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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Quezon City
NINETHENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
Hou;eBi||No.6550
Introduced by Representatives Rosanna V. Vergara, Mikaela Angela 8.
Suansing, Joseph Gilbert F. Violago and Emerson D. Pascual
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The physical change impacted by technological advancement and the fast progressive thinking and
imagination of this generation whose awareness  has become more dynamic, have truly inspired
the Nueva  Ecija  University  of Science  and  Technology  (NEUST)  to  provide  more  meaningful
lifelong leaming experiences and opportunities to its students.
The University with two of its primary campuses, which are the General Tinio Street Campus and
Sumacab  Campus,  are  located  in the most established and economically progressive city of the
province,  which  is Cabanatuan City. Nueva Ecija has a total  population of 2,310,134  and has a
strong, economically active work force, 64.54% of which are either engaged into small or medium
enterprise or employed in the public and private institutions in the province. The addition of two
satellite campuses  by virtue of law to the  six  satellite campuses which  are  already  existing for
decades, serve as conduits of development for the province of Nueva Ecija by providing inclusive
and accessible quality education, reaching out to the indigenous peoples and other marginalized
sector within the province and beyond.
The proposed conversion of NEUST into a comprehensive university aims to provide competence
and  skills  not  only  in  science  and  technology  but  to  offer  new  programs  and  develop  other
professionals needed in the country and by the global labor market. The University also desires to
nurture  the  hearts  and  minds  of students to  enable  them  to  seek  for  solutions  to  the  challenges
posed by environmental degradation and promote the formation of a sustainable society.
36       Moreover, this proposal seeks to harmonize the creative abilities of the youth  in the arts with the
37       technical  knowledge  through  science  and  technology.  This  will  further  allow the  University  to
38       become more responsive and relevant to the diverse needs of the community, the province,  and
39       thecountry.
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The availability of vast information thru the web has influenced the youth with various beliefs and
practices,  thereby  exposing  them  to  the  challenges  of the  world.  The  University  shall  provide
access to students with a wider range of skills and talents both based on the academic and non-
academic  leamings  and  experiences.  Thus,  once  converted  into  a  comprehensive  university,
NEUST shall offer a wide range of disciplines that will ensure that graduates shall  become well-
rounded individuals not only in their chosen fields of study but even beyond.
... `               ..                              `-.          `
F.|.ii
naV.
istrict of Nueva Ecija
Joseph Gilbert F. Violago
2nd District of Nueva Ecija
Emer#nrs.)pascuai
4th District of Nueva Ecija


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F RHPRESENTATIVE
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
Ho;seBi|iNo.6550
Introduced by Representatives Rosanna V. Vergara, Mikaela Angela 8.
Suansing, Joseph Gilbert F. Violago and Emerson D. Pascual
AN ACT CONVERTING THE NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
13         TECHNOLOGy INTO A cOMPREHENslvE UNlvERslTy TO BE KNowr`I AS NUEVA
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ECIJA STATE UNIVERSITY, EXPANDING AND RATIONALIZING ITS
CURRICULAR OFFERINGS, AND STRENGTHENING ITS GOVERNING BOARD,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION.  1.  Co#versz.o#.  -The  Nueva  Ecija  University  of Science  and  Technology
®TEUST)    located  in the  City  of Cabanatuan,  province  of Nueva  Ecija,  with  its  campuses  in
Gabaldon,  San lsidro, Fort Magsaysay and State at Palayan City,   and Barangay Sumacab, and
Quezon  District (Gen.  Tinio  St.) at Cabanatuan City,  Sto.  Domingo,  and Nampicuan,  is hereby
converted into a comprehensive university system to be known as the Nueva Ecija State University
(NESU), hereinafter referred to as the "University System."
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25                     SEC.  2.  J#/egrcrfz.o#.   -  The  Main  Campus  of NESU  shall  be  in  Sumacab  Campus,
26       Cabanatuan city, where an integrated management system shall be operated.
27                      SEC. 3.   Ge#ertz/ A4l¢l #c7¢/e. -The university shall primarily provide advanced instruction
28       and professional training in ats, sciences, agriculture, engineering, technology, education, health,
29       business,  communications  and  other  related  fields    and    disciplines    deemed  as  priority  by
30       CHED;     undertake  research,   extension,  and  production  activities;   and  provide  progressive
31       leadership in these areas. Provided, that for efficient use of resources, the offerings ofcurricula in
32       the campuses shall be rationalized.
33                     SEC. 4.  Cwrrz.cc£/¢7` Ojj7rerz.#gr. -As a comprehensive university system, the NESu shall
34      offer post graduate, graduate, undergraduate, and short-term technical courses within its areas of
35       specialization and according to its capabilities, as the Board of Regents may deem necessary, to
36       cany  out  its  mission,  particularly  in  order  to  meet  the  needs  of the  country  and  the  global
37       community.
The University shall be allowed to operate a reasonably-sized laboratory high school, within the
campuses of the University, provided, that the University has a College of Education.


SEC. 5. j4dmz.#z.s/rc}/7.o#.  -The University shall have the general powers of a corporation
set  forth  in the  Corporation  Law.  The  administration of the  University  and the exercise  of its
corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents.
SEC. 6. The Governing Board Composition. -The governing body is hereby vested in
the Board of Regents which shall be composed of the following:
i.   Chairperson   of the  Commission  on  Higher Education  (CHED)  as  Chairperson.  The
CHED Chairperson may designate a CHED Commissioner as the regular Chairperson
to the Governing Board;
ii.   President of the University System, as the Vice Chairperson;
iii.   Chairperson  of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational   Education of the
Senate  of the Philippines, as member;
iv.   Chairperson,   of the   Committee  on Higher  and Technical Education of the House of
Representative, as member;
v.   Regional  Director  of the  National  Economic  and  Development  Authority  (NEDA)
where the main campus of the University is located, as member;
vi.   Regional  Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)  where the
main campus of the University is located, as member;
vii.   Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) where the main campus of the
University is located, as member;
viii.   President of the Faculty Association, as member;
ix.   President of the University Student Government, as member
x.   President of the recognized  Alumni Association of the University, as member; and
xi.   Two (2) prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in their professions or
fields of specialization as recommended  by the  search  committee  constituted  by the
University  President  in  consultation  with  the  Chairman  of the  Board,  based  on  the
criteria and qualifications identified by CHED for the position.
The  private  sector representatives  shall  be  appointed  by the  Board  of Regents  upon
recommendation of a duly constituted search committee.
b.   Term ofoffice


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The  Terms  of  Office  of  the  Faculty  Alumni   and   Student  Regents  shall  be
coterminous   with their respective terms of office as President of their respective
sectoral associations;
ii.          The prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
iii.         In case of vacancy in the office of the university president, the officer-in-Charge
of the University designated by the Board shall serve for the unexpired term only.
iv.         The president of the university, whose term may be terminated according to this
Act shall be entitled to full retirement benefits under existing laws.
SEC.  7.  Powers ¢#d D#/j.es a/f¢e  Gover#!.#g Boc!rd.  -The  Comprehensive  University
14       System shall be headed by a president, who shall render full-time service. The president shall be
15       appointed by the Board, subject to the guidelines, qua]ifications and standards set by the Board,
16       upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee: Provz.dec7, That in order to effect
17       smooth transition to a comprehensive university system, the incumbent president of the NEUST
18       shall serve as the first president ofNESU.
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SEC.  8.  Promulgation  and  Implementation  Of Policies.   -  The  govern.mg boa;rd  shall
promulgate  and  implement  policies  in  accordance  with  the  declared  state  policies  on  higher
education and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, science and
technology,  arts,  culture and  sports;  as well  as the policies,  standards and thrusts of the CHED
under existing relevant laws.
SEC. 9. PowcrL7 a#c7 Dz/f7.c^T a/ffoe Govermz.7?g Bocrrc7. - The governing board shall have the
following specific powers and duties,  in addition to its general powers of administration and the
exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation:
a.  Enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
and functions of the University;
b.  Receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the University in the
manner it may determine, and in accordance with   its discretion, to carry out the purposes and
functions of the University;
c.  Receive  in trust legacies,  gifts and donations of real  and personal properties of all  kinds, to
administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the University, subject to
limitations,  directions and  instructions of the donor,  if any.  Such donations  shall  be exempt
from all taxes and shall be considered as deductible items from the income tax of the donor;
d.  Fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as but not limited to, matriculation
fees,  graduation  fees  and  laboratory  fees,  as  they  may  deem  proper  to  impose  after  due
consultations with the involved sectors.
Such  fees  and  charges,  including  government  subsidies  and other  income  generated  by the
University,  shall  constitute  special  trust  funds  and  shall  be  deposited  in  any  authorized
government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue there from shall form part of the
same fund for the use of the University.


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Any  provision  of existing  laws,  rules  and  regulations  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding,  any
income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the
operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University and may be
disbursed    by    the    Board    of   Regents    for    instruction,    research,    extension    or   other
programs/projects of the University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the
speciflc purpose for which they are collected.
If,  for reasons 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 of Regents 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;
e.  Adopt and implement the prevailing tuition fee standards and school fees for greater access to
poor but deserving students;
f.   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,
materials  and  equipment.  Purchases  and  other  transactions  entered  into  by  the  University
through the Board of Regents shall be exempt from all taxes and duties;
9.  Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the University, vice presidents, deans,
directors, heads of departments, faculty members and other offlcials and employees;
h.  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   provisions   of   existing   law   to   the   contrary
notwithstanding;  and to remove them  for cause  in accordance with the requirements of due
process of law;
i.   Approve   the   curricula,   institutional   programs   and   rules   of   discipline   drawn   by   the
administrative and academic councils as herein provided;
31       j.   Setpolicies on admission and graduation of students;
32       k.  Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of outstanding contribution in the fields
33             of education, public service, arts, science and technology or in any field of specialization within
34            the  academic  competence  of the  University,  and  to  authorize  the  award  of certificates  of
35            completion of non-degree and non-traditional courses;
36       I.   Absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within their respective provinces in coordination with
37            the CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and to
38            offer therein needed programs or courses to promote and carry out equal access to educational
39            opportunities mandated by the constitution;
40       in. Establish research and extension centers of the university to promote development;
41       n.  Establish chairs in the university and to provide fellowships for qualified faculty members and
42             scholarships to deserving students;
43       o.  Delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the President and/or other
44            officials of the university as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration of
45            the affairs of the university;


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p.  Authorize an external management audit of the University, to be financed by the CHED, subject
to  Commission  on  Audit  (COA)  rules  and  regulations    and  to  institute  reforms,  including
academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and recommendations;
q.  Collaborate with other governing boards of state universities within the province or the region,
under the supervision of the CHED and  in consultation with the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), and work towards   the restructuring of the University to become more
efficient, relevant, productive and competitive;
r.   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;
s.  Develop consortia and other forms of linkages with  local government units,  institutions and
agencies,  both  public  and  private,  local  and  foreign,  in  furtherance  of the  purposes  and
objectives of the University;
t.   Develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with appropriate institutions
and  agencies,  public  or  private,  local  or  foreign,  and  to  appoint  experts  and  specialists  as
consultants, or visiting or exchange professors, scholars, or researchers, as the case may be;
u.  Adopt modem and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge such as the use of information
technology,  the  dual  system,  open  leaming,  community  laboratory,  flexible  learning,  smart
campus, and other relevant and similar modes   for the promotion of greater access to higher
education;
v.  Establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making and transparency
within the University;
w. Privatize, where most advantageous to the University, management and non-academic services
such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance and other similar activities,
subject to existing rules and regulations; and
x.  To extend the term of the incumbent President of the University beyond the age of retirement,
but not later than the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been unanimously rated as
outstanding and upon unanimous recommendation by the evaluation committee.
SEC.  10.  g#oracm.  -The  Board  of Regents  shall  regularly  convene  at  least once  every
quarter. However, the Chairman of the Board of Regents may, upon three (3) days prior written
notice, call a special meeting whenever necessary.
A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all members holding office at the time of the
meeting:   Provided,  however,  that  the  Chairperson  of  the   CHED   or  his  appointed   CHED
Commissioner  as the Chairperson  of the Board or the President of the University is among those
present in the meeting.
39       No regular or special meetings of the Governing Board shall be held without the presence of the
40       Chaixperson of the Board. The GB chairperson may, however, waive his participation in writing
41       as may be warranted by the situation. In such case, the university president shall preside over the
42       regular meetingor special meeting.
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44       The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to reimbursements for
45       actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance to meetings of the Board or in


1       connection with other official business authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to pertinent
2       existing laws and regulations.
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4                      SEC.11. 77Ie 4c7mi'#is/rtrJz.o#. -The administration of the university shall be vested in the
5       President of the university who shall render full-time service. He shall be appointed by the Board
6       of Regents, upon the recommendation ofa duly constituted search committee. He shall have a term
7       offour (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term: This provision shall take
8      effect upon the end of the term of the incumbent president.
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10       The President shall be assisted by a number of Vice Presidents, who shall be appointed by the
11       Board upon the former's recommendation.
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In case of vacancy by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President
to perform the functions of his office, the Board shall have the authority to designate an officer-
in-charge pending the appointment of a new president.
In  case  of vacancy  in  the  Office  of the  President  as  mentioned  in  the  immediately preceding
paragraph, his successor shall hold office for the unexpired term.
SEC.12. 4cJrm7.#7`sgivc}/j.ve C'o##c7./.  -There shall be an administrative council consisting of
the President of the University as chairperson, the vice president(s), deans, directors and other
officials of equal rank as members, and whose duty is to review and recommend to the Board of
Regents  policies  governing the  administration,  management  and  development  planning  of the
University for appropriate action.
As  a  comprehensive  university  system,  a  Campus  Administrative  Council  for  its  constituent
campuses  shall  be  established.  Provided,  that  these  constituent  campuses  shall  have  equal
representation in the University Administrative Council.
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30                      SEC.13. ,4cadem;.c Cozt#.`f./. -There shall be an academic council with the president of the
31       University as chairperson and all members of the instructional staff with the rank of not lower than
32       assistant professor as members.
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34       The academic council shall have the power to determine, review and recommend the curricular
35       offerings and rules on student discipline of the university subject to appropriate action of the Board
36       of Regents. It shall fix the requirements for admission of students as well as for graduation and the
37       conferment of degrees  subject to review and/or approval  by the  Board of Regents through the
38       Presidentofthe university.
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40                     SEC.14. 77!e secre/tzry a//¢e u#j.versz.fy. -The Board shall appoint a secretary who shall
41       serve as such for both the Board and the university and shall keep all records and proceedings of
42       the Board. He shall communicate notice of meetings to each member of the Board.
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44                     SEC.15.  77ie rreczs#rer a//fag p¢z./izipj.#es'. -The Treasurer of the philippines shall be the
45       ex officio treasurer of the university.


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SEC.  16. Fcrcztdy. -No religious opinion or affiliation shall be the matter of inquiry in the
appointment of faculty members of the State University. Provided, however, that no member of
the faculty shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.
SEC. 17. Scho/crrs¢z.ps cr#d,4dmiss7.o#. -The University shall provide a scholarship program
and other afflrmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students to qualify for admission
to the University.
No  student shall  be denied  admission to the  University  by reason of sex,  religion,  cultural  or
community affiliation or ethnic origin.
SEC.   18.  4ccrdemz.c  FreecJorm  cr#c7 J#sfzt#fz.o#cr/ 4w/o#o"};.   -  The  University  shall  enjoy
academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article
XIV of the Constitution.
SEC.  19.  F7./7.72g a/Repor/.  On  or before the  fifteenth  day of the  second  month  after the
opening of the regular classes each  year,  the  Board shall  file with both  Houses of Congress  a
detailed report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University, if there is any.
SIEC. 2;0. Authority to  Loan or Transifer Apparatus,  Equipment,  Supplies  and  Detail Of
Perso7777e/. -The 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 employees for duty therein when, in the
judgment  of the  bureau  or  office,  such  apparatus,  equipment,  supplies  or  services  of  such
employees can be spared without serious detriment to the public service. 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 service.
SEC. 21. 4or/j.cz/7.o#.  -The University may accept the affiliation and/or integration within
its operation of any existing national school within the province whose programs can contribute
largely and effectively to the attainment of its objectives, in coordination with the CHED and in
consultation  with  the  DBM:  Provided,  That  funds,  properties  and  other  assets,  as  well  as
obligations of the integrated school, shall be transferred to the University. Provided further that,
the school to be integrated into the System complies with the policy requisites of the University
which has the right to allow a particular curricular program that can only be offered by said school.
SEC.  22. j4ssets,  £z.crbz./7tz.es cz#d Perso7!j7e/.  -All assets,  fixed and movable,  records and
40       personnel  of the  Nueva  Ecija  University  of Science  and  Technology,  as  well  as  liabilities  or
41       obligations, are hereby transferred to the Nueva Ecija state university:  Provided, however, that
42       the positions, rights and security oftenure of personnel therein employed under existing laws prior
43       to its absorption by the university are not impaired: Provided, further, that the incumbents of the
44       positions shall remain in the same status until otherwise provided for by the Board. All parcels of
45       land  belonging  to  the  government,  occupied  by  the  Nueva  Ecija  University  of  Science  and
46       Technology are hereby declared to be the property of the Nueva Ecija state university and shall


1       be titled under that name: Provided, finally, that should the university cease to exist or be abolished
2       or should such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer needed by the university, the same
3       shall                                revert                                to                                the                                government.
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5                      SEC. 23. ,4pp7iapr7.cr/z.o#s.  -The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
6       shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Nueva Ecija university of science
7       and  Technology.  Thereafter,  such  sums  as  may  be necessary  for the  continued  operation  and
8       maintenance  of the  Nueva  Ecija  State  University  shall  be  included  in  the  annual  General
9       Appropriations Act.
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SEC. 24. P¢rjty C/crane.  - All other powers, functions and privileges, responsibilities and
limitations to state universities and/or its officials under relevant and existing laws shall be deemed
granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials whenever appropriate.
SEC. 25. Jmp/e"e#/i.ng R#/es c7#dRegar/a/z.o#s. -Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the CHED, shall formulate the rules and regulations to
fully implement the provisions of this Act.
19                      SEC.  26.  Sepcrrczbz./7.fy  C/tz#se.  -If,  for any  reason,  any part or provision  of this Act  is
20       declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall
21       remain in full force and effect.
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23                  SEC.  27.  jtepea/7.#g C/a"s'c.  -All  laws,  presidential  decrees,  executive  orders,  rules  and
24       regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended
25       or modified accordingly.
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27                      SEC. 28. EJorec/f.vj.fy. -This Act shall take effect upon its approval.