Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1437)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1437 is to define the composition and powers of the governing boards of chartered state universities and colleges, establish the appointment and term of office of their presidents, and provide for better governance and coordination in higher education institutions.
The governing boards are composed of the Secretary of Education and Culture as Chairman, the President of the University or College as Vice Chairman, a representative from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), two prominent citizens (one representing alumni and another from the locality), all appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Education and Culture.
The first group of appointive regents or trustees serve two years and four years, respectively; thereafter, appointees serve a term of four years. In cases of permanent vacancy, the appointee serves only the unexpired term.
The governing boards exercise policy-making functions in line with the general education policies formulated by the National Board of Education, the Secretary of Education and Culture, and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). They ensure that these policies are adopted and observed in their respective institutions.
Specific powers include enacting rules and regulations, appropriating funds, importing duty-free educational materials, receiving gifts and donations, approving curricula and rules of discipline, conferring degrees, confirming appointments, establishing chairs and scholarships, fixing tuition fees, and authorizing construction and repairs.
The head of the university or college is the President, who is appointed for a term of six years by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Education and Culture after consulting the board. This term may be renewed for another term.
If there is a vacancy due to death, absence, or resignation, the Secretary of Education and Culture may designate an officer-in-charge to manage the institution until a new President is appointed.
If the president has served at least 20 years in government, they are entitled to full retirement benefits. Otherwise, they are entitled to one month’s pay for every year of service.
The Administrative Council, chaired by the President and composed of vice-presidents, deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank, implements policies governing administration, management, and development planning as approved by the governing board.
The Academic Council includes the President as Chairman and all professors as members. It prescribes curricula and rules of discipline, fixes admission and graduation requirements, recommends students for degrees, and exercises disciplinary power over students subject to the governing board’s approval.
No, members of the faculty are exempt from civil service examination or regulation as a requisite for appointment.
Yes, no religious test or inquiry into religious opinion or affiliation is allowed in faculty appointments, and members shall not teach for or against any particular religious sect.
No, students cannot be denied admission for reasons of sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.
The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as the ex-officio treasurer, and all accounts and expenses are audited by the Commission on Audit or its authorized representative.
The governing boards must file a detailed report on the progress, conditions, and needs of the university or college with the Office of the President through the Secretary of Education and Culture by the fifteenth day of the second month after regular classes open each year.