HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AR ECEIVED
Republic of the Philippines pare: 30 JUN 2016
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES — qyic, 10:; .
Quezon City : “Gea,
4 BY:
Seventeenth Congress

REGISTRATION UNIT

First Regular Session i presales iam
HOUSE BILLNO._637 ;

Introduced by HON. RENATO “Kuya Jojo” J. UNICO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE “

This bill seeks the conversion of the Camarines Norte State College including its
Satellite Colleges in the Province of Camarines Norte into a State University to be
known as the Camarines Norte State University (CNSU)

Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) provides special program in promoting
services in the field of research, extension and graduate studies for progressive
leadership. The CNSC has its satellite campuses: Abafio Campus, Mercedes Campus,
Labo Campus, and Jose Panganiban Campus, respectively. Entienza Campus in Sta
Elena, Camarines Norte is also now a part of the CNSC since 2007, The Camarines
Norte State College caters to more than 5,143 students from different parts of Bicol
region and other nearby provinces. An average of 886 students graduate from the
different programs each year, the most number coming from College of Business and
Public Administration, College of Education, and Arts and Sciences. Performance of
CNSC in board examinations breaks record as some become national placers.

Camarines Norte State College provides higher professional and techniédl
instruction and training in the area. The local officials of the province of Camarines
Norte found it fitting to reform and refocus the educational thrusts of the Camarines
Norte State College in order to suit the prevailing clamor of the people in their pursuit for
a quality higher education equal to the standards of a university.

The conversion of the Camarines Norte State College will have greater
technological impact on the rural areas where it is located and where the Satellite
Colleges are strategically situated. It will also provide advanced education: and
professional training in the students’ chosen fields of education. This: will greatly
enhance simultaneous economic growth in the province of Camarines Norte") >


Consistent with the constitutional mandate which provides that the‘State must
establish and maintain a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant
to the goals of national development, this bill becomes imperative.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is highly recommended.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

637
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. RENATO “Kuya Jojo” J. UNICO, JR.

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

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

SECTION 1. Conversion. — The Camarines Norte State College in. the
municipality of Daet, Province of Camarines Norte is hereby converted into,a state
university to be known as the Camarines Norte State University, hereinafter reférred to
as the University.

SEC. General Mandate. — The University shall primarily provide higher
technological and professional instruction and training in the fields of economics,
agriculture, health, engineering, education, management, finance, accounting, farest
research and conservation, business and public administration as well as short-term
technical and vocational courses. It shall also undertake and promote research and
extension services, advanced studies and progressive leadership in all areas of discipline
and responsibilities.

SEC. 3. Curricular Offerings. — The University shall offer undergraduate and
graduate courses in the fields of agriculture and fishery, environmental management,
engineering, education, arts and sciences and other degrees/courses within its areas of
specialization and according to its capabilities, as the Board of Regents’ may deem
necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly to meet the needs of the Province of
Camarines Norte and the Bicol Region.

The existing high school shall be transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision
of the Department of Education (DepEd): Provided, That the high school shall be


allowed to remain and operate within the campus of the University until its students,
who are currently enrolled, shall have completed their high school education: Provided,
further, That the University may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school, if it has a
College of Education.

SEC. 4. Administration. - The University shall have the general powers of a
corporation set forth in Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, as amended, otherwise known as the
“Corporation Code of the Philippines”. The administration of the University and the
exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and
the President of the University.

SEC. 5. The Governing Board. — The governing board 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, Vice Chairperson;

(c) The Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture
of the Senate, member;

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

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

(The Regional Director of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), member;

(g) The Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA),
member;

(h) The President of the faculty association of the University, member;
(i) The President of the student council of the University, member;

(The President of the alumni association of the University, member;
and

(k) Three (3) prominent citizens from the private sector who have
distinguished themselves in their profession or fields of specialization, as
members.

The Board shall appoint the three (3) prominent citizens from among a list of at
least five (5) qualified persons in the Province of Camarines Norte, whose nominations
were submitted to the Board after publication of at least two (2) consecutive weeks, as
recommended by the search committee constituted by the University President, in
consultation with the Chairperson of the CHED and the other members of the Board,
based on the normal standards and qualifications for the position set by the Board.

The term of office of the President of the faculty association, the President of the


student council and the President of the alumni association, shall be cofetminous with
their respective terms of office, as set forth in their respective constitutions and bylaws.

The three (3) prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years from the
date of appointment.

SEC. 6. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. - The Board shall
promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies on
education and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education,
agriculture, science and technology, as well as the policies, standards and thriists of the
CHED under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education ‘Act of
1994”.

SEC. 7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. — The Board shall have the
following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of administration
and the exercise of all the powers granted tothe board of directors of a corporation
under existing laws:

(a) To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

(6) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the suppoit of
the University in the manner it may determine in its discretion, in order to
carry out the purposes and functions of the University;

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

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

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

(e) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as, but not
limited to, matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the
Board may deem proper to impose, after due consultations with the
involved sectors. :

Such fees and charges, including government subsidies‘and other
income generated by the University, shall constitute special trust fyrids
and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank, aid
all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same'eipds



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for the use of the University.

Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary
notwithstanding, any income generated by the University from tuition fees
and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliaty services and
land grants, shall be retained by the University, and may be disbursed by
the Board for instruction, research, extension or other programs/projects
of the University: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for
the specific purposes for which these are collected.

If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to
pursue any project for which funds have been appropriated and allocated
under its approved program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the
use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may
be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of
the University; :

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

To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery,
equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition.of real
property, including necessary supplies, materials and equipment; , «

To appoint upon recommendation of the President of the University, Vice-
Presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members, ‘and
other officials and employees of the University; :

‘To fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials
and employees, subject to the provisions of the Revised Compensation and
Position, Classification System and other pertinent budget and
compensation laws governing hours of service and such other duties and
conditions as it may deem proper; to grant them, at its discretion, leaves
of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of
existing law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for
cause in accordance with the requirements of due process of law;

To approve the curricula, instructional programs and rules of discipline
drawn by the Administrative and the Academic Councils herein provided;

To set policies on admission and graduation of students;

To award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of their
outstanding contribution in the fields of education, public service, arts,
science and technology, agriculture or in any field of specialization within
the academic competence of the University; and to authorize the awarding
of certificates of completion of non-degree and nontraditional courses; -

To establish and absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within the
Province of Camarines Norte as branches and centers in coordination with
the CHED, and in consultation with the Department of Budget and
‘Management (DBM), and to offer therein programs or courses to promote
and carry out equal access to educational opportunities as mandated by


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the Constitution;

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

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

‘To delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereinabove 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;

To authorize an external management audit of the University, to be
financed by the CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the
Commission on Audit (COA); and to institute reforms, including academic
and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results

and recommendations;

To collaborate with other governing boards of state colleges and
universities within the Province of Camarines Norte or Bicol Region,
under the supervision of the CHED and in consultation with the DBM, and
work towards the restructuring of the University to become more efficient,
relevant, productive and competitive; moe

To enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable
development and management of the economic assets of the University,
the proceeds from which shall be used for the development, and
strengthening of the University; .

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

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

To set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting
knowledge, such as the use of information technology, the dual learning
system, open learning or distance education and community laboratory
for the promotion of greater access to education; -

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

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

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(y) To extend the term of the President of the University beyond the age of
retirement but not beyond the age of seventy (70), whose performance-has
been unanimously rated by the Board as outstanding based on the
guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the. Board, after
unanimous recommendation by the search committee. :

SEC. 8. Meetings of the Board. ~ The Board shall regularly convene at Jeast;ohde
every quarter. However, the Chairperson of the Board may, upon three (3) daysprior
written notice, call a maximum of two (2) special meetings whenever necessary. *.

A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all its members holding office
at the time of the meeting: Provided, however, That the Chairperson of the Board or the
President of the University is among those present in the meeting.

In the absence of the Chairperson of the CHED, a Commissioner of the CHED,
duly designated by him/her, shall represent him/her in the meeting with all the rights
and responsibilities of a regular member: Provided, however, That during this meeting,
the President of the University as Vice-Chairperson shall be the Presiding. Officer:
Provided, further, That this proviso notwithstanding, the Chairperson of the CHED is
hereby authorized to designate a CHED Commissioner as the regular Chair of the
Board, in which case said CHED Commissioner shall act as the Presiding Officer.

In case the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on Education shall
not be able to attend the Board meeting, they may duly designate their respective
representatives to attend the said meeting, who shall have the same rights and
responsibilities as a regular member of the Board.

The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance
to meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by
resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.

SEC. 9. The University President. - The University shall be headed by a
President, who shall render full-time service. He/She shall be appointed by the Board,
subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or standards set by the Board, .upon
recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. He/She shall have a term:of
four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term: Provided; That
in order to effect a smooth transition to a state university, the incumbent President of
the Camarines Norte State College, if qualified, shall serve as the first President of the
University. r i.

Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent
President of the University, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee’‘for, the
Presidency (SCP). e

In case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of death,.comptilsory
retirement, resignation, removal for cause or incapacity of the President to perform the
functions of his/her office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge ofthe
University within six (6) months from date of vacancy, pending the appointmenttof a
new President. he



In case of vacancy in the Office of the President as mentioned in the immediately
preceding paragraph, his/her successor or the Officer-in-Charge shall serve only the
unexpired portion of the term.

The powers and duties of the President of the University, in addition to those
specifically provided in this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the office of the
President of similar universities, and those delegated by the Board. .

The salary of the President of the University shall be in accordance with the
Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and shall be comparable to
that being received by the Presidents of similar educational institutions: The President
of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President for Academic Affairs, a Vice
President for Administration, a Vice President for Research and Development, and a
Vice President for External Affairs, who shall be appointed by the Board -upon
recommendation of the President. ms :

SEC. 10. The Administrative Council. — There shall be an Administrative Coineil
consisting of the President of the University as Chairperson, Vice Presidehts, deat
directors and other officials of equal rank as members, whose duty is to review:tind
recommend to the Board policies governing the administration, management ‘ghd
development planning of the University. Q

SEC. 11. The Academic Council. — There shall be an Academic Council to be
composed of the President of the University, who shall act as Chairperson, and all
academic staff with the rank of at least an assistant professor, as members. *

The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the
curricular offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval of
the Board. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well as for their
graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and/or approval by the Board
through the President of the University. It shall have the disciplinary power over
students of the University and shall formulate academic policies and rules and
regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of the Board.

SEC. 12. The Secretary of the University. - The Board shall appoint a secretary,
who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University, and shall keep all records
and proceedings of the Board. He/She shall serve upon each member of the Board the
appropriate notice of the Board meetings.

SEC.13. The Treasurer of the University. - The Treasurer of the Philippines shall
be the ex officio treasurer of the University.

SEC.14. The Faculty. - No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or
community affiliation or ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation shall be a
matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the University: Provided,
That said appointment shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications and/or
standards set by the Board: Provided, further, That no member of the faculty shall teach
for or against any particular church or religious sect. :

SEC. 15. Scholarship Program/Admission. — The University shall provide a
scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving
students who qualify for admission to the University. No student shall be denied
admission to the University by reason of sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation


or ethic origin.

SEC. 16. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. - The University shall
enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5
of Article XIV of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

SEC. 17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment/Supplies and
Detail of Personnel. — The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government
are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the President of the
University, such apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed by the University,
and to detail employees for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of bureau or
office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared
without serious detriment to public service.

‘The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by the
President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their
regular services.

SEC. 18. Assets, Liabilities and Personnel. — All assets, real and personal,
personnel and records of the Camarines Norte State College, as well as liabilities or
obligations, are hereby transferred to the University. The positions, rights and security
of tenure of faculty members and personnel therein employed under existing laws prior
to the conversion into a University shall be respected.

All parcels of land belonging to the government and occupied by the Camarines
Norte State College are hereby declared to be property of the University, and shall be
titled under that name: Provided, That should the University cease to exist ar be
abolished or should such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer needed. >
University, the same shall revert to the LGUs concerned. ‘

SEC. 19. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the praiihe of
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Camarines
Norte State College, except the sums needed to continue the operations of thé existing
high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operatiorand
maintenance of the Camarines Norte State University shall be included in the afinual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 20. Development Plan, Management Audit, _Organizational/
Administrative/Academic Structure. — Within the period of one hundred twenty (120)
days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following:

(a) Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding
program budget to the CHED, for corresponding recommendation to the
DBM;

(b) Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and

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

SEC. 21. Filing of Report. - On or before the fifteen (1sth) day of the second
(2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file with
the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Chairperson of the CHED, and


with both Houses of Congress, a detailed report on the progress, conditions and heeds
of the University. .

SEC. 22. Suppletory Application. ~ The provisions of Republic Act No. 2,
otherwise known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997”, shall Be an
integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the
University.

SEC. 23. Parity Clause. - All other powers, functions and privileges,
responsibilities and limitations to state universities and/or their officials under existing
laws shall be deemed granted to or imposed upon the University and/or its officials
whenever appropriate. "

SEC. 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Board, in consultation: with
the CHED, shall formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 25. Separability Clause. ~ If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. a Ye

Approved,