Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRE SS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
RE6EIVEE9
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Introduced by Representatives FAUSTINO `INNO' A. DY V,
ANTONIO `TONYPET' T. ALBANO, ED CHRISTOPHER S. GO,
IAN PAUL L. DY, JOSEPH S. TAN,
FAUSTINO MICHAEL CARLOS T. DY Ill, and ALLAN U. TY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill  seeks to designate  lsabela  State University (ISU) as the National Water Resources
University in the Philippines.
The  ISU has  long been active in the generation of scientific knowledge, in partnership with
national and international agencies, for the empowerment of local communities.
One of ISU's research agenda is water resources management. Water resources management
encompasses   various   disciplines   such  as  civil  engineering,  agricultural  and  biosystems
engineering, water resources engineering and other related  fields such as  geology, forestry,
agriculture and aquaculture, environmental sciences, economics and sociology.
In pursuit of this research agenda, the ISU has already completed various projects on water
resource management in the Cagayan River Basin and developed scientific tools for analysis
and evidence-based decision making.  It  is also the lead agency  in the DOST-funded Smart
Water Infrastructure and Management (SWIM) R&D Center.
The  ISU  and the  Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - together with Kyoto
University-Disaster Prevention  Research  Institute, the Japan  Water Agency and Network of
Asian   River   Basin   Organization,  National   Water  Resources  Board,   University   of  the
Philippines,   River   Basin   Control   Office,   Office   of  Civil   Defense,   National   Irrigation


Administration and local government units (LGUs) - have established a strong parmership
in the conduct of research and development, technology transfer, capacity building and policy
development for river basin management.
This  partnership   has  generated new knowledge,  innovative techniques,  scientific tools and
integrated   approaches    for   various   agencies   to   help   address   problems   in   flooding,
sedimentation and future climate scenarios that can be mainstreamed in other river basins in
the Philippines and ASEAN countries.
Additionally, the ISU has spearheaded the creation of a regional network of local universities
to  upscale the conduct of R&D and capacity building activities and mainstream  integrated
river basin management in the country.
The designation of ISU as the National Water Resources University will give it the authority
to  establish  and  maintain  programs,  centers,  and  facilities  dedicated  to  water  resources
management education, research, and development.
T.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTII CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
Introduced by Representatives FAUSTINO `INNO' A. DY V,
ANTONIO `TONYPET' T. ALBANO, ED CHRISTOPHER S. GO,
IAN PAUL L. DY, JOSEPH S. TAN,
FAUSTIN0 MICHAEL CARLOS T. DY Ill, and ALLAN U. TY
AN ACT
AMENDING PD 1434 AND DESIGNATING THE ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
AS THE NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES UNIVERSITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF
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 "Isabe]a State University as
National Water Resources University Designation Act".
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The Isabela State University as the National
Water Resources University.
Isabela   State   University,   hereinafter  referred   to   as   the   "University,"   is   hereby
designated  as  the  National  Water Resources University, tasked with advancing education,
research, and innovation in the field of water resources management and related field.
SECTION 3. Purpose of the University. -As the national water resources
university, the primary purpose of Isabela State University, shall be:
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(a)  To promote and conduct research and development (R&D) activities related
to water resources management.
(b)  To provide technical support to water-related agencies.
(c)  To   provide   support   for   research   and   development,   capacity   building,
plarming,  and  policy  formulation  related  to  water  resources  management
and the country's water resources development.
(d) To   serve   as   a   center   of  excellence   in   water   resources   management
education, research, and technology development.
(e)  To  produce  highly  skilled  professionals  and  experts  in  the  field  of water
resources  management  who  are  equipped  with  the  knowledge  and  skills
needed to address the country's water-related challenges.
(I)  To  contribute to  the  sustainable management,  conservation, and equitable
distribution  of  water  resources  in  the  Philippines  through  cutting-edge
research, technology transfer, and community engagement.
(g) To    foster   innovation    in   water   resources   management   practices   and
technologies that promote efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
(h) To provide leadership and guidance to regional and local initiatives aimed at
water resources management and conservation.
(i)  To collaborate with government agencies and  stakeholders to develop and
implement   policies,   strategies,   and   best  practices   for   water   resources
management at the national and local levels.
¢)  To  promote  public  awareness  and  education  on  water  resources  issues,
emphasizing the importance of responsible water use and conservation.
(k) To establish partnerships with international institutions and organizations to
facilitate   knowledge   exchange   and   cooperation   in   the   field   of  water
resources management.
(I)  To conduct research and development projects that address pressing water
resources challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and climate change
impacts.
(in)To    offer   capacity-building   programs    and   training    for   professionals,
policymakers, and communities involved in water resources management.
(n)    To   support   the   development  and   dissemination   of  technologies   and
solutions for sustainable water use, treatment, and purification.
(o) To  serve as  a repository of knowledge and data related to water resources,
making   research   findings   and   information   accessible   to   the   public,
researchers, and policymakers.
SECTION  4.  The  University.  - Isabela  State  University,  as the National  Water
Resources  University,  shall  have the authority and responsibility to establish and maintain
programs,   centers,  and  facilities  dedicated  to  water  resources  management  education,
research, and development.
The University shall have the following powers and functions:
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(a)      To  promulgate  such  rules  and  regulations  as  may  be necessary or proper to
implement this law, and to amend or repeal the same from time to time;
(b)   To enter into, make and execute contracts and agreements with collaborating and
funding agencies;
(c)      To  generate  funds  from  all  sources,  whether  local  or  foreign  and  whether
government or private, to help finance its research programs and  its capital and operating
expenditures;
(d)      To  serve  as the coordinating center of a national  network of water resources
stations and R&D centers located in the different regions of the country;
(e)     To plan and carry out research  and development activities,  specifically  in the
areas  of  water  resources  for  agriculture,  domestic,  water  hazards,  socio-economic  and
institutional studies training and technology transfer, and social science and policy research;
(I)        To  verify,  package  and  transfer  economically  viable  technologies,   giving
emphasis on stakeholder participation and consultations;
(g)     To provide the data base or policy  formulation that will  promote and sustain
water security;
(h)       To  organize  and  develop  strong  training  programs  for  water  scientists  and
engineers, research managers and extension workers;
(i)  To publish and disseminate research findings and recommendations;
¢)   To acquire or obtain from any governmental authority, whether national or local,
foreign or domestic, or from any person, corporation, partnership, association or other entity,
such  charters,  franchises,  licenses,  rights, privileges, assistance, financial or otherwise, and
concessions as are conducive to and necessary or proper for the attainment of its purposes
and objectives;
(k)    To receive and acquire from any person and/or government and private entities,
whether   foreign   or   domestic,   grants,   donations   and   contributions   consisting   of  such
properties, real or personal, including funds and valuable effects or things, as may be useful,
necessary  or  proper to  cany  out  its  purposes  and  objectives  and  administer  the  same  in
accordance  with  the terms of such grants,  donations and contributions, consistent with  its
purposes and objectives.
SECTION 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.
SECTION  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.
SECTION 7. Commitment to National Development. - The University hereby
reaffirms  its commitment to  advancing the nation's sustainable development goals. It shall
actively collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to
align  its  research,  education,  and  outreach  efforts  with  the  country's  priorities  for water
resources  management,  environmental  sustainability, and  socio-economic development.  It
shall  prioritize  research  projects  and  educational  programs that address  pressing  national
challenges  related  to  water  scarcity,  pollution,  climate  change  adaptation,  and  equitable
access to water resources.  The University  shall also actively support the development and
implementation  of policies,  strategies,  and  innovative  solutions  that  enhance  the  overall
well-being and resilience of the Filipino people and the environment.
SECTION  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   shall   uphold   its   social   responsibility   by   actively   engaging   with   local
communities   impacted   by   water   resources   management   issues.   The   University   will
implement  community  outreach  programs,  educational  initiatives,  and  capacity-building
efforts,  aiming  to  empower communities to address water-related challenges and promote
responsible  water  use  and  conservation.  Furthermore,  the  University  shall  consider  the
socio-economic   impact   of   its   research,   educational   programs,   and   projects,   with   a
commitment to improving the livelihoods and quality of life of the Filipino people.
SECTION  9.  Democratic  Access.  - The  University  shall  promote  democratic
access to its educational resources and opportunities, ensuring that all qualified individuals,
regardless  of  their  socio-economic  status  or  geographic  location,  have  equal  access  to
benefit from its programs and expertise in water resources management. This commitment
includes  maintaining  transparency   in  admission  processes,  financial  management,  and
decision-making, ensuring that policies and practices are accessible and comprehensible to
all  stakeholders.  The  University  shall  actively  cultivate  an  inclusive  environment  that
welcomes  diverse  perspectives  and backgrounds,  striving to  eliminate barriers hindering
participation  in  its  academic  and  research  activities.  Additionally,  it  will  engage  with
various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community,
in   decision-making   processes   affecting   its   mission   and  activities,  while  establishing
mechanisms for receiving feedback and input to consider their suggestions and concerns.
SHCTI0N 10. Sports, Culture and the Arts. - The University shall promote and
support  activities  related  to  sports,  culture,  and  the  arts,  fostering  an environment where
students  and  the  academic community  can engage in these areas for personal  growth and
well-rounded development.
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SHCTION  11.  Institutional  Autonomy. - Isabela State University shall operate
with a degree of institutional  autonomy  in accordance with existing  laws and regulations.
The University  shall  have the authority to manage its affairs, formulate academic policies,
and make decisions pertaining to its programs and operations, provided that such actions are
consistent with the broader goals of national development and water resources management.
SECTION 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 Executive  Officers/ Administrators 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.
SECTION 13. Board of Trustees. -The corporate powers of the University shall
be exercised, and all its business, activities and properties shall be controlled, by a Board
of  Regents.   In   addition   to  existing  members,  the  Director  of  the  Water  Resources
Management Office of DENR shall become a member.
SECTION   14.   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
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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.
SHCTION  15. Appropriation  of Funds. - The amount needed   to cany out the
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the
university and  its other intemal  funds.  Thereafter, the amounts necessary to strengthen its
capacity as the National Water Resources University shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.
SECTION   16.  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;
c)   Secure  additional  plantilla  positions  from  the  DBM,  including  technical,
support   to   technical,   and  key  administrative  positions  for  the  existing
constituent   campuses   and   extension   campuses,   and   augmentation   of
personnel    services    allocation,    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 Water Resources University.
SECTION   17.   Transitory  Provision.  -  To  provide  strategic  direction  and
leadership as the Isabela  State University transitions to  its pioneer status as the National
Water Resources 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
Isabela State University shall serve a new term as the first President of the National Water
Resources University.
SECTION  18.  Separability  Clause.  - Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.
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SECTION 19. Effectivity. -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,