QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 615)
The decree cites the Constitution’s directive to establish and maintain a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to national development, and its aim that educational institutions develop scientific, technological and vocational efficiency. It also cites the policy under Presidential Decree No. 6-A (Educational Development Decree of 1972) to reorient education toward economic growth and social development.
The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial College of Agriculture, located in Bacnotan, La Union and established under Republic Act No. 5310, is converted into Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State College, with its own charter.
It primarily provides professional and advanced vocational and technical instruction and training in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and industrial technologies, and it promotes research, advanced studies, and progressive leadership in those fields.
It may offer undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture, fishery, forestry and industrial technologies, as the Board of Trustees deems necessary, and it may offer short-term technical or vocational courses within its areas of specialization to meet regional needs.
No. Section 4 provides that no student shall be denied admission by reason of sex, ethnic consideration, or religious belief or affiliation.
The President of the College is appointed by the President of the Philippines. His salary is fixed by the Board of Trustees and must be comparable to that received by Presidents of similar educational institutions of like enrolment and standing.
The Board consists of: (1) the Secretary of Education and Culture as Chairman; (2) the Regional Director of NEDA; (3) the President of the College; and (4) four (4) other distinguished citizens of Region No. 1 appointed by the President of the Philippines, with specified specializations: one in agriculture, one in trades and technology, one in general education, and one in commerce and industry.
At least one of the four appointed members must be an alumnus of the State College. Of the four first appointed, one serves one year, one serves two years, one serves three years, and one serves four years; thereafter, appointed members serve four-year terms and until successors are appointed and qualified.
For permanent vacancies, the President of the Philippines appoints a replacement for the unexpired term only (Section 6). Quorum is a majority of all members holding office at the time a meeting is called (Section 7).
The Board may confer degrees upon successful graduates and may also confer honorary degrees recognizing learning, statesmanship, eminence in specialization fields, or public service. The decree prohibits conferring degrees in consideration of or to reciprocate personal favor.
The College Council, consisting of the College President and all faculty with the rank of professor, prescribes curricula and rules of discipline subject to Board approval. It fixes requirements for admission, graduation, and degree conferral subject to Board review. It recommends students or others to receive degrees, and it has disciplinary power over students within the limits of the approved rules of discipline (through the President or authorized committee).
Section 12 states that the faculty is exempt from civil service examinations or regulations as a prerequisite to appointment.
Faculty members are prohibited from attempting, directly or indirectly, to influence students or any person in the College toward any ideology (political or otherwise) that preaches the overthrow of the government through violence or subversion. Violation is punishable by dismissal by the Board of Trustees.
The Treasurer of the Philippines is ex-officio treasurer of the College. All accounts and expenses are audited by the Commission on Audit or its duly authorized representative.
Heads of bureaus or offices of the National Government may, upon request of the College President, loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, or supplies needed by the College, and may detail employees, provided such resources/services can be spared without serious detriment to public service.
All assets, fixed and movable, records, and personnel of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial College of Agriculture are transferred to the College. Government parcels of land occupied by the former college are declared property of the College and shall be titled under the College’s name.
An additional appropriation of five million pesos is provided out of National Treasury funds not otherwise appropriate for establishing, operating, and maintaining the State College. Thereafter, funds for maintenance and operation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations decree.
Section 20 repeals or amends laws, decrees, executive orders, or regulations inconsistent with the decree. Section 21 provides that the decree takes effect immediately.