EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) Senate

Ise Sa
Second Regular Session ) “Beery
SENATE 20 S229 257
s.No,_1755_ —

Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY (BISCAST), IN THE CITY OF NAGA, PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES SUR, INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE

SOUTHEAST ASIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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 Southeast Asian
University of 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 up 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
specializing in applied sciences and technology.

In a span of tess than seven (7) years, the College expanded its total
functional floor area by an additional space of almost twenty thousand (20,000)
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 a 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, such as 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
featuring 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
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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 by finishing masteral and doctorate degrees,
with quite a number of them 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;

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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 Wellness, 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 Geseliscaft 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

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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; (iil) 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
Tnitiative's highest award, the platinum award.

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.

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 and participate in research
and development activities in their respective disciplines; (2) BISCAST has
comprehensive range of degree Programs in all levels; (3) BISCAST viable research
Programs are anchored on the Philippine government's Department of Science and
Technology varied trusts and agenda; (4) BISCAST has comprehensive learning
resources and support structures; (5) BISCAST continues to collaborate with other
agencies and universities, both local and abroad, in areas of instruction, research
and cultural exchange.


I am pleased to file this bill, which is the Senate counterpart measure of HB
No. 6858 principally authored by Hon. Luis Raymund “Lray” F. Villafuerte, Jr., the
Representative of the Second District of Camarines Sur.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly ‘sought.


AWN

eCarnanu

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

20
SENATE

s.No._ 1755

Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND
TECHNOLOGY (BISCAST), IN THE CITY OF NAGA, PROVINCE OF
CAMARINES SUR, INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE
SOUTHEAST ASIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Conversion. - The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and
Technology (BISCAST) located in the City of Naga, Province of Camarines Sur, is
hereby converted into a state university, to be known as the Southeast Asian
University of Technology. Its main ‘campus shall be in Naga City.

Sec. 2. General Mandate. — The Southeast Asian University of Technology,
hereinafter referred to as the University, shall primarity provide advance 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.


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Sec. 3. Curricular Offerings. - The University shall offer undergraduate and
graduate courses, within its area of competency and specialization, in the fileds of
engineering, industrial technology, arts and sciences, architecture, non-traditional
courses, and other relevant fields of study, as the Board of Regents may deem
necessary to carry out its objectives, and those which respond to the needs of the
Province of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region.

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

Sec. 4. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a
Corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Bldg. 68, as amended, otherwise known as
the “Corporation Code of the Philippines:. The exercise of its corporate powers shall
be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University.

Sec. 5. The Governing Board. -The governing body of the University shall be
the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be chaired
{and co-chaired by the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
and the President of the University, respectively, and with the following as members:

a. Chairperson of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational
Education of the Senate;

b. Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of
the House of Representatives;

¢. Regional Director of the National Economic and Development
Authority;

d. Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology;

€. Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture;

f Regional Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA);

g. President of the federation of the faculty associations of the University;
h. President of the federation of student councils of the University;

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i. President of the federation of alumni associations of the University;
and

Jj. Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have
distinguished themselves in their Professions or fields of specialization.

The Board shall appoint two (2) prominent citizens who shall be selected from
a list of at least five (5) qualified Persons in the Province of Camarines Sur, as
recommended by a search committee constituted by the University.

The Seach Committee shall be constituted by the President of the University,
in consultation with the CHED Chairperson and other members of the Board, based
on the standards and qualifications for the Position set by the Board.

‘The membership of 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 in the governing board, shall be coterminous with their terms
Of office, as provided under their respective constitutions and bylaws.

Sec. 6. Powers and Duties of the Board, — 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. Promulgate and implement policies in accordance and pertinent
Provisions of the Constitution on education, agriculture, science and
technology, the policies, standards and thrusts of the CHED under
Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act

of 1994, and the TESDA, under Republic Act No. 7796 or the “TESDA
Act of 1994”,

b. Approve the curricula, instructional Programs, and rules of discipline
drawn by the Administrative and Academic Councils herein provided;

. Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the University,
the vice presidents, deans, directors, heads of the campuses, faculty
members, and other officials and employees of the University;


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d. Fix and adjust the salaries of faculty members, administrative officials
and employees, subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation
and Position Classification System and other pertinent budget and
Compensation laws governing the hours of service, and such other
duties and conditions as it may deem Proper; 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;

e. Fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as
matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the Board
may deem proper to impose, after due consultation with the concerned
sectors. The fees and charges, including government subsidies and
other income generated by the University, shall constitute its special
trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government
depository bank. 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 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
services or other programs and projects of the University: Provided,
That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for
which these are collected: Provided, however, That if, for reasons
beyond its control, the University shall not be able to Pursue any
Project for which funds have been appropriated and allocated 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.


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. Adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school

fees for greater access of poor but deserving students in accordance
with Republic Act No. 10931 or the “University Access to Quality
Tertiary Education Act”

. Establish professorial chairs in the University and provide fellowships

for qualified faculty members, and scholarships to deserving students;

. Receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support

of the University in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to
carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

Set the policies on admission and graduation of ‘students;

- Award honorary degrees upon Persons in recognition of their

outstanding contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts,
Science and technology, agriculture or any field of specialization within
the academic competency of the University, and authorize the
awarding of certificates of completion of non-degree and non-
traditional courses;

. Establish research and extension centers to Promote the development

of the University;

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

. Adopt modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge for the

Promotion of greater access to education such as the use of

information technology, dual training system, open distance learning,
and community laboratory;

. Collaborate with the governing boards of other colleges within the

Province of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region, under the supervision
Of the CHED and in consultation with the Department of Budget and

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Management (DBM, and offer therein programs or courses to carry out
the Constitutional mandate of providing equal access to educational
‘opportunities;

. Absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Province of

Camarines Sur and the Bicol region as branches and extension/external
centers, in coordination with the CHED and in consultation with the
DBM, and offer therein Programs or courses to carry out the
Constitutional mandate of providing equal access to educational
opportunities;

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, and institute reforms, including academic and
structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and
recommendations;

} Develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local

government units (LGUs), as well as public, private, local and foreign

institutions and agencies, in furtherance of the Purposes and objectives
of the University;

. Important economic, technical and cultural books and publications;

«Enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable

development and management of the economic assets, the proceeds
Of which, shall be used for the development and strengthening of the
University;

Receive, in trust, legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal
Properties of all kinds and 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;

. Extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of

retirement, but not beyond the age of seventy (70), based on the
Guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board: Provided,

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That the President’s performance has been rated by the Board as
outstanding and a unanimous recommendation has been decided by
the search committee;

v. Delegate any of its powers and duties provided to the President and
other officials of the University, as it may deem appropriate, so as to
expedite the administration of the affairs of the University;

w. Establish policy guidelines and Procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the University;

x. Where most advantageous to the University, privatize the management
of nonacademic services such as health, food, building grounds or
Property maintenance, and such other similar activities;

y. Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery,
equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real
Properties, including necessary supplies, materials and equipment; and

2, Promulgate rules and regulations, as may be necessary, to carry out
the purposes and functions of the University.

Sec. 7. Meetings of the Board. ~ The Board shall regularly convene once
every three (3) months. The Chairperson of the Board may, however, call a special
meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That members are notified in writing at
least three (3) days prior to the conduct of said meeting.

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
Board or the President of the University is among those present in the meeting.

In case 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,
That during the meeting, the President of the University, as Vice Chairperson, shall
be the presiding officer: Provided, further, That this provision, notwithstanding, the
Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED Commissioner as


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the regular Chairperson of the Board, in which case, the said CHED Commissioner,
shail act as the presiding officer.

In case the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and
Vocational Education and the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education
will not be able to attend the Board meeting, they may designate their respective
representatives to attend the 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 to 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. 8. The University President. - The University shall be headed by a
President who shall render full-time service and shall be appointed by the Board,
Subject to the guidelines, qualifications and standards set by the Board, upon the
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, That in order to effect the smooth transition of the state
college to a state university, the incumbent President of the BISCAST shall serve as
the first president of the University for a transition period of two (2) years, but he is
entitled to be re-appointed for one (1) full term of four (4) years.

Within five (5) 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.

The Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge of the University 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, pending the appointment of a new President: Provided, That
the Officer-in-Charge shall serve only during the unexpired portion of the term.


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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 universities and those delegated by the Board,

The salary of the President of the University shall be in accordance with
Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as the “Salary Standardization Law of
2019", and such other laws amendatory thereto, which may hereinafter be enacted,

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 a Vice President for
Research, Development and Extension, who shall all be appointed by the Board upon
the recommendation of the President of the University.

Sec. 9. 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. 10. The Treasurer of the University. ~ The Treasurer of the Philippines
shall be the ex officio Treasurer of the University.

Sec. 11. The Administrative Council, - There shall be an Administrative
Council consisting of the President of the University as Chairperson, and the vice
Presidents, deans, directors and other officials of equal rank as members, whose
duties shall be to review and recommend to the Board the policies that shall govern
the administration, management and development planning of the University.

Sec. 12. 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, which
shalll formulate academic policies.


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The Academic Council shall also have the power to review and recommend
the curricular offerings and rules of disciplines 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 of the Board through the President of the University.

It shall exercise disciplinary power over the students of the University and
shall issues rules and regulations on student discipline, subject to the approval of the
Board.

Sec. 13. The Faculty. — No political belief, gender preference, cultural or
community affiliation or ethnic origin, nor 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. 14, Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The University
Shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to Paragraph 2,
Sec. 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution.

Sec. 15. Scholarship Programs/Admission. — The University shall provide
scholarship 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, physical disability or ethnic origin.

Sec. 16. 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 detail employees for duty therein when, in the
judgment of the head of bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or
service of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to Public service.

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‘The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by
the President of the University and the time thus served shall be counted as part of
their regular service.

Sec. 17. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and personal,
Personnel, and records of the BISCAST, as well as liabilities or obligations, are
hereby transferred to the University: Provided, That 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: Provided, further,
That the incumbents of the Positions shall remain in the same status until otherwise
Provided for by the Board: Provided, finally, That the University shall also
accordingly upgrade or increase its human resource component as may be deemed
appropriate by the Board.

All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the BISCAST are
hereby declared to be the property of the University and shall be titled under its
name: Provided, That should the University cease to exist or be abolished or should
such aforementioned parcels of land be no longer needed by the University, the
sane shall revert to the concerned LGU or to the Republic of the Philippines, as the
case may be.

Sec. 18. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. — The importation by
the University of economic, technical and cultural books or publications, which are
for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural
Purposes shall, upon certification by the CHED, be exempt from customs duties in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the
“Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)”.

All grants, bequests, endowments, donations and contributions made to and
used actually, directly and exclusively by the University, shall be exempt from the
donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross
income of the donor 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.

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Sec. 19. Development — Plan, Management — Audit, ~— and
Organization/Administrative/Academic Structure. =— Within a period of one hundred
twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the
following:
@. Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its program budget
to the CHED for corresponding recommendation to the DBM;

b. Set up its organizational, administrative, as well as academic ‘structure,
including the appointment of key officials of the University; and

¢. Undergo a management audit in coordination with the CHED.

Sec. 20. Filing of Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15") day of the second
(24) 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 CHED Chairperson,
and with both Houses of Congress, a detailed report on the progress, condition, and
needs of the University.

Sec. 21. Suppletory Application. - The Provisions of Republic Act No. 8292,
otherwise known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997”, shall form an
integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the governing charter of the
University.

Sec. 22. Parity Clause. — All other powers, functions, privileges,
responsibilities, and limitations under existing laws shall be deemed granted to or
imposed upon the University and its officials, whenever appropriate.

Sec. 23. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the BISCAST.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and
maintenance of the Southeast Asian University of Technology shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 24. 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.

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Sec. 25. 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. 26. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 27. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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