FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No~ 2948 
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVSCT) was 
established in 1905 as the Iloilo Trade School which later became the Iloilo School 
of Arts and Trades (ISAT)" In May 1983, it was converted into a state college 
known as WVCST by virtue of Batas Pambansa Big. 395. 
At present, it continues to fulfill its mission by providing quality and relevant 
yet affordable education to the people of Region VI and the country in general. Its 
vision is to be the Center of Excellence in science and technology education. 
The proposed conversion of WVSCT into Iloilo State University is a timely 
recognition of the significance of highly-skilled manpower in the field of science 
and technology needed by the industries and business establishments in the 
region. 
Furthermore, its conversion shall provide more opportunities for the college 
in its quest to be on the frontline in bringing progress and development to the 
region that it serves, as well as the whole nation. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 2948 
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
'11 
AUG 23 P 1 :30 
AN ACT CONVERTING THE WESTERN VISAYAS COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 
AND TECHNOLOGY (WVSCT) IN THE CITY OF ILOILO INTO A STATE 
UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY, WITH 
CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BAROTAC NUEVO, DUMANGAS, 
LEON AND MIAG-AO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Conversion. - The Western Visayas College of Science and 
Technology (WVCST) in the City of Iloilo, including its campuses namely: the Don 
Jose Sustiguer Monfort Memorial National College in the Municipality of Barotac 
Nuevo, the Purificacion D. Monfort College in the Municipality of Dumangas, the 
Leon National College of Agriculture in the Municipality of Leon, and the Southern 
Iloilo Polytechnic College in the Municipality of Miag-ao, all located in the Province 
of Iloilo, is hereby converted into a state university to be known as the Iloilo State 
University, hereinafter referred to as the University. The main campus of the 
University shall be located in the City of Iloilo. 
SEC. 2. General Mandate. -
The University shall primarily provide 
advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in 
the arts, sciences, education, engineering, agriculture and forestry, and other 
relevant fields of study. It shall also promote and undertake research, extension 
services and production activities in support of the socioeconomic development of 
the Province of Iloilo and provide progressive leadership in its areas of 
specialization. 
SEC. 
3. 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. 4. Curricular Offerings. - The University shall offer undergraduate 
and graduate studies in the fields of arts and sciences, philosophy, teacher 
education, agriculture and forestry, engineering and architecture, maritime 
education, industrial and technological education, information and communications 
technology, hotel and restaurant technology, trades, nontraditional courses and 
other degrees within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities, as 
the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives and in order 
to meet the needs of the Province of Iloilo and Region VI. The University shall 
maintain and operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school, under its College of 
Education in the main campus. 
SEC. 5. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of 
a corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Big. 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. 6. The Governing Board. - The governing board of the University 
shall be the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as Board, which shall be 
composed of the following: 
(a) 
The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
Chairperson; 
(b) The President of the University, Vice-Chairperson; 
(c) The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of 
the Senate, member; 
(d) The Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education 
of the House of Representatives, member; 
(e) The Regional Director of the National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA), member; 


(f) The Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST), member; 
(g) The President of the federation of faculty associations of the University, 
member; 
(h) The President of the federation of student councils of the University, 
member; 
(i) The President of the federation of alumni associations of the University, 
member; and 
U) Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have 
distinguished themselves in their profession or fields of specialization, as 
members. 
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from among a list of 
at least five (5) qualified persons in the Province and City of Iloilo, as 
recommended by the search committee constituted by the University President, in 
consultation with the Chairperson of the CHED and the other members of the 
Board, based on the normal standards and qualifications for the position set by the 
Board. 
The President of the federation of faculty associations, the President of the 
federation of student councils and the President of the federation of alUmni 
associations shall serve in the Board only for the duration of their terms of office, 
as set forth in their respective constitutions and bylaws. 
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from 
the date of appointment. 
SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of the Governing Board. - The 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 under existing laws: 
(a) To promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared 
State policies on education and other pertinent 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 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 University, and subject to the limitations, directions and 
instructions of the donor, if any; 
(f) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as, 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 special trust funds and shall be 
deposited in any authorized government depository bank, and 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, all income generated by the University from tuition fees and other 
charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall 
be retained by the University, and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, 
research, extension or other programs or projects of the University: Provided, That 
all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which these are 
collected. 


If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue 
any project for which the 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; 
(g) To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school 
fees for greater access to poor but deserving students; 
(h) To authorize the construction or repair of Its buildings, machinery, 
equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, 
including necessary supplies, materials and equipment; 
(i) To appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice 
Presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments, head of campus, faculty 
members, and other officials and employees of the University; 
U) 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, and grant them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under such regulations 
as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, 
and remove them for cause in accordance with the requirements of due process of 
law; 
(k) To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline 
drawn by the Administrative and the Academic Councils herein provided; 
(I) To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
(m) To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their 
outstanding contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology, agriculture 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; 


(n) To establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions within the 
Province of Iloilo as branches and centers in coordination with the CHED, and in 
consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and to offer 
therein programs or courses to promote and carry out equal access to educational 
opportunities as mandated by the Constitution; 
(0) To establish research and extension centers of the University where 
such will promote the development of the latter; 
(p) To establish professorial chairs in the University and provide fellowships 
for qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students; 
(q) To delegate any of its powers and duties to the President and/or other 
officials of the University as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the 
administration of the affairs of the University, 
(r) To authorize an external management audit of the University, subject to 
the rules and regulation of the Commission on Audit (COA) and to institute 
reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit 
results and recommendations; 
(s) To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and 
universities within the Province of Iloilo or Region VI, 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; 
(t) 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; 
(u) To develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local 
government units (LGUs), institutions and agencies, public and private, local and 
foreign, in the furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the University; 
(v) To develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building 
with appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, 


and appoint experts or specialists as consultants, part-time or visiting or exchange 
professors, scholars or researchers, as the case may be; 
(w) 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 leaming or distance education and community laboratory for the promotion of 
greater access to education; 
(x) To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the University; 
(y) 
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 University beyond the age of 
retirement but not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been 
unanimously rated by the Board as outstanding, based on the guidelines, 
qualifications and standards set by the Board, after unanimous recommendation 
by the search committee. 
SEC. 8. Meetings of the Board. - Board shall regularly convene at least 
once every three (3) months. Provided, the Chairperson of the Board may call, 
upon three (3) days prior written notice, 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, That the Chairperson of the Board or 
the President of the University is among those present in the meeting. 
In one's absence, the Chairperson of the CHED, shall designate a 
Commissioner of the CHED as representative in the meeting with all the rights and 
responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That during this 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 Chair of 


the Board, in which case said CHED Commissioner shall act as the Presiding 
Officer. 
In case the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on Education 
shall not be able to attend the Board meeting, they may duly designate their 
respective representatives to attend the 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 in their 
attendance to meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business 
authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations 
SEC. 9. 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 UnivEirsity 
President shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment 
for another term. 
In order to effect a smooth transition to a state university, the incumbent 
President of the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology shall serve 
as the first President of the University. 
Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the 
incumbent President of the University, the Board shall constitute the 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 his office, the Board shall designate an 
Officer-in-Charge of the University within six (6) months from date of vacancy, 
pending the appointment of a new President. The successor or the Officer-in-
Charge shall serve only 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, a Vice President for Administration and Finance and a Vice 
President for Research and Extension and Development, who shall be appointed 
by the Board upon recommendation of the President. 
SEC. 
10. 
The Heads of University Campuses. -
The Campus 
Administrators shall head the University Campuses and they shall render full-time 
service. 
They shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the 
search committee and the President of the University, subject to the guidelines, 
qualifications and standards set by the Board. 
The incumbent College 
Administrators of the extension campuses shall serve as Campus Administrators 
of their respective campuses. 
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 shall 
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. - 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, campus administrators and other officials of equal 
rank as members, whose duty is to review and recommend to the Board the 


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 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 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 beliefs, 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 may be 
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 art 
of their regular services. 
SEC. 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. -
All assets, real and 
personal, personnel and records of the WVCST, the Purificacion D. Monfort 
College, the Leon National College of Agriculture, the Don Jose Sustiguer Monfort 
Memorial National College and the Southern Iloilo Polytechnic College, as well as 
liabilities or obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. The positions, 
rights and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein employed 
under existing laws prior to its conversion into a University shall be respected. 
All parcels of land belonging to the government and occupied by the 
WVCST, the Purificacion D. Monfort College, the Leon National College of 
Agriculture, the Don Jose Sustiguer Monfort Memorial National College and the 
Southern Iloilo Polytechnic College, are hereby declared to be property of the 
University, and shall be titled under that name: 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 
LGUs concerned. 
SEC. 19. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. -
The 
importation of economic, technical and cultural books or publication, which is for 
economic, technical vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural 
purposes made by the University, upon certification by the CHED shall be exempt 
from customs duties in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs 
Code of the Philippines, as amended. 
Donations in any form to the University shall be exempt from the donor's tax 
and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income in 


the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions 
of the Nationallntemal 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 WVCST, the Purificacion D. Monfort College, the Leon National College of 
Agriculture, the Don Jose Sustiguer Monfort Memorial National College and the 
Southern Iloilo Polytechnic College, except the sums needed to continue the 
operations of the eXisting high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary 
for the continued operation and maintenance of the University 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 their officials under existing 
laws shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and its officials 
whenever appropriate. 
SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -
The Board, in 
consultation with the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the 
provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 27. 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. 28. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this 
AC\ are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 29. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,