Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10596)
Republic Act No. 10596 is an Act converting the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology in the Municipality of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro into a state university known as Mindoro State University (MinSU), and appropriating funds for this purpose.
The conversion includes the main campus in the Municipality of Victoria and external campuses namely: the Polytechnic College of Calapan in Calapan City and the Bongabong College of Fisheries in the Municipality of Bongabong, all in Oriental Mindoro.
The University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction and training in agriculture and forestry, fisheries and environmental studies, information and computer technology, arts and sciences, education, business and management, health sciences, and related fields. It is also mandated to undertake research and extension services supporting the socioeconomic development of Oriental Mindoro and provide progressive leadership in its specialization areas.
The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution.
The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture and forestry, fishery and environmental studies, information and computer technology, arts and sciences, education, business and management, health sciences, and other degrees within its areas of specialization and capabilities.
The Board consists of the CHED Chairperson (Chairperson), the University President (Vice Chairperson), Chairpersons of Senate and House Education Committees, Regional Directors of NEDA, DOST, and DA, Presidents of faculty, student, and alumni federations, and two prominent citizens from the private sector.
The Board promulgates policies consistent with state policies and the Philippine Constitution, approves curricula, fixes tuition fees, manages university assets, appoints officials, authorizes construction, adopts socialized tuition schemes, approves honorary degrees, establishes branches and research centers, collaborates with other universities, and can extend the president’s term beyond retirement age for exceptional performance, among others.
The President is appointed by the Board through a search committee, must render full-time service, serves a four-year term with eligibility for one reappointment, and the first president shall be the incumbent MINSCAT president. In case of vacancy, an Officer-in-Charge shall serve until a new President is appointed.
All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of MINSCAT are transferred to the University. Positions and tenure of faculty and personnel are respected under existing laws, and government-owned lands occupied by MINSCAT are declared properties of the University.
The University must have Level III accreditation or equivalent in certain undergraduate and graduate programs, a ratio of qualified full-time faculty to students, adequate library and laboratories, research and development output beneficial to the community, relevant linkages and outreach programs, and relevant academic policies and systems, as determined by CHED and a panel of experts.