Republic of the Philippines / SINT
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 03 JUN 2014

Quezon City . - LRPY }
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS VA

First Regular Session

4584

HOUSE BILL NO

Introduced by HON. ELMER E, PANOTES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to convert the Camarines Norte State College in the Province of
Camarines Norte, into a state university to be known as the Camarines Norte State University.

By virtue of Republic Act No. 7352 approved on April 2, 1992, the Camarines Norte
National High School in Daet, Camarines Norte was converted into the Camarines Norte State
College (CNSC) and integrating thereto Abajio Pilot Elementary School in Daet, Mercedes
School of Fisheries in Mercedes, Camarines Norte National Agricultural School in Labo,
Camarines Norte National School of Arts and Trades in Jose Panganiban, As such, the CNSC
offered additional courses in Liberal Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Secretarial
courses and other related fields. On June 13, 2007, Leocadio Alejo Entienza High School in the
Municipality of Sta. Elena has been integrated in the CNSC system,

However, because of limited courses offered by the CNSC, still a large number of
students are compelled to enrol in schools in Metro Manila or in Naga City and Legaspi City
which inevitably entails additional cost for transportation, board and lodging and food
painstakingly barne by struggling parents.

Upon this predicament, it is of utmost importance to convert the Camarines Norte State
College into a State University to make this institution more responsive to the scholastic needs
of the youth of this province, in consonance with the state policy to render quality education
accessible to all

As a State University, the educational institution will have greater capability to upgrade
its existing facilities and build new ones, as well as to hire highly proficient faculty. These and
the other impetus or resources mandated for state universities will raise the bar of learning and
therefore will produce more competent and productive graduates, hence, a dynamic and potent
citizenry.

This bill was filed in the 15" Congress under HB 02424, read and referred to the
Committee on Higher and Technical Education on August 11, 2010, and is now being re-filed for
the same worthy purpose it will serve to the province of Camarines Norte.

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

Zee


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES )
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
. 4584

HB No.

BY REPRESENTATIVE ELMER E. PANOTES.

AN ACT CONVERTING THE CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE IN THE
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES NORTE INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN
AS CAMARINES NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Conversion. — The Camarines Norte State College with its main campus in
Daet, Camarines Norte and its component campuses namely Abafio Pilot Elementary
School, Mercedes School of Fisheries, Camarines Norte Natyional Agricultural School
and Camarines Norte National School of Arts and Trades, created as a state college
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7352, and subsequently integrated therein the Leocadio
Alejo Entineza High School, is hereby converted into a State University to be known as
Camarines Norte State University.

SECTION 2. General Mandate. - The State University shall primarily provide advanced
instruction and training in the arts, philosophy, science and technology, education,
agriculture, and other related fields, undertake research and extension services, and
provide progressive leadership in these areas.

SECTION 3. Curricular Offerings. - (a)The State University shall offer undergraduate,
graduate, post graduate degree programs and short-term technical courses within its
areas of specialization according to its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem
necessary to carry out its goals and objectives, particularly to meet the needs of the
province and the region.

(b) The State University may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school to
complement its College of Education.

SECTION 4, Administration. — The State 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

SECTION 5. The Governing Board. ~ The governing body 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

(j) 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 Norte 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.

The term of office 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 shall be coterminous with 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.

SECTION. 6. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. - The Board shall
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”

SECTION 7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. — 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 rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

(b) 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;

(c) To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or
publications, upon certification by the CHED that such imported books and/or
publications are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical,
historical or cultural purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff
and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended;

(d) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real properties of all kind
and to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the benefit of
the University, subject to the limitations, directions and instructions
of the donor, if any.

Such donations shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall

be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income in the
computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as
amended: Provided, that such donations shall not be disposed of, transferred
or sold;

(e) 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 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 or other programs/projects of the
University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific
purpose for which these 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 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;

(f) To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees
for greater access to poor but deserving students;

(g) 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;

(h) To appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice
Presidents, 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;

(j) To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn

by the Administrative and Academic Councils as herein provided;

(k)To set policies on admission and graduation of students;

(I) 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 non-degree and nontraditional courses;

(m)To establish and absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Province
of Cebu as branches and extension 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 and
greater access to educational opportunities as mandated by the Constitution;

(n) To establish research and extension centers of the University where such
will promote the development of the latter;

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

(p) 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;

(q) 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 audit results and recommendations:

(


(F) To collaborate with other governing boards of state universities and colleges
within the Province of Cebu or Region VII, 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;

(s) 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;

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

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

(v) 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 learning or distance education and community laboratory for
the promotion of greater access to higher education and graduate studies,
as the case may be;

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

(x) To privatize, where most advantageous to the University, the management
of non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or
property maintenance and such other similar activities; and

(y) 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/or standards set by the Board, after
unanimous recommendation by the search committee

SECTION 8. Meetings of the Board. — The Board shall regularly convene at least once
every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three (3) days prior
written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings whenever necessary.

‘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 the absence of the Chairperson of the CHED, a Commissioner of the CHED, duly
designated by him/her, shall represent him/her 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 provision 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 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.

SECTION 9. The University President. — The University shall be headed by a President,
who shall render full-time service. He shall be appointed by the Board, subject to the
guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, upon recommendation of a
duly constituted search committee. He shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be
eligible for reappointment for another term: Provided, That in order to effect a smooth
transition to a state university, the incumbent President of the Camarines Norte State
College, if qualified, 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 CNSC, 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/her office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge of the
University within six (6) months from the date of vacancy, 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/her successor or the Officer-in-Charge of the University 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 a Vice President for Research and


Development, who shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the
President: Provided, That the incumbent Vice President of the Camarines Norte State
College shall serve as Vice President for Academic Affairs

SECTION 10. Heads of University Campuses. - Campus Directors 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 University President,
subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board: Provided,
That the incumbent college administrators of the extension campuses shall serve as
Campus Directors of their respective campuses.

SECTION 11. 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

SECTION 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.

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.

SECTION 13. 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. He shall serve upon each member of the Board the
appropriate notice of Board meetings

SECTION 14. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall
be the ex-officio treasurer of the University.

SECTION 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/or standards set by the
Board: Provided, further, That no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any
particular church or religious sect.


SECTION 16. Scholarship Program/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 sex, religion,
cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin

SECTION 17. 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.

SECTION 18. 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 the
bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or services of such employees
can be spared without serious detriment to the 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.

SECTION 19. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. - All assets, real and personal,
personnel and records of the Camarines Norte State College and of its component
campuses Abafio Pilot Elementary School, Mercedes School of Fisheries, Camarines
Norte National Agricultural School, Camarines Norte National School of Arts and Trades
and Leocadio Alejo Entienza High School, 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 the conversion
into a University shall be respected.

All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the Camarines Norte State
College its component campuses 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

SECTION 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Camarines
Norte State College, including all its existing component campuses Abafio Pilot
Elementary School, Mercedes School of Fisheries, Camarines Norte National
Agricultural School, Camarines Norte National School of Arts and Trades and Leocadio
Alejo Entienza High School, except the sums needed to continue the operations of the
existing high schools. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued


operation and maintenance of the Camarines Norte State College shall be included in
the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 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) Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic
structure, including the appointment of the key officials of the University.

SECTION 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

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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

SECTION 285. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, in consultation with
the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 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

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

SECTION 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,