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DATE: FEB 0 1 20d
TIME:_3:° po

Republic of the Phil

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro, Manil

g
S
Eighteenth Congress

Session

House BiLt No, 8596

Introduced by DEPUTY SPEAKE 4A SANTOS-RECTO
6" District Of Batangas
REP, ELENITA MILAGROS “EILEEN” ERMITA-BUHAIN
1 District Of Batangas
REP. RANEO “RANIE” E. ABU
24 District Of Batangas
REP. MA. THERESA V. COLLANTES,
3 District Of Batangas
REP, LIANDA B. BOLILIA
4 District Of Batangas
REP, MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO
istrict of Batangas

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BATANGAS STATE UNVERSITY AS THE
NATIONAL ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY, STRENGTHENING FOR
THE PURPOSE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Batangas State University has an enduring history of providing quality, relevant and
accessible education and training to the Filipino youth since its humble beginnings some
117 years ago.

Established as a Manual Training School in 1903, the University is the oldest educational
institution in the CALABARZON Region. It was named Batangas Trade School in 1905
but gained national trade status only on June 18, 1952 by virtue of Republic Act 741.
Known for its excellent vocational and technical courses, it became the top provider of
skilled workers in the establishment of several big manufacturing and industrial plants
in Batangas and nearby provinces. In 1957, by virtue of R.A. 4769, the institution was
converted into a school of arts and trade and was named Pablo Borbon Memorial
Regional School of Arts and Trade. The School continued to offer various vocational
and technical courses based on the increasing demands for manpower in the area. In
1965, it offered Bachelor of Science in Industrial education to fill the gap for vocational
education teachers brought about by the rapid enrolment growth in vocational and
technical education programs.


Recognizing its role and early contribution in the economic growth and development in
the area, the school was converted into a state college in 1968 through R.A. 5270 and
was renamed Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute of Technology (PBMIT). Aside from
technical education and professional instruction in industrial education, it was mandated
to offer, as it did so, engineering programs to uplift the technological potential and
talents of the youth in this part of the archipelago. Since then, the Institute provides
progressive leadership in the field of technical, industrial, technological, and engineering
education.

With the remarkable achievements of the Institute and its graduates in a span of more
than three (3) decades, in terms of: its superior performance in licensure examinations;
as a consistent top performing school in mechanical engineering coupled with a number
of topnotchers in different engineering programs; the high employability of its
graduates; and its growing relevance and accessibility through the establishment of
nine (9) extension campuses in different municipalities in the Province of Batangas, it
was finally elevated into a state university in 2001 by virtue of R.A. 9045. It was
named Batangas State University.

Since its conversion to a state university, the University’s programs in engineering,
allied sciences, and technology have propelled its rise to national service, prominence
and recognition. It already produced almost 200 topnotchers in licensure examinations
mostly in engineering and other top performing programs of the University. It has
gained the national recognition as a Center of Excellence (COE) in Electronics
Engineering, and as Centers of Development in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical
Engineering, and similarly with the other programs of the university.

The University has ten (10) engineering, computer science, and IT programs accredited
by the United States Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the
global gold standard for engineering and computing, It is the first and only state
university in the country whose engineering, computing science and IT programs are
ABET accredited, which gives the University a due recognition that the quality of its
graduates are at par with foreign universities of similar accreditation- a distinctive mark
of quality and excellence.

The 11,169 or 27% of its total enrolment during the ist Semester, AY 2020-2021,
belongs to the College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts, making the University
as one of the Philippines’ leading providers of engineering education and producers of
engineers and professionals in the region and in the country. Some of its graduates
assumed a prominent role in the practice of their profession that contributed to the
development of the industry locally and globally. Few are occupying key positions in the
government with certain degree of pride and distinction as an alumni of the University.

Currently, the University has eleven (111) campuses with 41,132 students, coming from
35 different provinces, cities and municipalities all over the country. They are enrolled in
over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, which include 45 graduate and
undergraduate programs in a wide range of fields in engineering. In 2018, the


University started offering programs in disaster risk management, the first among SUCs
in the CALABARZON Region.

As part of its ten-year strategic plan, the University offers new and emerging graduate
and undergraduate programs with curricula that would develop 2ist century
competencies, and advance the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs)
as well as the Philippines’ National Harmonized Research Agenda. These include
aerospace engineering, geological engineering, geodetic engineering, biomedical
engineering, naval architecture and marine engineering, ceramics engineering,
transportation engineering, metallurgical engineering, materials _ engineering,
earthquake engineering, energy engineering, engineering management, engineering
education, and highly specialized fields in artificial intelligence, advance manufacturing,
construction management, data science and analytics, and public health for disaster
response.

The above cited new programs complement the equally important degree programs in
engineering, which put the University to prominence and national recognition that
include: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil
engineering, computer engineering, electronics engineering, food engineering, industrial
engineering, instrumentation and control engineering, mechatronics engineering,
petroleum engineering, sanitary engineering, and a degree program in architecture,
interior design, and fine arts and design.

The University also boasts of its 29 ASEAN Engineers in the faculty roster awarded by
the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO). It is the highest among
higher education institutions in the country. They are allowed to practice their
profession outside of their home country and carry with them an ASEAN-approved and
recognized professional qualification, which makes them globally competitive to the
utmost benefits of our students and the whole academic community.

Its partnerships and linkages with foreign universities for instruction and research have
also grown over the years. It has an on-going partnerships with a number of
Universities in Asia, Australia and in the US, and a number of foreign students in its
registry, which taken together, makes the University’s internationalization initiatives for
excellence more pronounced and beneficial to both faculty and students.

With research and innovation as a powerful means of transforming lives, the University
spearheaded, despite of the limited funding support, the establishment of various
research centers, including the Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment
Research Hub or STEER Hub, recognized by the Regional Development Council of
Region IV-A as the CALABARZON's Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and
Environmental Research.

In 2018, the University established the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic
Research and Aquatic Life Sciences or VIP Corals, and has started conducting
collaborative research with other researchers of SUCs in both MIMAROPA and
CALABARZON regions. The Center provides research, teaching and extension services


relevant to the marine resources and its maritime environment in the VIP declared as
the “center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world”. The Center also trains
LGUs in the VIP on marine protection, livelihood programs, policy formulation thereof,
and in boosting the local tourism industry.

To further strengthen the University’s research program and to specifically address the
challenges in the areas of resilient infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and
management, tourism, GIS application development, and agriculture e-commerce
among others, the BRIDGES or Building Research and Innovation Development Goals
for Engineering SUCs is established. It Is a research - based extension service program
of the University geared towards providing solutions in the problems of the community
through active collaboration with state universities and colleges in the country.

On May 22, 2020 by virtue of Proclamation No. 947, President Rodrigo R. Duterte
designated the BatStateU Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology or KIST Park
as a Special Economic Zone. It is the first KIST Park registered by the Philippine
Economic Zone Authority or PEZA. It is envisioned as the country’s primary seedbed
and enclave for technology that nurtures the development and growth of new, small,
high-tech firms. It shall facilitate the transfer of university know-how to locator-
companies and vice-versa, encourage the development of faculty or student-based
spin-offs, and stimulate the development of innovative products and processes.

With all its academic, research and extensions gains and successes, the University
received in 2020 a three-star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars University
Rating, putting the University in the QS list of top universities.

Other remarkable achievements of the University over the past years that contributed
to its rise and prominence include the following:

1, Batangas State University was named one of the country’s model higher
education institutions by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in
2016.

2. The University is designated a Level IV state university and an
institutionally ISO 9001:2015 certified, which demonstrate its excellence in
instruction, research competence, active community service, efficient
management of resources; and its capacity to consistently provide
education services that satisfactory meets stakeholders’ expectations as
well as comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
respectively.

3. Two of the University’s research projects the Tactical Operation
Amphibious Drive or TOAD and the Solar-Powered Isotropic Generator of
Acoustic Wave or SIGAW received the National Gawad KALASAG
(Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) from the
Office of Civil Defense-NDRMC.


4. The University was also awarded in 2019 the most sustainable and eco-
friendly school in the region, the Nestle Water Leadership Award, the One
MERALCO Energy Leadership Award, and adjudged as the National
Winner-College Level for the Energy Leadership Award.

5, Since 2015, massive infrastructure development and acquisition of
laboratory equipment and other instructional materials were undertaken
to provide its students an environment conducive for learning and an
educational experience that will make them competent and morally
upright citizens of the country. A once typical campus with few old and
almost dilapidated buildings was transformed to a welcoming and inclusive
learning environment with amenities and facilities at par with the best
universities and colleges in the country today.

As the University celebrates its 118 years of meaningful existence and the 50th
Anniversary of the College of Engineering, it is now strongly poised to embark on even
larger mandate of scaling towards greater heights the engineering education in the
country. Boldly and courageously the University envisions to become the national
engineering university.

Consistent thereto, the University’s Strategic Plan 2019-2029 Scaling Greater Heights of
Excellence in Innovation and Social Transformation has articulated the University’s
commitment to further strengthen its strategic focus for excellent instruction, high
impact research and community engagement, and greater public service befit of a
national engineering university. Its strategic goals and initiatives are anchored on:
Brand of Excellence, Accessibility, Social Relevance, Inclusive Innovation, Capacity, and
Sustainability or simply, BASICS.

Complimentary to the strategic plan, the University crafted the Engineering
Development Program FY 2021-2025. The Five-Year Engineering Development Program
demonstrates a transformative institutional mind set and contains action-driven
initiatives to help the University evolve from being a higher education leader in the
region to an important national leader in producing the country’s highly- skilled
knowledge force in the global knowledge economy with emphasis on the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan includes: a program for human
resource development, the establishment of the Center for Innovations in Engineering
Education (CIEE), Engineering Development Hub, Communal Spaces for Innovation and
Success Building, Engineering and Technology Library; the BatStateU Engineering
Research Agenda; and Engineering Extension Services Agenda over the next five years,
2021-2025.

All that the University has done and continuously been doing for the past years are
geared towards its vision of becoming "A premier national university that develops
leaders in the global knowledge economy’. Beyond its vision is the attainment of
national relevance by making significant contribution in the economy and of playing a
dynamic role in the sustainable national development. It shall produce adequate and
well-trained engineers and other professionals who can provide solutions to country’s


challenges in energy, infrastructures, environment, information and telecommunication,
construction, production, transportation and other facilities for living. All these find
harmony to the University’s halimark of service: Leading Innovations, Transforming
Lives.

Recognizing the need for a shared commitment, to provide leadership, and to take a
specific action to support the University in its strategic initiatives to be declared as the
national engineering university, the BatStateU Board of Regents, during its regular
meeting on December 02, 2020, passed Resolution No. 138, s. 2020 unanimously
endorsing the declaration of the Batangas State University as the national engineering
university.

There can be no better time to fully support and declare the Batangas State
University as the national engineering university.

As the National Engineering University, Batangas State University will be
more learner-centered, reform and transformation-focused; provide greater
access, relevance and inclusivity with a broader geographical service areas
and sectors of the society; adopt a more innovative educational approaches
including contents, methods, practices and means of delivery; and al
responsible and accountable governance and management that combines
social vision, and greater understanding of the framework for change and
development, and of shaping a new vision for engineering education in the
country.

The immediate passage of this measure is highly sought.

ELENITA MILAGI -ILEEN” ERMITA-BUHAIN

RANEG/"RANIE” E. ABU
less Us Geta

HERESA V. COLLANTES

Wie
LIANDA B/ BOLILIA

a
martQAETTORLO“MARVEY” A. MARIO


Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro, Manila

Eighteenth Congress
Session

House sri no, 8596

Introduced by DEPUTY SPEAKER VILMA SANTOS-RECTO
6" District Of Batangas
REP. ELENITA MILAGROS “EILEEN” ERMITA-BUHAIN
1* District Of Batangas
REP. RANEO “RANIE” E. ABU
24 District Of Batangas
REP. MA. THERESA V. COLLANTES
3" District Of Batangas
REP. LIANDA B. BOLILIA
4° District Of Batangas _
REP. MARIO VITTORIO “MARVEY” A. MARINO
St District of Batangas

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BATANGAS STATE UNVERSITY AS THE
NATIONAL ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY, STRENGTHENING FOR
THE PURPOSE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as “The Batangas State University
Charter of 2021”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.—The Batangas State University is hereby declared as
the national engineering university.

‘The State shall promote quality education that is accessible and relevant to the
changing needs of the people and society. In this light, the State shall
strengthen the Batangas State University as the national engineering university.

SEC.3. Purpose of the University—As the national engineering university, committed
for the development of leaders in the global knowledge economy, the Batangas
State University shall:


(a) Lead in the generation of productive knowledge, innovation and technology to
develop relevant and technical higher order skills needed to compete in the
global knowledge economy;

(b) Provide progressive leadership in setting academic standards and initiating
innovations in advanced instruction, research, and professional training in the
fields of engineering education, and maintain centers of excellence in such
disciplines and professions;

(©) Strengthen engineering programs of the country through the development and
offering of industry-driven and emerging engineering programs; spearhead
collaboration between the academe and engineering industries; and lead in the
implementation of innovative pedagogies in engineering education through the
Center for Innovations in Engineering Education (CIEE);

(d) Make important contribution to the economy by producing adequate and well-
trained engineers and other professionals who can provide solutions to country's
challenges in energy, infrastructures, environment, information and
telecommunication, construction, production, transportation and other facilities
for living;

(e) Serve as a graduate university by providing advanced studies and specialization
for engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, industry practitioners, and other
professionals, primarily for those who serve as faculty of the state and private
colleges and universities;

(f) Serve as a research university in engineering and related field of specialization by
conducting basic and applied research and development, promoting research in
various colleges and universities in the country, and contributing to the
dissemination and application of knowledge;

(g) Contribute to national economic growth, jobs creation, domestic and foreign
investment, and community wellbeing through the university-based Knowledge,
Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park, designated as a Special
Economic Zone by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 947 dated 22 May
2020.


(h) Lead in the protection, conservation, and strategic management of the Verde
Island Passage (VIP), described as the “center of the center of marine shore fish
biodiversity in the world" by developing biodiversity experts, conducting
collaborative research, marine exploration, community education and training,
and establishment of the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic
Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS) endorsed by the Regional
Development Council-CALABARZON as the National Center for Marine Bio-
diversity in VIP;

() Intensify scientific, innovative, and technological research and development that
would lead in the development of high-impact research, startups / spinoffs and
technology transfer of products and services in specific areas such as electronic
systems, environment, information and computing technology, material science
and testing, and advanced manufacturing through the established research
centers under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment Research
(STEER) Hub, recognized by the Regional Development Council as
CALABARZON's Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Environment
Research;

@ Provide an avenue for the professional advancement of Disaster Risk
Management (DRM) managers and practitioners by offering academic programs
in DRM and contribute in ensuring a resilient community thru the Adaptive
Capacity-building and Technology Innovation for Occupational health and Natural
disaster (ACTION) Center endorsed by the Regional Development Council-
CALABARZON as National Center for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management,
and Climate Change Adaptation Education and Research;

(K) Offer undergraduate and graduate courses within the areas of specialization and
according to its capabilities, including among others, medical and allied health,
natural and applied sciences, teacher education, business, technology,
management, social sciences, arts and culture, agriculture, and other related
fields, as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives,
specifically, in order to provide greater access for deserving students in tertiary
education and an adequate response to the particular needs of the government,
the society and the industry in these fields;

(I) serve as a public service university by providing various forms of community,
public, and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the


government, private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of
excellence;

(m) Strengthen its Laboratory and Integrated Schools for basic education by
focusing and adopting advanced teaching and learning on science, technology,
engineering and mathematics to serve as feeder schools for engineering, science
and technology programs of the University. Provided, that the operation of the
Integrated School shall be self-liquidating, through payment of tuition and other
school fees by the students as approved by the governing board;

(n) Protect and promote the professional and economic rights and welfare of its
academic and non-academic personnel;

(0) Provide opportunities for training and learning in leadership, responsible
citizenship, and the development of democratic values, institutions and practice
through academic and non-academic programs, including sports and the
‘enhancement of nationalism and national identity;

(p) Serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with international and
scientific unions, networks of universities, scholarly and professional associations
in the Asia Pacific region and around the world; and

(@Provide democratic governance in the University based on collegiality,
representation, accountability, transparency and active participation of its
constituents, and promote the holding of fora for students, faculty, researchers,
extension program specialists, staff, and alumni to discuss non-academic issues
affecting the University.

SEC.4. The University. —The Batangas State University shall be composed of
constituent campuses and extension campuses established by its governing board
upon the recommendation of the President of the University. The constituent
campuses include: Batangas State University-Pablo Borbon; Batangas State
University-Alangilan; Batangas State University ARASOF-Nasugbu; Batangas State
University JPLPC-Malvar; Batangas State University-Lipa and those that may be
created in the future. The extension campuses include: Lobo Campus, Mabini
Campus, Balayan Campus, Rosario Campus, Lemery Campus, San Juan Campus and
those that may be created in the future. It is referred to in this law as
the “University.”


SEC. 5. Academic Freedom.- The University shall enjoy academic freedom as
provided for in Republic Act No. 8292, and paragraph 2, Section 5, Article XIV of
the 1987 Constitution.

SEC.6. Academic Excellence—The University has the responsibility to maintain and
enhance its high academic standards in the performance of its functions of
instruction, research and extension, and public service.

SEC.7. Commitment to the National Development—The University shall harness the
expertise of the members of its community and other individuals in relation to the
country’s quest for national development in the primary areas of engineering,
science, and technology, for wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life, real
economic growth, and transformation of the society.

The members of the university community with profound scientific and professional
knowledge shall contribute to or take a solicited involvement in the public policy
process.

SEC.8. Social Responsibility—The University is committed to serve the Filipino
nation and humanity. While it carries out the obligation to pursue universal
principles, it must relate its activities to the needs of Filipino people and their
aspirations for social progress and transformation. The University may provide
venues for volunteerism.

SEC.9. Democratic Access—The University shail take affirmative steps which may
take the form of an alternative and equitable admissions process to enhance the
access of disadvantaged students, such as indigenous peoples, Persons with
Disabilities (PWDs), poor and deserving students, including but not limited to
valedictorians and salutatorians of public high schools, and students from depressed
areas, to its programs and services.

No students shall be denied admission to the university by reason solely of age,
gender; nationaiity, religious belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical disability, or
political opinion or affiliation.

The University recognizes the separation of Church and State, It shall guarantee
religious freedom and shail not discriminate on the basis of religion.


SEC.10. Sports, Culture and the Arts-—The University shall undertake and support
comprehensive sports programs that promote physical education, uphold excellence
and encourage competitive participation in sports activities, instill school identity
and solidarity, cultivate pride, self-discipline and teamwork. The University shall
strengthen culture and the arts as a strategic national resource, and promote its
importance to our identity, social wellbeing, and preserve our cultural heritage.

SEC.11 Institutional Autonomy- As the national engineering university, it shall be
treated with greater flexibility. The University shall exclusively determine its
teaching, research, extension services thrusts, plans, policies, programs and
standards, as approved by the Board of Regents, consistent with its purpose, and in
accordance with the national goals and priorities.

SEC. 12 Administration- The University shall have the general powers of a
corporation set forth in the “Revised 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.

‘There shall be a central administration headed by the University President, which
will provide leadership and overall strategic direction of the University in the areas
of academic, research, extension services, infrastructure development, linkages
and partnerships, and resource management designed to achieve its vision and

mission.

The administration of the constituent campuses is vested in the Chancellor, who
shall be designated by the Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the
President, subject only to certain limitations and insofar as delegated by the
President of the University and authorized by the Board of Regents.

The administration of extension campuses shall be headed by the Campus
Directors who shall be designated by the Board of Regents upon the
recommendation of the President, subject only to certain limitations and insofar as
delegated by the President of the University and authorized by the Board of
Regents.

SEC, 13 The Board of Regents. —

(1) The governing body of the University shall be the Board of Regents,
hereinafter referred to as the 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, co-chairperson;

(c) Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the
Senate, member;

(d) Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the
House of Representatives, member;

(e) The Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA), member;

(f) The Secretary 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, member;

(J) The President of the federation of the alumni associations of the University,
member; and

(i) Two (2) private sector representatives who have distinguished themselves in
their professions or fields of specialization, chosen from among a list of at least
three (3) qualified persons as recommended by the search committee constituted
by the President of the University in consultation with the Chairperson of the
governing board based on the normal standards and qualifications of the
position, members. Provided, That one of the private sector representative must
have a distinctive contribution in the field of engineering and technology,
reputable practice of the profession, and advancement of engineering education
in the country;

The regents holding office as members of the Board at the time of the effectivity
of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their appointments;


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.

For the purpose of the provisions of this section, the associations of faculty,
alumni and student councils in each Constituent Campus shall organize
themselves to form their respective federations, which in turn shall elect their
federation officials. Provided, That the alumni representative to the Board must
not be a faculty or an employee, regardless of status or rank, of the University at
the time of representation.

The two (2) private sector representatives shall serve for a term of two (2) years,
and may be reappointed for another term only.

In case of vacancy in the office of the president, the officer-in-charge of the
University designated by the Board shall serve for the unexpired term only or
Until such time that a new president is elected.

(3) Compensation- Members of the Board shall serve without compensation
other than per diem and reimbursement for necessary and miscellaneous
expenses incurred in attendance to meetings of the Board and other official
business authorized by the Board.

(4) Meetings; Quorum- The Board shall convene regularly. The Chairperson of
the Board may call a special meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That
members are notified in writing at least five (5) working days prior to the
meeting: Provided further, That the notice shall contain a brief description of the
agenda items to be discussed,

A majority of all members of the Board holding office at the time the meeting is
called shall constitute -a quorum for Board meetings. Provided, That the
Chairperson of the CHED who is 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 the
chairperson, shall represent the chairperson in the meeting with all the rights
and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That in the said
meeting, the President of the University as the co-chairperson shall be the



presiding officer. Provided, further, That the preceding proviso notwithstanding,
the Chairperson of the CHED is hereby authorized to designate a CHED
‘Commissioner as the regular Chair to the Board, in which case said CHED
Commissioner shall act as the presiding officer.

If the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Higher and Technical Education,
and the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, as well as the
Secretary of DOST, and the Director General of NEDA are unable to attend any
regular meeting, or special session of the Board, they may designate in writing
their representatives to the meeting which the designees shall present to the
Board Secretary before the start of the meeting. Provided, That the NEDA and
the DOST shall be represented by their respective Regional Directors in
CALABARZON. They shall be entitled to seat, voice and vote.

Provided further, that the members of the Board may exercise their right to vote
through remote communication and in absentia as provided for in section 49 of
the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines,

SEC. 14. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents.— The administration of the
University and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in 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 Section 35 of the Revised
Corporation Code of the Philippines:

(@) To define in general terms the thrusts of the University and adopt broad
policy guidelines to ensure their implementation;

(b) To preserve the integrity of the university;

(©) To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs, upon
recommendation of the University’s Academic Council through the President of
the University;

(a) To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as
recommended by the Academic Council through the President;


(@) To confer honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning,
statesmanship, or eminence in the field of engineering, science, technology,
education, public service or in any field of specialization within the academic
competence of the University, upon recommendation of a committee created by
the President of the University: Provided, That such degrees shall not be
conferred in consideration of any payment, gift or other valuable consideration;

(f) To approve the rules on student discipline recommended by the Academic
Council through the President of the University, with the Board retaining the
power to review and pass final judgment on student disciplinary cases;

(a) To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent campuses,
extension campuses, colleges, institutes, and other academic and administrative
units of the university;

(h) To establish professorial chair awards;

(To provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, including athletic grants and
to award the same to faculty, staff and students having special evidence of
merit, especially those who are poor and deserving individuals;

G) To elect the President of the University following a process of democratic
consultation with the university community based on standards and guidelines
set by the Board.

(k) To appoint, upon recommendation of the President of the University, faculty
members and other officials and employees; to draw up a position classification
and compensation plan for its faculty and staff, and, any law to the contrary
notwithstanding; to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members
and other employees; to determine the hours of service of faculty and staff, and
such other terms and conditions of employment as it may deem proper; to grant
leave of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any other
provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause
as provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing;

() To extend, with their consent, the tenure of faculty members of the
University beyond the compulsory retirement age, any other provision of law to
the country notwithstanding, on recommendation of the units and upon
endorsement of the President of the University, whenever their services are


especially needed: Provided, however, that no extension of tenure shall be made
beyond the age of seventy (70);

(m) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the Board may
deem proper to impose, after due consultation with the students concerned,
subject to the provisions of R.A. 10931 and its IRR.

Such fees and charges, including government support and other income
generated by the University, shall constitute special trust funds and shall be
deposited in an authorized government depository bank. Any and all interest that
shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of
university.

Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, any income generated and
collected by the University or by its subsidiaries as well as from operation of
auxiliary services and fand grants, shall be retained by the University, and may
be disbursed at the discretion of the Board for instruction, research, extension or
other programs/projects of the University; for the professional growth and
development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the students, faculty
members and administrative personnel; for the acquisition, construction
maintenance and repair of needed instructional and auxiliary facilities,
‘equipment, buildings and other infrastructure; development of economic assets,
and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes under its approved
program of expenditures.

If the University, for reasons beyond its control, shall not be able to pursue any
project or purpose for which funds have been appropriated and allocated under
its approved program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said
fund for any reasonable purpose for which it deems necessary and urgent for the
attainment of the objectives of the university, including utilization for the
professional growth, and other benefits of the students, faculty members and
administrative personnel Provided, That trust funds created by law for a specific
purpose, other than special trust funds constituted herein shall not be
reprogrammed to other expenditures;

(n) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the
support of the university to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in the


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

(0) To authorize the construction, maintenance 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.

(p) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for
the benefit of the University and subject to the instructions of the donor, if any.

(q) Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, to authorize its
faculty and staff to travel abroad to study, deliver papers, attend conferences
and disseminate research: Provided, That the fellowship, scholarship or grant is
authorized by the Board: Provided, finally, That research and other activities
funded by the University shall likewise undertake research in fields or topics with
promising commercial applications, and that the faculty and staff involved in said
research be allowed to participate in its financial or economic benefits; subject to
existing rules and regulations;

(®) To delegate any of its powers and duties to the President and/or other
officials of the University as it may deem appropriate so as to expedite the
administration of the affairs of the University;

(S)__ To prescribe rules for its own government and discipline of the faculty and
other personnel and to enact for the governance of the University such general
policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent with its
purposes; .

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

(v) To approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline drawn
by the academic council as herein provided;

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


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

(y) To develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with
appropriate institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and to
appoint experts/specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange professors,
scholars, researchers, as deemed necessary;

(2) To enter into joint ventures and/or public private partnerships (PPPs) 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 same, and for the professional growth
and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the students, faculty
members and administrative personnel;

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

(bb) To develop mechanisms for the efficient adoption of public-private
partnerships (PPP) in the areas of research, instruction, extension and in
the acquisition of facilities and structures of the University;

(cc) To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of
retirement but not later than the age of seventy (70), whose performance has
been unanimously rated as outstanding and upon unanimous approval of the
Board; and

(dd) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the
objectives of this Act.

SEC. 15, The President of the University—The President of the University is the
chief academic officer, head of the university faculty and the chief executive
officer of the University. The President of the University shall exercise the powers
specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the Board, those which
pertain to the office of the President of a University, and those which are related
or necessary to its functions.


The President of the University who shall render full-time service shall be elected
by the Board, upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. The
President of the University shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be
eligible for reappointment for another term, upon recommendation of a duly
constituted evaluation committee

In case of vacancy by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause or
incapacity of the President to perform the functions of his office, the Board shall
have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge pending the appointment of
a new president. In no case shall the search and appointment of the next
President be longer than ninety (90) calendar days from the date when the
vacancy occurs. The newly appointed President shall serve a full term. Provided,
That the designated Officer-in-Charge shall not be allowed to join as candidate in
the search process.

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 a similar university, and those delegated by the Board.

SEC. 16. The Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents.—There
shall be a Secretary of the University designated by the Board, who shall also be
the Secretary of the Board, and who shall keep such records of the University.

SEC. 17. The Academic Council ~ There shall be an academic Council consisting
of the President of the University as chairperson, the Vice President for Academic
Affairs as vice chairperson, and all faculty members of the University holding the
rank of assistant professor and higher as members.

SEC. 18. Powers of the Academic Council—The academic council shall be the
highest academic body of the University and shall exercise the following powers:

(a) review and propose academic policies and standards, curricular
offerings, instructional evaluation and assessment systems;

(b) recommend to the Board, through the President of the University, the
award of all honorary degrees;


(©) fix the requirements for admission to any college or unit, graduation,
and the grant of honors subject to the prescribed university policies
and guidelines;

(d) recommend to the Board, through the President of the University, on
matters pertaining to the conduct and welfare of the University, but
are not limited to, preparation of the academic calendar, student life,
standards of conduct and discipline, living conditions, organizations,
sports, culture and the arts, and participation in extracurricular
activities;

(e) prescribe the academic programs including their institution, revision,
abolition and merger, subject to the approval of the Board;

(A) recommend to the Board, through the President of the University, the
graduation of students and the grant of honors;

(Q) Adopt internal rules of procedure, not contrary to law, and consistent
with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 19. University Administrative Council,- There shall be created in the
University @ university administrative council, which shall be composed of the
President as Chairperson and, with the vice presidents, chancellors, vice
chancellors, deans, associate deans, directors, assistant directors, and other
officials of equal rank, as members. The President of the University, as
Chairperson thereof, shall constitute the university administrative council.

SEC. 20. Duty of the University Administrative Council.- The university
administrative Council so formed and constituted shall review and recommend, in
accordance with the direction of the Board, appropriate policies governing the
administration, management and development planning of the University.

SEC. 21. University Research Council. - There shall be created in the University a
university research council, which shall be composed of the President as
Chairperson, the Vice President for Research, Development and Extension
Services as Vice Chairperson, with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice
President for Administration and Finance, Vice President for Development and


External Affairs, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors for Research, Development and
Extension Services, Director for Research, Director for Research Management
Services, Director STEER Hub, Director for Finance, Assistant Director for
Research, Assistant Director for Research Management Services, and Head of
established Research Centers as members.

SEC. 22. Duty of the University Research Council, — The university research
council so formed and constituted shall act as an advisory body to the President
‘on matters of setting research direction, planning, fund sourcing and allocation,
and in reviewing and/or recommending policies and guidelines pertaining to the
Research Program of the University.

‘SEC. 23. University Extension Services Council. - There shall be created in the
University a university extension services council, which shall be composed of the
President as Chairperson, the Vice President for Research, Development and
Extension Services as Vice Chairperson, with the Vice President for Academic
Affairs, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Vice President for
Development and External Affairs, Chancellors, Vice Chancellors for Research,
Development and Extension Services, Director for Extension Services, Director for
Finance, and Assistant Director for Extension Services as members.

SEC. 24, Duty of the University Extension Services Council. - The university
extension services council so formed and constituted shall act as an advisory
body to the President on matters of setting extension services direction,
planning, fund sourcing and allocation, and in reviewing and/or recommending
policies and guidelines pertaining to the Extension Services Program of the
University.

SEC, 25. The Chancellor of the Constituent Campus.—The Administration of each
constituent campus is vested in the Chancellor insofar as delegated by the
President of the University and authorized by the Board. The Chancellor of the
constituent campus shall be designated by the Board upon recommendation of
the President of the University. The Chancellor shall report to the President of
the University, and shall perform the duties and functions elsewhere stated in
this Act, and all the usual, necessary and related functions of the Office of the
Chancellor subject to the policies and rules prescribed by the Board.


SEC.26. The Faculty—The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its
faculty. The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be
designated by the Board upon recommendation of the President of the
University.

SEC.27. Appointment Requisites and Practice of Profession—Faculty members
and researchers of the university shall be exempt as such from any civil service
examination as a requisite to appointment. In the appointment of faculty
members, no religious test shall be applied, nor shall the religious or political
opinions or affiliations of the faculty members of the university be made subject
of examination or inquiry.

SEC.28, Student Affairs—(a) There shall be established in the University the
following student councils: for every college, a college student council; and for
every constituent campus, a campus student council; and for the University, a
federation of all student councils.

The university student council shall be composed of elected students from
constituent campuses and their extension campuses. The student council shall
serve as the primary student body that shall advance the interests, welfare and
aspirations of the students of the University. It shall have the power to adopt
internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act;

(b) Subject to due and comprehensive consultation with the students, there
shall be a student publication established in every constituent campus to be
funded by student fees. Freedom of expression and autonomy in all matters of
editorial and fiscal policy shall be guaranteed especially in the selection of its
editors and staff.

SEC.29. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University—(a) The State
shall support the Batangas State University as the national engineering university
in the form of lump sum amount, through general appropriations and other
financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants and donations and use of
other real properties. To carry out the intent of these grants, income derived
from the development of all land grants and real properties shall be used to
further the ends of the university, as may be determined and decided by the
Board;


(b) Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance to the
University are hereby declared to be reversed for the purposes intended. The
absolute ownership of the University over these landholdings, including those
covered by original and transfer certificates of title in the name of the Batangas
‘State University and their future derivatives, is hereby confirmed. Where the
issuance of proper certificates of title is yet pending for these landholdings, the
appropriate government office shall expedite the issuance thereof within six
months from the date of effectivity of this Act: Provided, That all registration
Tequirements necessary for the issuance of the said titles have been submitted
and complied with;

(© The Board may plan, design, approve and/or cause the implementation of
land leases: Provided, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall sustain
and protect the environment in accordance with law, and be exclusive of the
academic core zone of the campuses of the Batangas State University: Provided,
further, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall not conflict with the
academic mission of the University;

(d) The Board may allow the use of the income coming from real properties of
the University as security for transactions to generate additional revenues when
needed for educational purposes;

() The Board may approve the implementation of joint ventures: Provided, That
in the event real properties of the University are involved, only the income
derived by the University from the use of the real properties shall be the subject
of its participation or obligation in the joint ventures: Provided, further, That no
joint venture shall result in the alienation of the real properties of the University;
and

(A) Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and other
real properties entrusted to the University shall be consistent with the academic
mission and orientation of the university as well as protect it from undue
influence and control of commercial interests: Provided, That such programs,
projects or mechanisms shall be approved by the Board subject to a transparent
and democratic process of consultation with the constituents of the University:
Provided, further, That funds generated from such programs, projects or
mechanisms shall not be meant to replace, in part or in whole, the annual
appropriations provided by the national government to the University.


SEC.30. Safeguards on Assets Disposition—The preservation of the value of the
assets of the University shall be of primordial consideration.

The sale of any existing real property of the University shall be prohibited:
Provided, That the Board may alienate real property donated after the effectivity
of this Act if the terms of the donation specifically allow it.

Notwithstanding the provision of this act or any other law to the contrary, the
lease of more than five (5) years of the assets of the University and any
transaction referred to in Section 29 shall be subject to the following conditions
and procedures:

(a) The transactions shall be discussed with the members of the Board, in any
of its formally convened regular or special meeting;

(b) The transactions shall be based on a multi-year comprehensive development
plan, crafted and developed by qualified urban planning professionals having at
least five (5) years experience, with prior consultations with and concurrence of
third-party experts and duly approved by a majority vote of all the members of
the Board;

(b) The transactions shall be subject to competitive and public bidding as
provided under Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government
Procurement Reform Act”;

(©) _In the case of two (2) failed biddings and negotiated transactions, if
undertaken, the Board, when considering the approval of any such transaction,
shall secure a fairness opinion report from an independent third-party body. This
body shall have five (5) members, three (3) of which shall be nominated by the
Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), Investment Houses Association of
the Philippines (IHAP), Trust Officers Association of the Philippines (TOAP), or
the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). The members shall
be entitled to a reasonable per diem as the Board may specify.

The fairness opinion report shall contain a statement expressing the opinion of
the body as to the fairness to the University of the terms of the proposed


transaction, particularly its financial terms. The report shall indude, but not
limited to, a review and analysis of the proposed transaction, financial
statements, industry information, economic conditions assumptions using
management projections and the assumptions used therein and a comparison of
similar transactions: Provided, That if the Board differs with the fairness opinion
report they shall justify their decision in writing and make this available to the
‘community of University. This provision shall not apply to leases granted to
faculty and staff as part of their benefit and those for academic purposes; and

(d) If the contract or transaction involves an amount more than Fifty Million
Pesos (P50,000,000.00), it shall be approved by at least three-fourths (3/4) of all
the members of the Board. Provided, That the splitting of contracts, which is by
breaking up a contract into smaller quantities or amounts or dividing contract
implementation into artificial or arbitrary phases or subcontracts for the purpose
of circumventing this provision, shall not be allowed.

SEC.31. Management of Funds—{a) There shall be an independent trust
committee to be composed of the President of the University, as Chairperson,
one (1) representative each nominated by the Bankers Association of the
Philippines (BAP), the Investment Houses Association of the Philippines (IHAP),
the Trust Officers Associations of the Philippines (TOAP) and the Financial
Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). The members shall be entitled to a
reasonable per diem as the Board may specify;

(b) The independent trust committee shall recommend to the Board five (5)
universal banks selected on a prudent basis which trust departments shall
manage the corporate and other funds through trust agreements of the
University in a non-directed basis: Provided, That any such agreement shall be
for a period of not more than two (2) years;

(© The independent trust committee shall provide the Board with direction on
appropriate investments with the view to preserving the value of funds while
allowing the University to earn a reasonable return thereon.

SEC.32. Tax Exemptions—The provisions of any general or special law to the
contrary notwithstanding:


(a) All revenues and assets of the Batangas State University used for
educational purposes or in support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes and
duties;

(b) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be
exempt from the donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable
deductions from the gross income of the donor, in accordance with the
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended:
Provided, That the allowable deductions shall be equivalent to. 150 percent to
the value of such donation. Valuation of assistance other than money shall be
based on the acquisition cost of the property. Such valuation shall take into
consideration the depreciated value of property in case said property has been
used;

(c) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical,
historical and cultural books, supplies and materials duly certified by the Board,
including scientific and educational computer and software equipment, shall be
exempt from customs duties;

(e) All academic awards shall be exempt from taxes.

SEC.33. Reportorial Requirements and Auditing of Accounts:—The University
shall submit an annual report to Congress containing the financial statements,
statement of assets and liabilities, statement of income from tuition fees and
other revenue sources. All accounts and disbursements of the University shall be
audited by the Commission on Audit.

SEC.34. Rules of Construction—No statutory or other issuances shall diminish
the powers, rights, privileges and benefits accorded to the University under this
Act or enjoyed at present by it under other issuances not otherwise modified or
repealed under this Act, unless subsequent legislation expressly provides for their
repeal, amendment or modification. Any case of doubt in the interpretation of
any of the provisions of this Charter shall be resolved in favor of the academic
freedom and fiscal autonomy of the Batangas State University.

SEC.35. Appropriations—The amount needed to carry out the implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the



University and its other internal funds. Thereafter, an amount of 300 million
pesos per year for a period of five years, in addition to its regular appropriations
and increases shall be induded in the Annual General Appropriations Act (GAA)
to accelerate and strengthen its capability as the national engineering university,
and for the continued growth, operation, and maintenance of the constituent
campuses of the University.

SEC. 36. Development Plan, Organizational Structure - Within 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 and DBM;

(b) Set up its organizational, administrative as well as academic structure,
including the designations of the key officials and other administrative personnel
of the University;

(©) Secure additional plantilla positions, including technical, support to
technical, and key administrative positions for the existing constituent campuses
‘and extension campuses, and augmentation of personnel services allocation from
‘the DBM, in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the administration
and management of the University, and specifically, to ensure a strong
administrative support for the attainment of its mandate as the national
engineering university;

SEC. 37. Transitory Provision. - To provide strategic direction and leadership as
the Batangas State University transitions to its pioneer status as the national
engineering university, and to ensure the attainment of its distinctive and
purposeful mandate as such, as declared and provided for in this Act, the
incumbent President of the Batangas State University shall serve a new term as
its first President as the national engineering university.

SEC.38. Separability Clause—Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of
this Act.


SEC.39. Repealing Clause.—Republic Act 9045, as amended, and all laws,
decrees, orders, rules and regulations or other issuances or parts inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC.40. EMfectivity—This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in
the Philippines.

Approved.