EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
 
) 
 
 
S E N A T E 
S. No. 2111 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
____________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE BATANGAS STATE UNVERSITY AS THE NATIONAL 
ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY, STRENGTHENING THE UNIVERSITY 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. 
With the remarkable achievements of the Institute and its graduates in terms 
of: its superior performance in licensure examinations; being 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 Republic Act No. 9045. It was named 
Batangas State University (BatSU).  
This bill seeks to declare the Batangas State University as the national 
engineering university. Through the years, its programs in engineering, allied sciences, 
and technology have propelled its rise to national service, prominence and recognition. 
Some of the remarkable achievements of the University include: 
1. 
It is the only state university in the country whose engineering, 
computing science and IT programs are accredited by the United States Accreditation 
Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)- Washington Accord, the global gold 


standard for engineering and computing. The University has ten (10) engineering, 
computer science, and IT programs, which are ABET accredited; 
2. 
The University is designated by the Commission on Higher Education 
(CHED) as a Level IV state university, which demonstrate its excellence in instruction, 
research competence, active community service, and efficient management of 
resources; 
3. 
It has gained national recognition as a Center of Excellence (COE) in 
Electronics Engineering, and as Centers of Development in Electrical Engineering and 
in Mechanical Engineering, along with the other programs of the university; 
4. 
The University consistently ranks as the top performing school in 
mechanical engineering licensure examination and above national passing percentage 
in other engineering board exams. It has already produced 166 topnotchers in the 
licensure examinations in various engineering disciplines; 
5. 
With all its academic, research and extension service performance, the 
University received in 2020 a four-star rating in its electronics engineering program 
and a three-star rating overall from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars University 
Rating, putting the University in the QS list of top universities; 
6. 
The University also boasts of its 29 ASEAN Engineers in the faculty roster 
awarded by the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO), the 
distinction which makes them globally competitive. It is the highest among higher 
education institutions in the country; 
7. 
The University offers over one hundred (100) graduate and 
undergraduate degree programs, which include forty-six (46) degree programs in a 
wide range of fields in engineering both in the graduate and undergraduate programs, 
making the University as having the most number of engineering programs being 
offered among higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country. Out of 46 
Engineering programs, 23 are new and emerging graduate and undergraduate 
programs that are responsive to the fourth industrial revolution and community needs. 
New and emerging engineering programs 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, 
2 


engineering management, engineering education, and highly specialized fields in 
artificial intelligence, advance manufacturing, construction management, and data 
science and analytics; 
8. 
The 11,169 or 27% of its total 41,132 enrolment during the 1st 
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 country; 
9. 
With research and innovation as a powerful means of transforming lives, 
the University spearheaded the establishment of fifteen (15) research and innovation 
development centers, foremost are the Science, Technology, Engineering and 
Environment Research Hub which is recognized by the Regional Development Council 
as the CALABARZON’s Center for Science, Technology, and Engineering Research. 
Batangas State University is recognized by the Regional Development Council (RDC) 
as CALABARZON’s Regional Inclusive Innovation Center; 
10. 
On May 22, 2020 by virtue of Proclamation No. 947, President Rodrigo 
R. Duterte designated the BatStateU Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology 
(KIST) Park as a Special Economic Zone. It is the first KIST Park registered by the 
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA); 
11. 
The university’s partnerships and linkages with foreign universities and 
engineering professional organizations for instruction and research have grown over 
the years. It has on-going partnerships with a number of Universities in Asia (20), and 
in the US (10), and its engineering faculty members are affiliated with twenty-six (26) 
Engineering Organizations in the world. 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 due recognition that the quality of its graduates are at par with 
foreign universities of similar accreditation - a distinctive mark of quality and 
excellence. 
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 an 
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RALPH G. RECTO 
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.  
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”. It shall produce adequate and well-trained 
engineers and other professionals who can provide solutions to country’s challenges 
in energy, infrastructure, environment, information and telecommunication, 
construction, production, transportation and other facilities for living.  
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 more innovative educational approaches including contents, methods, 
practices and means of delivery; and attain a 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. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is highly 
sought.  
/ejcv
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
 
) 
 
 
S E N A T E 
S. No. 2111 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Senator Ralph G. Recto 
____________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE BATANGAS STATE UNVERSITY AS THE NATIONAL 
ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY, STRENGTHENING THE UNIVERSITY 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; 
c) 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 
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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, infrastructure, 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 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;  
i) 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 
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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;  
j) 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; 
l) 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 Schools 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;  
o) Provide opportunities for training and learning in leadership, responsible 
citizenship, and the development of democratic values, institutions and practice 
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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 
q) 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 Act 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 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.  
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As the national engineering university, it shall ensure the following: 
1. 
At least fifty percent (50%) of its total enrolment must be under 
engineering and technology related programs; 
2. 
Discontinue the offering of new programs not allied to engineering and 
technology and/or not supportive of the multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary curriculum 
design and content; 
3. 
Accelerate faculty development programs in the fields of engineering 
and technology; 
4. 
Lead in the conduct of scientific, innovative and technological research 
and development, and in the generation, dissemination and application of research- 
based knowledge. 
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 the Filipino people and their aspirations for 
social progress and transformation. The University may provide venues for 
volunteerism.  
SEC. 9. Democratic Access. — The University shall 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; nationality, 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 shall 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. 
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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; 
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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;  
i) The President of the federation of the alumni associations of the 
University, member; and 
j) 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 regular standards and qualifications of 
the position, members: Provided, That one (1) 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.  
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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. 
2) 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.  
3) 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 
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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: 
a) 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; 
c) To approve the institution, merger or abolition of academic programs, 
upon recommendation of the University’s Academic Council through the 
President of the University; 
d) To approve the graduation of students and grant of honors, as 
recommended by the Academic Council through the President; 
e) 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; 
g) 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; 
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i) 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; 
j) 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;  
l) 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 Implementing 
Rules and Regulations (IRR).  
n) 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.  
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o) 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 land 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.  
p) 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;  
q) 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; 
r) 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.  
s) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when 
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necessary for the benefit of the University and subject to the instructions 
of the donor, if any.  
t) 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; 
u) 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; 
v) To prescribe rules for its own government and discipline of the faculty 
and other personnel and to establish for the governance of the University 
such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are 
consistent with its purposes;  
w) To set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
x) To approve the curricula, institutional programs and rules of discipline 
drawn by the academic council as herein provided; 
y) To establish research and extension centers of the University where such 
will promote the development of the latter; 
z) 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; 
aa) 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; 
bb) 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 
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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; 
cc) 
To outsource, 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; 
dd) 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; 
ee) 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 
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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 
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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;  
c) 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; 
f) Recommend to the Board, through the President of the University, the 
graduation of students and the grant of honors; and 
g) Adopt internal rules of procedure, not contrary to law, and consistent with 
the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 19. University Administrative Council. — There shall be created in the 
University a 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. 
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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 provided 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; 
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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, 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 (6) 
months from the date of effectivity of this Act: Provided, That all registration 
requirements necessary for the issuance of the said titles have been submitted 
and complied with; 
c) 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; 
e) The Board may approve the implementation of joint ventures: Provided, That 
in the event real properties of the University are involved, only the income 
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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 
f) 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; 
c) 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”; 
d) In the case of two (2) failed biddings and negotiated transactions, if 
undertaken, the Board, when considering the approval of any such transaction, 
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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 include, 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 the University. This provision shall not apply to leases 
granted to faculty and staff as part of their benefit and those for academic 
purposes; and 
e) 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; 
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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; 
c) 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 one hundred fifty percent (150%) 
of 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; and 
d) 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. To monitor the performance of the University as the National 
Engineering University, it shall also submit a physical performance report containing 
the number of enrollees, graduates, board passers of its engineering, science and 
technology courses, and the University’s accomplishments in the field of engineering, 
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science and technology. 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, the amounts necessary to 
strengthen its capacity as the national engineering university shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act 
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; 
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 
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 
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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 No. 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. 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, 
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