NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
Senate
of tl)c
•22 JUL27 P4S2
SENATE
S. B. No. 916
RECEIVED IV:
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE SARANGANI STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY 
OF ALABEL, PROVINCE OF SARANGANI, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On March 16, 1992, the Province of Sarangani was established by virtue of 
Republic Act 7228 - making it the 76th out of the 81 provinces in the Philippines. 
The province is not like any other province because of its distinct geographic location 
as it is bisected by General Santos City and Sarangani Bay. In addition, not only is 
Sarangani the Philippines' southernmost province, it is also a prime convergence 
point for the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East 
ASEAN Growth Area) region.
The economy of the province of Sarangani has been flourishing due to its 
successful expansion in agriculture, aquaculture, mariculture and tourism. This is 
evidenced by the province's contribution to the 8.2 percent gross regional domestic 
product (GRDP) of SOCCSKSARGEN in 2017 which notably surpassed the GDP 
expansion rate of the country at the time.
Regardless of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
Sarangani continues to show a promising future. In fact, the local government 
reported an increase in new business registrations - from 2,266 in 2019 to 2,674 in 
2020. Capital Infusion also increased from P16.1B to over P19 billion during the 
same timeframe. Due to the multi-sectoral efforts of both private and public 
institutions, the province became the country's 18th most competitive province in


2021 according to the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Cities and 
Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI) which measures economic dynamism, 
government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency.
Clearly, much has yet to be seen from the province of Sarangani. Hence, 
having a new state college would be beneficial for the province as it can educate its 
youth, enhance their skills, and deepen the talent pool for further economic 
expansion. The foregoing measure aims to establish Sarangani State College in the 
province's capital of Alabel with the following general mandates: to provide 
advanced instruction and research in agriculture and fisheries, allied sciences, 
education, arts, and the related sciences; to provide extension services, undertake 
projects and programs; and provide necessary instructional and research leadership 
for the progress of the Province of Sarangani and the entire SOCCSKSARGEN 
Region.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
llll i^cnnte
of tljf Bnxmqi
72 JUL27 P4S2
SENATE
S. B. No. 916
RECEIVED 8Y.
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE SARANGANI STATE COLLEGE IN THE MUNICIPALITY 
OF ALABEL, PROVINCE OF SARANGANI, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Establishment - There is hereby established a state college in the
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Municipality of Alabel, Province of Sarangani, to be known as the Sarangani State
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College, hereinafter referred to as the College. Its main campus shall be located in
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the same municipality.
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Sec. 2. General Mandate. - The College shall primarily provide advance
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instruction and research in agriculture and fisheries, education, marine and maritime
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studies, engineering, and arts and sciences. It shall also undertake extension and
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development programs, and provide the necessary instructional and research
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leadership in agricultural, environmental, and technological development in the
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Province of Sarangani and in Region XII.
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Sec. 3. Curricular Offerings. - The College shall offer undergraduate and
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graduate courses in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, engineering, education, arts
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and sciences, and other degree courses within its areas of specialization and
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according to its capabilities, as the Board of Trustees may deem necessary to carry
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out its objectives and in order to meet the needs of the Province of Sarangani and of
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Region XII.


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Sec. 4. Administration. - The College shall have the general powers of a 
corporation set forth in Republic Act No. 11232 otherwise known as the "Revised 
Corporation Code of the Philippines." The administration of the College and the 
exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively on the Board of Trustees 
and the President of the College.
Sec. 5. The Governing Board. - The governing board of the College shall be 
the Board of Trustees, 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 College, respectively, with the following as members:
a) 
Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the Senate;
b) 
Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the 
House of Representatives;
c) 
Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority 
(NEDA);
d) 
Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA);
e) 
Regional Director of the TESDA;
f) 
President of the federation of faculty associations of the College;
g) 
President of the federation of student councils of the College;
h) 
President of the federation of alumni association of the College; and
i) 
Two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished 
themselves in their professions or fields of specialization of the College.
The Board shall appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from among a list of at 
least five (5) qualified persons in the Province of Sarangani, as recommended by the 
search committee to be constituted by the College President, in consultation with the 
Chairperson of the CHED and other members of the Board, based on the normal 
standards and qualifications of the position.
The two (2) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from 
the date of appointment.
Sec. 6. Promuigation and Impiementation of Poiicies. - The Board shall 
promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies on 
education and other pertinent provisions of the Constitution on education, 
agriculture, fisheries, science and technology, as well as the policies, standards and


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thrusts of the CHED under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher
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Education Act of 1994."
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Sec. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees. - The Board shall have
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the following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of
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administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of
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a corporation under existing laws:
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a) Approve the curricula, instructional programs, and rules of discipline drawn by
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the Administrative and the Academic Councils herein provided;
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b) Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the College, the vice
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presidents, deans, directors, heads of the campuses, faculty members, and
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other officials and employees of the College;
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c) Fix and adjust the salaries of faculty members, administrative officials and
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employees, subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and
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Position Classification System and other pertinent budget and compensation
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laws governing hours of service and such other duties and conditions as it
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may deem proper; to grant them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under
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such regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the
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contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause in accordance with
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the requirements of due process of law;
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d) Fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as matriculation
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fees, graduation fees, and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to
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impose, after due consultation with the involved sectors. The fees and
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charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the
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College, shall constitute special trust funds, and shall be deposited in any
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authorized government depository bank, and all interests that shall accrue
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therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the College. Any
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provision of existing law, rules, or regulations to the contrary
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notwithstanding, any income generated by the College from tuition fees and
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other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land
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grants, shall be retained by the College, and may be disbursed by the Board
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for instruction, research, extension or other programs/projects of the College:
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Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes


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for which these are collected; Provided, however, That if, for reasons beyond 
its control, the College shall not be able to pursue any project for which the 
funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of 
expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any 
reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for 
the attainment of the objectives and goals of the College;
e) 
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 "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act";
f) 
Establish professorial chairs in the College and provide fellowships for 
qualified faculty members, and scholarships to deserving students;
g) 
Receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the 
College in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, in order to carry out 
the purposes and functions of the College;
h) 
Set the policies on admission and graduation of students;
i) 
Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their outstanding 
contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology, agriculture, fisheries or any field of specialization within the 
academic competence of the College, and to authorize the awarding of 
certificates of completion of non-degree and non-traditional courses;
j) 
Establish research and extension centers to promote the development of the 
College;
k) 
Develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private and local and 
foreign, and appoint experts/specialists as consultants; part-time, visiting or 
exchange professors, scholars, researchers, as the case may be;
l) 
Adopt modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge for the 
promotion of greater access to education such as the use of information 
technology, the dual training system, open distance learning, and community 
laboratory, among others;
m) 
Collaborate with the governing boards of the state universities and colleges 
(SUCs) within the Province of Sarangani, under the supervision of the CHED,


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in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in
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restructuring the College to make it more efficient, relevant, productive and
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competitive;
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n) Absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the Province of Sarangani as
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branches and centers, in coordination with the CHED, and in consultation with
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the DBM, to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, as mandated
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by the Constitution;
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o) Authorize an external management audit of the College, to be financed by the
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CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA),
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and institute reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis
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of the audit results and recommendations;
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p) Develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with both local
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government units (LCDs), institutions and agencies, both public and private
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and local and foreign, in the furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the
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College;
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q) 
Import economic, technical, and cultural books and publications;
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r) 
Enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable
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development and management of the economic assets of the College, the
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proceeds from which shall be used for the development and strengthening of
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the College;
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s) Receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties
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of all kinds and to administer and dispose of the same, when necessary, for
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the benefit of the College, and subject to the limitations, directions and
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instructions of the donor, if any;
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t) Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment
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and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property,
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including necessary supplies, materials and equipment;
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u) Extend the term of the President of the College beyond the age of retirement,
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but not beyond the age of seventy (70) based on the guidelines,
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qualifications, and standards set by the Board: Provided, That the President's
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performance has been rated by the Board as outstanding, and after
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unanimous recommendation by the search 
committee;


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v) Delegate any of its powers and duties to the President and other officials of
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the College, as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration
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of the affairs of the College
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w) Establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-making
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and transparency within the College;
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x) Where most advantageous to the College, privatize the management of
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nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property
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maintenance, and such other similar activities; and
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y) Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
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purposes and functions of the College.
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Sec. 8. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall regularly convene at least
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once every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three (3)
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days' prior written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings whenever
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necessary.
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A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members holding
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office at the time of the meeting: Provided, however, That either the Chairperson of
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the Board or the President of the College must be present in the meeting.
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In the absence of the CHED Chairperson, a Commissioner of the CHED duly
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designated by the CHED Chairperson as representative in the meeting, shall have all
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the rights and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That during
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the meeting, the President of the College, as Vice Chairperson, shall be the Presiding
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Officer: Provided, further. That this provision notwithstanding, the Chairperson of
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the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED Commissioner as the regular
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Chairperson of the Board, in which case said CHED Commissioner shall act as the
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Presiding Officer.
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In case the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Committees on Education
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shall not be able to attend the Board meeting, they may designate their respective
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representatives to attend the said meeting, who shall have the same rights and
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responsibilities as a regular member of the Board.
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The members of the Board shall not receive any salary, but shall be entitled
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to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending the


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meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by
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resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.
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Sec. 9. The College President - The President shall serve for a term of four
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(4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term. Within six (6)
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months from the date of approval of this Act, the Board shall constitute the Search
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Committee for the Presidency.
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In case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death,
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compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President
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to perform the functions of the office, the Board shall have the authority to
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designate an OIC of the College pending the appointment of a new President.
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In case of vacancy in the Office of the President as mentioned in the
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immediately preceding paragraph, the successor or the OIC shall serve only for the
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unexpIred portion of the term.
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The powers and duties of the President of the College, in addition to those
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specifically provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the
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President of similar colleges, and those delegated by the Board.
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The salary of the President of the College shall be in accordance with the
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Revised Compensation and Position Classification System as modified by Joint
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Resolution No. 4 dated June 17, 2009 and other pertinent budget and compensation
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laws, and shall be comparable to that being received by the Presidents of similar
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educational institutions.
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The President of the College shall be assisted by a Vice President for
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Academic Affairs and a Vice President for Administration, who shall be appointed by
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the Board upon recommendation of the President.
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Sec. 10. The Administrative Council- There shall be an Administrative Council
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consisting of the President of the College, as Chairperson, and the vice presidents,
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deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank, as members whose duty is to
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review and recommend to the Board the policies governing the administration,
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management and development plan of the College.
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Sec. 11. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council to be
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composed of the President of the College, who shall act as Chairperson, and all the
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academic staff with the rank of at least an assistant professor, as members.


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The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the
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curricular offerings and rules of discipline of the College, subject to the approval of
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the Board. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well as for
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their graduation and the conferment of degrees, subject to review and approval by
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the Board through the President of the College. It shall have the disciplinary power
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over students of the College and shall formulate academic policies and rules and
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regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of the Board.
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Sec. 12. The Secretary of the College. - The Board shall appoint a Secretary,
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who shall serve as such for both the Board and the College, and who shall keep all
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records and proceedings of the Board in addition to other duties and responsibilities.
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The Secretary shall serve upon each member of the Board the appropriate notice of
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the Board meetings.
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Sec. 13. The Treasurer of the College. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall
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be the ex officio treasurer of the College.
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Sec. 14. The Faculty. - No political belief, gender preference, cultural or
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community affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a
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matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the College: Provided,
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however, That said appointment shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications and
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standards set by the Board: Provided, further. That no member of the faculty shall
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teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.
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Sec. 15. Scholarship Program / Admission. - The College shall provide a
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scholarship program 
and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but
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deserving students who qualify for admission to the College. No student shall be
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denied admission to the College by reason of sex, religion, cultural or community
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affiliation or ethnic origin.
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Sec. 16. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The College shall
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enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2,
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Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution.
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Sec. 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus / Equipment / Supplies and
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Detail of Personnel. - The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national
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government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the
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President of the College, such apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed
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by the College, 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 the public service. The 
employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the 
President of the College, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their 
regular service.
Sec. 18. Development Plan, Management Audit / Organizational / 
Administrative / Academic Structure. - Within the period of one hundred twenty 
(120) days after the approval of this Act, the College 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 College key officials.
Sec. 19. Compliance with CHED Requirements. - The provisions of this Act 
notwithstanding, the establishment of the institution into a state college shall 
become effective only upon the determination and declaration by the CHED, based 
on the recommendation of a panel of experts it shall constitute for the purpose, that 
the institution has complied with the requirements for a college status based on 
CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, Series of 2012 (Policy-Standard to Enhance 
Quality Assurance (QA) in Philippine Higher Education Through an Outcomes-Based 
and Typology-Based QA): Provided, That the panel may issue such a 
recommendation when the institution has substantially complied with the 
requirements for the grant of status as a state college.
The following operational requirements for a state college, as established by 
the CHED, shall be complied with:
a) 
Full-time permanent faculty members who have the relevant degrees as 
required by the CHED and experience in the subject areas they handle;
b) 
Degree programs characterized by a core curriculum that holistically develops 
thinking, problem solving, decision-making, communication, technical, and 
social skills in line with the mission of the College;


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c) 
Learning resources and support structures that are appropriate for developing 
knowledge and skills in the specific natural science, social science, 
humanities, and professional disciplines offered by the College, including 
laboratories, books and journals, etc.;
d) 
Links with the community that would ensure the development of relevant 
academic and extension programs as well as the application for their learning 
outcomes; and
e) 
Outreach programs involving students in social-development oriented 
experiences that allow them to contextualize their knowledge within actual 
social and human experiences.
After five (5) years of operation, it shall be evaluated by the CHED to 
determine its compliance with the requirements for a College classification according 
reto the horizontal typology of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Moreover, the College shall undergo the institutional sustainability assessment 
(ISA) process to ensure that an internal quality assurance (IQA) system has been 
established leading to sustainable offering of quality programs and services.
Sec. 20. Annual Report. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) 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, condition and 
needs of the College.
Sec. 21. Tax Exemption. - The importation of economic, technical and cultural 
books or publications, which are for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, 
philosophical, historical, or cultural purposes made by the College, upon certification 
by the CHED, shall 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 the 
College to be used actually, directly and exclusively by the College shall be exempt 
from donor's tax and the same shall be allowed as allowable deductions from the 
gross income of the donor for purposes of computing the taxable income of the
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donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of
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1997, as amended.
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Sec. 22. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
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of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 23. Suppietory Appiication. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292,
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otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997", shall be an
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integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the
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College.
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Sec. 24. Parity Cause. - All other powers, functions, and privileges,
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responsibilities and limitations to state colleges and their officials under existing laws
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shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the College and officials, whenever
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appropriate.
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Sec. 25. Impiementing Ruies and Regulations. - The Board, in consultation
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with the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully Implement the provisions of
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the Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.
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Sec. 26. Separability Cause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
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subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
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not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 27. Repealing Cause. -All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
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executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or
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parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
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Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 28. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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