SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 759 
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JUL 15 1'6 :04 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITOESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The University of the Philippines distinguishes itself as the leader in higher 
education by its continuous pursuit of excellence in providing quality education 
backed with extensive research and development competence. Its long list of 
alumni from more than 10 decades of existence is a virtual col/ection of 
government leaders, 
businessmen, 
scientists, 
lawyers, 
doctors, 
nurses, 
JOUrnalists, academicians, agriculturists, accountants, artists, writers and many 
others. Not a few of them are from poor families but, through UP education, have 
managed to excel in their respective fields. 
At present, the University of the Philippines System is composed of seven 
constituent universities located in 12 campuses throughout the country and 
serves more than 50,000 students. However, only one of these 12 campuses can 
be found in Mindanao where some of the poorer provinces are located. Readily 
apparent is the unequal opportunity to deserving students who are residing in 
Mindanao to enter the country's only national university. 
The University of the Philippines in Mindanao which was established 
through R. A. No. 7889 in 1995 is the only UP campus in Mindanao. Located in 
Davao City, it offers diverse programs such as liberal arts, architecture, applied 
mathematics, agri-business, anthropology, theater arts, computer science and 
others. True to its mandate, UP in Mindanao serves students who come mostly 
from Mindanao. 
This bill seeks to establish the UP Zamboanga in order to accommodate 
more students especially those who are from provinces far from Davao City 
which is at the direct southern tip of Mindanao. Residents of Western Mindanao 
including the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) could be better 
served by another UP campus located in Zamboanga City. 
In view thereof, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
GOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 759 
'13 
JUL 15 
1)6 :04 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN ZAMBOANGA, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the "University of the 
Philippines in Zamboanga Act". 
SEC. 2. The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines is 
hereby authorized to carry out the establishment of an autonomous campus of 
the University of the Philippines in Zamboanga City , hereinafter referred to as 
UP Zamboanga. 
SEC. 3. The campus of UP-Zamboanga shall be located in Zamboanga 
City to be specified by the City Government in an area not exceeding 400 
hectares to be set aside by a proclamation of the President of the Philippines. 
The campus shall be utilized exclusively ·foreducational purposes and for such 
other activities related to research and training activities of UP Zamboanga. 
SEC. 4. The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines shall 
have full authority to determine the instruction, research, extension programs, 
schedule of preparatory work and initial operations, organizational structure, 
qualifications and number of academic and other personnel, enrollment and other 
matters related to the administration and operation of UP Zamboanga; Provided, 
That the academic program shall put on science, technology and agricultural 
education; Provided, further, That the medical education program shall adopt a 
community relevant step-ladder approach with the view of encouraging 
graduates to serve Mindanao. 
SEC. 5. The University of the Philippines in Zamboanga shall provide a 
special scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor 
but deserving Muslims and other members of cultural communities to qualify for 
admission to the University. 
No student shall be denied admission to UP Zamboanga by reason of sex, 
religion, cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin. 


SEC. 6. The University of the Philippines in Zamboanga shall network and 
coordinate with other state universities and colleges (SUCs) in such areas which 
shall contribute to the development of Mindanao. 
SEC. 7. The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines shall 
submit a report to the President of the Philippines, Congress and the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on the actions that the University has 
taken pursuant hereto within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 8. The amount of Fifty Million Pesos (PhP 50,000,000.00) is hereby 
appropriated from the savings of the Office of the President as initial operating 
expenses of UP Zamboanga. Thereafter, such additional amount as may be 
necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 9. If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act shall be 
declared as unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or provisions not affected 
thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 10 . All laws, decrees, orders, proclamation, rules and regulations, 
or parts thereof, Which are inconsistent with any of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,