FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBlRl 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to convert the Mindanao Polytechnic State College in 
Cagayan de Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental, into a State University, to be 
known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST). 
The main campus of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology 
shall be in Cagayan de Oro City and the satellite campuses of the Mindanao 
Polytechnic State College in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, in Alubijid, Misamis 
Oriental, in Panaon, Misamis Oriental and in Oroquieta City, are hereby 
proposed to be integrated. 
The proposed conversion of Mindanao Polytechnic State College into a 
State University is a timely recognition of its capability to be at par with other 
universities, especially in Mindanao. Its conversion will also address the demand 
for high level manpower in science and technology needed by the industries and 
businesses in Northern Mindanao as MUST is envisioned to provide such 
needed manpower and become instrumental in the progress and development of 
the region. 
The 
MUST shall 
primarily 
provide 
advanced 
education, 
higher 
technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of arts and 
sciences, education, engineering and other relevant fields of study. It shall also 
undertake research and extension in support of the socio-economic development 
of Mindanao, and provide dynamic and progressive leadership in human 
resource development in critical skills and competencies required for global 
competitiveness. 
Thus, approval of this bill is earnestly requested 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI 
AN ACT 
CONVERTING THE MINDANAO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE IN CAGAYAN 
DE OR0 CITY, PROVINCE OF MlSAMlS ORIENTAL INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY 
TO BE KNOWN AS THE MINDANAO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND 
TECHNOLOGY (MUST), AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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Section I. 
Conversion - The Mindanao Polytechnic State College in Cagayan de 
Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental, is hereby converted into a state university, to be 
known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), integrating 
therewith the satellite campuses in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, 
Panaon, Misamis Occidental and Oroquita City, hereinafter referred to as the University. 
The main campus of the University shall be in Cagayan de Oro City. 
Section 2. General Mandate - The University shall primarily provide advanced 
education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of arts 
and sciences, education, engineering and other relevant field of study. It shall also 
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undertake research and extension in support of the socio-economic development of 
Mindanao, and provide progressive leadership in human resource development in 
critical skills and competencies required for global competitiveness. 
Section 3. Curricular Offerings - The University shall offer undergraduate and 
graduate courses in the fields of arts and sciences, education, engineering, and 
technology and other degree courses within its areas of specialization and according to 
its capabilities, as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, 
in order to meet national and regional needs for trained manpower. 
The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of 
the Department of Education (DepEd): Provided, That the high school shall be allowed 


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to remain and operate within the campus of the University until the existing students 
shall have completed their high school education. Provided further, That the University 
may operate a reasonably sized laboratory school if it has a College of education. 
Section 4. Administration - The University shall have the general powers of a 
corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Blg. 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 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: 
(9) 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; 
(j)Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished 
themselves in their profession or fields of specialization of the University, 
member: and 
The Board of Regents shall appoint the two prominent citizen from among a list 
of at least five (5) persons qualified in the Province of Misamis Oriental and City of 
Cagayan de Oro, as recommended by the search committee constituted by the 
University president, in consultation with the chairperson of CHED, based on the normal 
standards and qualification for the position. 


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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 respective terms of office, as set 
forth in their Constitutions and By-Laws. 
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the 
date of appointment. 
Section 6. Promulgation and lmplementation of Policies - The Board shall 
promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared state policies on 
education and other pertinent provisions of the Constitution, specifically in 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 power 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 as may be necessary to carry out the purposes 
and functions of the University; 
University, in order to carry out its purposes and functions; 
(b) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided, for the support of the 
(c) To import duty-free economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications, upon 
certification by the CHED that such imported books and/or publication are for 
economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural 
purposes, in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code, as 
amended; 
(d) 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 limitation, 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), as amended: Provided, That such donations shall not be 
disposed of, transferred or sold; 
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Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other income 
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generated by the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be 
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deposited in any authorized government depository bank, and all interests that shall 
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accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the University. 
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(e) To fix the tuition fee 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. 
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Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulation to the contrary 
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notwithstanding, any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other 
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charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be 
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retained by the University, and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, 
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research, extension or other programs/projects of the University: Provided, that all 
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fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are 
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collected. 
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(9) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and 
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other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including 
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employees of the University; 
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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 63urgent for the 
attainment of the objectives and goals of the University. 
(f) To adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and school fees for greater 
access to poor but deserving students; 
necessary supplies, materials and equipment; 
(h) To appoint, upon recommendation of the president of the University, vice presidents, 
deans, directors, heads of campuses, faculty members, and other officials and 
(i) 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 at it may 
promulgate, any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to 
remove them for cause on accordance with the requirements of due process of law; 
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(j) To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline drawn by the 
Administrative and academic Councils 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 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 non-degree 
and non-traditional courses; 
(m) To establish and absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Provinces of 
Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental as branches and centers in coordination 
with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and in consultation with the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and to offer therein programs of 
courses, to promote and carry out equal access to education 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; 
members and scholarships to deserving students; 
(0) To establish chairs in the University and to provide fellowships for qualified faculty 
(p) To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove to the president 
andlor other officials of the University as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite 
the administration of the affairs of the University; 
(9) To authorize an external management audit of the University, to be financed by the 
CHED, subject to COA rules and regulations; and to institute reforms, including 
academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and 
recommendations; 
(r) To collaborate with other governing boards of the state colleges and universities 
within the Provinces of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental of Region 10, 
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 economic forms of linkages with local government 
units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in the 
furtherance of the purpose 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 
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appoint expertslspecialists as consultants, part time or visiting or exchange 
professor, 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 system, open learning, or 
distance education and community laboratory for the promotion of greater access to 
education; 
(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, 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 later that the age of seventy (70), whose performance has been unanimously 
rated by the governing 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 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, That the chairperson of the Board 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 the 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 of 
Regents, in which case said CHED commissioner shall act as the presiding officer. 
In case the chairpersons of the Congressional Committees in 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 for their attendance 
in the meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by 
resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
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Section 9. The University President - The University shall be headed by a 
president, who shall render full time service. He/She 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/she 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 
Mindanao Polytechnic State College shall serve as the first president 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 his/her office, the Board shall designate an officer-in-charge of the 
University within six months from 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, hidher successor or the officer-in-charge shall hold office for the 
unexpired term only. 
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. 
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). 
The president of the University shall be assisted by vice-presidents, who shall be 
appointed by the board upon recommendation of the president. 
Section 10. 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 the policies governing the administration, management 
and development of the University. 
Section 11. The Academic Council - There shall be an Academic Council with 
the president of the University as chairperson and all members of the academic staff 
with the rank of not lower than assistant professor as members. 
The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the 
curricular offerings and rules of the discipline of the University, subject to the approval of 


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the Board of Regents. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well 
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as for their graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or approval of 
the Board of Regents 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 of Regents. 
Section 12. 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. HelShe shall serve upon each member of the 
Board the appropriate notice of the Board's meetings. 
Section 13. The Treasurer of the University - The I ' i c i ~ : : ~ ~ : ~  
:,.I 
I;i..i:i., ,':.,... 
shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. 
Section 14. 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 andlor 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 15. 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 16. 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. 
Section 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipmentupp/ies 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. 
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The employees so detail 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 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel - All assets, fixed and movable, 
personnel and records of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College as well as liabilities or 
obligations, are hereby transferred to the University: Provided, however, That 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 and occupied by the Mindanao 
Polytechnic State College in the main campus and satellite/external campuses, 
including the 292 hectares of land in Lourdes, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental awarded by the 
government to Mindanao Polytechnic State College through Presidential Proclamation 
No. 739, are hereby transferred and declared to be property of the Mindanao University 
of Science and Technology, 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 
original ownerk. 
Section 19. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Mindanao 
Polytechnic State 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 Mindanao University of Science and Technology shall 
Be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
Section 
20. Development 
Plan, 
Management 
Audit, 
Organizations/ 
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 DBM; 
(b) Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED; and 
(c) Accordingly set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic 
structure, including the appointment of the University key officials. 
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Section 21. Filing of Report - On or before the fifteenth (1 5 ~ ' ~ )  
day of the second 
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 22. 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 23. Parify 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 andlor its officials 
whenever appropriate. 
Section 24. lmplemenfing Rules and Regulations - The Board of Regents, in 
consultation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall formulate the 
guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act. 
Section 25. Separability Clause - If, for any reason, any part or provisions of this 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
Section 26. 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 27. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved 
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