission on Higher Education.

SEC. 3. General Mandate. — The University shall primarily provide advanced
education, higher technological, professional, technical and vocational instruction
and training in the sciences, arts, education, entrepreneurship, engineering and
other related courses. It shall also undertake research and extension services and
provide progressive leadership in its areas of specification.


SEC. 4. 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. 5. Curricular Offerings. — The University shall offer undergraduate and
graduate studies in the fields of engineering, industrial technology, arts and
sciences, architecture, nontraditional courses and other degrees/courses within the
purview of its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities as the Board of
Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly to meet the
needs of the Province of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region.

The University may operate a laboratory school offering short term courses, on-site
or online.

SEC. 6. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a
corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Bg. 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 vested exclusively in the Board of
Regents and the President of the University.

SEC. 7. The Governing Board. - The governing body 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 on Higher Education (CHED) or his
designated person as Chairperson;

(b) The President of the University, Vice Chairperson;

(c) The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the
Senate or his nominee as member;

(4) The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the
House of Representatives or his nominee as member;

(e) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) in Region V, member;

(f) The Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
in Region V, member;

(g) The President of the faculty association of the University, member;
(h) The President of the student council of the University, member;
(i) The President of the alumni association of the University, member; and

@ Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished
themselves in their profession or fields of specialization of the University,
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 Camarines Sur as recommended by the
search committee constituted by the University.

The term of office of the President of the faculty association the President of the
student council, and the President of the alumni association shall be coterminous
with their respective terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions and
by laws.

The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the date of
appointment.

SEC. 8. Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees. — In addition to its general
powers of administration and the powers granted to the Board of Directors of a
corporation under existing laws, the Board shall have the following specific powers
and duties:

(a) To promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State
policies and the provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education,
agriculture, science and technology, as well as the policies, standards and
thrusts of the CHED under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the
“Higher Education Act of 1994";

(b) | To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary
to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

(c) _ 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;

(d) | To purchase, receive donations or grants of, or import economic, technical
and cultural books and/or publications;

(e) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal
properties of all kinds and to administer and dispose of the same when
necessary for the benefit of the College, and subject to the limitations,
directions and instructions of the donor, if any;

(ff) Subject to the provisions of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System
for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Law or any amendment thereto, to fix the
tuition fees and other necessary school charges, including but not limited to,
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 a special trust fund and shall be
deposited in any authorized government depository bank: Provided, that, 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


(9)

(h)

i)

0)

(k)

0)
(m)

(n)

other charges, from sale or royalty of any invention, patent, or utility
model/device, 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, including acquisition of lands for its expansion and diversification
of its courses: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the
specific purposes for which these are collected.

If, for reason beyond its control, the University 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 University;

To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for
greater access of poor but deserving students in accordance with the
provisions of Republic Act No. 10931 or the “Universal Access to Quality
Tertiary Education Act’;

To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment
and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal
properties, including necessary supplies, materials and equipment;

To appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice
President/s, deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members and
other officials and employees of the University;

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 as it may promulgate, any provision of existing laws to the
contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in accordance with
the requirements of due process of law;

To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn
by the Administrative and Academic Councils as herein provided;

To set policies on admission and graduation of students;

To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding
contribution in the fields of agriculture, public service, arts, science and
technology, education or in any field of specialization within the academic
competence of the University; and to authorize the awarding of certificates of
completion of nondegree and nontraditional courses;

To establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions within the Province
of Camarines Sur as branches and centers, in coordination with the CHED
and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),


(0)

(p)

(a)

10)

(s)

i)

(u)

(v)

(w)

(®)

(y)

and to offer therein programs or courses to promote and carry out equal and
greater access to educational opportunities as mandated by the Constitution;

To establish research and extension centers of the University where such will
promote the development of the University;

To establish professorial chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for
qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students;

To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the
President or Officer-in-Charge and/or other officials of the University as it may
deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the
University;

To authorize an external management audit of the University, to be financed
by the CHED, 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;

To collaborate with other governing boards of state universities and colleges
within the Province of Camarines Sur or the Bicol Region, under the
supervision of the CHED and in consultation with the DBM, and work towards
the restructuring of the University to become more efficient, relevant,
productive and competitive;

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;

To develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government units
(LGUs), institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in
furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the University;

To develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign,
and to appoint experts or specialists as consultants, part-time or visiting or
exchange professors, scholars or researchers, as the case may be;

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 distance learning, and community laboratory for the promotion
of greater access to education;

To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the University;

To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management of
nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property
maintenance and such other similar activities; and


'(z) To extend the term of the President of the College beyond the age of
retirement, but not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance has
been rated by the majority of the Board as outstanding, based on the
guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, after
recommendation by majority of the members the search committee.

SEC. 9. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene once every
three (3) months. Whenever necessary, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon
three (3) days’ prior written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings within
the same period

A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all its members holding office at
the time of the meeting: Provided, however, That the Chairperson of the CHED or
the President of the University is among those present in the meeting.

In cast the CHED Chairperson cannot attend a meeting of the Board, a CHED
Commissioner duly designated by the CHED Chairperson as representative to the
meeting, shall have all the rights and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided,
however, That in the said meeting, the President of the University as vice
chairperson shall be the presiding officer: Provided, further, That this proviso,
notwithstanding, the Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a
CHED Commissioner as the regular Chairperson of the Board, in which case, the
said CHED Commissioner as the regular Chairperson of the Board shall act as the
presiding officer.

In case the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture
and House Committee on Higher and Technical Education shall not be able to attend
the Board meeting, they may duly designate their respective representatives to
attend said meeting, who shall have the same rights and responsibilities as a regular
member of the Board.

The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either for their
attendance in the meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business
authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.

SEC. 10. The University President. — The University shall be headed by a
President, who shall render full-time service and who shall be appointed by the
Board, subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board, upon
recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. The University President
shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another
term. Provided, however, That in order to facilitate the smooth transition of this State
College into a State University as provided in this Act, the incumbent President of
this State College shall serve as the first president of this University for a transition
term of two (2) years only but such transition president shall be entitled to be
reappointed by the Board of Regents of the University for one (1) full term of four (4)
years.


Within five (5) months before the expiration of the term of office of the regular
President of the University, the Board shall constitute a Search Committee for the
Presidency (SCP)

In case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death, compulsory
retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President to perform
the functions of the office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of
the University. Within five (5) months from the date of vacancy, the Board shall
constitute a Search Committee for the replacement of the President.

In case of vacancy in the Office of the President, as mentioned in the immediately
preceding paragraph, his or her successor shall hold office for the unexpired portion
of the term,

The powers and duties of the President of the University, in addition to those
specifically provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the
President of similar 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
being received by the presidents of similar educational institutions.

The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President for Academic
Affairs and a Vice President for Administration, who shall be appointed by the Board
upon the recommendation of the President of the University.

SEC. 11. The Secretary of the University. — The Board shall appoint a Secretary,
who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University and shalll keep all
records and proceedings of the Board. The Secretary of the University shall serve
upon each member of the Board the appropriate notice of the Board meetings

SEC. 12. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall
be the ex officio treasurer of the University.

SEC. 13. The Administrative Council. — There shall be an Administrative Council
consisting of the President of the University as Chairperson, 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. 14. The Academic Council. — There shall be an Academic Council to be
composed of the President of the University, who shall act as Chairperson, and all
the academic staff with the rank of at least an assistant professor, as members.

The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the curricular
offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval of the
Board. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well as for their
graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the
Board through the President of the University. It shall have the disciplinary power
over students of the University and shall formulate academic policies and rules and
regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of the Board.


SEC. 15. The Faculty. — No political belief, gender preference, cultural or community
affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of
inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the University: Provided, That said
appointment shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by
the Board: Provided, further, That no member of the faculty shall teach for or against
any particular church or religious sect

SEC. 16. Scholarship Program and Admission. — The University shall provide a
scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but
deserving students who qualify for admission to the University.

No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of gender, religion,
cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin.

SEC. 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus, Equipment, Supplies and
Detail of Personnel. — The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national
government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the
President of the University, such apparatus, equipment or supplies as maybe
needed by the University, and to detail employees for duty therein when, in the
judgment of the head of bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or
services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to public
service.

The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the
President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of
their regular services.

SEC. 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. — All assets, real and personal,
personnel and records of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and
Technology (BISCAST), as well as liabilities or obligations, are hereby transferred to
the Philippine University of Sciences and Technology. The positions, rights and
security of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein employed under existing
laws prior to the conversion into a state college shall be respected.

Specific parcels of land belonging to the provincial government of Camarines Sur
and occupied by the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology
(BISCAST), are hereby declared to be property in usufruct to the Philippine
University of Sciences and Technology: Provided, That should the University cease
to exist or be abolished or should such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer
needed by the University, the same shall revert to the provincial government of
Camarines Sur: Provided, That the University is authorized to purchase any part or
all of said land vested with public interest for a reasonable price. The University
shall have the power to acquire land grants from the national government, its
agencies and instrumentalities and/or from other local government units to establish
its satellite campuses.

SEC. 19. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. — The importation of
economic, financial, technical and cultural books, periodicals and/ or publications,
which are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or
cultural purposes made by the Philippine University of Sciences and Technology,


upon certification by the CHED, shall be exempt from customs duties in accordance
with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs
Modernization and Tariff Act’.

All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and contributions made to the
University to be used actually, directly and exclusively by the University shall be
exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall be allowed as allowable deduction
from the gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor in
accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as
amended.

SEC. 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Bicol State
College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST). Thereafter, such sums as
may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the Philippine
University of Sciences and Technology shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC.. 21. Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/
Administrative/ Academic Structure. — Within the period of one hundred twenty
(120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the
following:

(a) Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program
budget to the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the DBM;

(b) | Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and

(c) Set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic structure,
including the appointment of the key officials of the University.

SEC. 22. Filing of Report. — On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second
(2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file
with the Office of the President of the Philippines, through the Chairperson of the
CHED, and with both Houses of Congress, a detailed report on the progress,
conditions and needs of the University.

SEC. 23. Suppletory Application. — The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292,
otherwise known as the “Higher Education: Modernization Act of 1997”, shall be an
integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the
University.

SEC. 24. Parity Clause. — All other powers, functions and privileges, responsibilities
and limitations to state universities and/or their officials under existing laws shall be
deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever
appropriate.

SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

effectivity of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the CHED, shall formulate the
rule and regulations to fully implement the provisions of this Act.


SEC. 26. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 27. Repealing Clause. — All laws or part of laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, circulars, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 28. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,