Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 324 8

Introduced by
Representatives LEONEL “JHONG” D. CENIZA and MARIA CARMEN S. ZAMORA, MNSA_

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill, in recognizing the historical imbalance in access to higher education between the
First and Second Districts of Davao de Oro, seeks to convert the Lak Satellite Campus of the
Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC) into the Lak Branch of the DDOSC. It shall be granted
a separate fiscal allocation and appropriate administrative support to ensure that it can
effectively address the distinct educational and developmental needs of the Second District.

While the passage of Republic Act No. 10598, which established DDOSC (formerly
Compostela Valley State College), laid the foundation for public higher education in the
province, the institution's main campus and administrative structures are concentrated in the
First District. The Laak Satellite Campus, though vital in serving the Second District, continues
to operate with limited resources, budgetary dependence, and institutional capacity due to its
status as a satellite unit.

In recent years, the Municipality of Laak has demonstrated its readiness and commitment to
higher education development. The local government has donated a permanent site for the
campus, national agencies have initiated major infrastructure investments, and student
enrollment has significantly increased. These developments reflect the district's growing need
for a more responsive, well-supported, and locally empowered higher education institution
that can directly contribute to the socio-economic development of the Second District.

This bill, therefore, seeks to institutionalize the Laak Satellite Campus as the Lak Branch of
the Davao de Oro State College, with fiscal and administrative autonomy necessary for
efficient operations and long-term growth. It affirms the right of communities in the Second
District to equitable access to quality higher education, while ensuring that the branch remains
under the academic and policy framework of the DDOSC.

‘The conversion shall be implemented in coordination with the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), ensuring compliance with institutional, academic, and infrastructure


standards. Through this measure, the Laak Branch will be better positioned to fulfill its
mission in teaching, research, and extension, while enhancing regional development and
empowering future generations of learners in the Second District.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

MARIA CARMEN S.ZAMORA, MNSA
Represey tative
First District, Pavao de Oro


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no,324 8

Introduced by
Representatives LEONEL “JHONG” D. CENIZA and MARIA CARMEN S. ZAMORA, MNSA

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE LAAK SATELLITE CAMPUS OF THE DAVAO DE ORO STATE
COLLEGE LOCATED IN THE SECOND DISTRICT OF DAVAO DE ORO INTO THE
LAAK BRANCH OF THE DAVAO DE ORO STATE COLLEGE, GRANTING IT
SEPARATE FISCAL ALLOCATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to expand access to quality
higher education, promote inclusive development, and strengthen regional academic
institutions by ensuring that satellite campuses capable of functioning more independently
are granted the institutional support necessary to serve their communities more effectively.

SECTION 2. Conversion. The existing Laak Satellite Campus of the Davao de Oro State
College (DDOSC), located in the Municipality of Lak, Province of Davao de Oro, is hereby
converted into a branch of the DDOSC, to be known as the Laak Branch of the Davao de
Oro State College (hereinafter referred to as the “Laak Branch”).

SECTION 3. Fiscal and Administrative Support. The Laak Branch shall be granted a separate
fiscal allocation and appropriate administrative support, in coordination with the DDOSC,
to ensure its effective operations and to address the distinct educational and developmental
needs of the Second District of Davao de Oro.

SECTION 4. Compliance with CHED Standards. The implementation of this Act shall be
undertaken in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and under
applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The Laak Branch shall comply with the minimum


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institutional, academic, and administrative standards set by CHED for state universities and
colleges (SUCs).

SECTION 5. Mandate. The Laak Branch shall primarily offer higher professional and
technical instruction and training in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, teacher
education, information technology, and other fields relevant to local and national
development. It shall likewise promote research, extension services, and innovation that
benefit the Municipality of Lak and nearby communities.

SECTION 6. Governing Structure. The Laak Branch shall remain under the supervision and
governance of the Davao de Oro State College as per its charter and Republic Act No. 8292,
otherwise known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and other applicable
laws. However, it shall maintain a dedicated administrative unit to manage its internal affairs
and local operations.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be charged
against the current year’s budget of Davao de Oro State College for the Laak Satellite Campus.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and development of
the Laak Branch shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in coordination with the Davao de
Oro State College (DDOSC), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out
the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,