Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7605)
After its conversion under Republic Act No. 7605, the Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics is renamed as the Philippine State College of Aeronautics.
The College is mandated to provide professional and advanced technical and technological instruction and training in the preparatory field of aeronautics, liberal arts courses, and postgraduate courses in its fields of specialization.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body consisting of eleven ex officio members including the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports (Chairman), the College President (Vice-Chairman), Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, and other government and stakeholder representatives, plus two non ex officio prominent citizens. The Board exercises general administration powers and specific duties such as approving curricula, appointing officials, fixing tuition fees, and managing funds.
The President of the College is appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Board of Trustees. The President serves a fixed term of six years without reappointment unless earlier removed for cause or incapacitated.
The Board may fix tuition and other necessary school charges such as matriculation, graduation, and laboratory fees. These fees and any government subsidies or income form part of special trust funds to be used for the College’s operations, faculty benefits, infrastructure, and similar needs.
The College is expressly granted academic freedom pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, ensuring freedom in its teaching, research, and expression.
Yes, the College may confer honorary degrees in recognition of learning, statesmanship, eminence, or public service. Such degrees shall not be granted as personal favors and require prior approval from the Secretary of Education and Culture.
Faculty are appointed by the Board of Trustees subject to the Civil Service Law. Religious opinions or affiliations cannot be grounds for inquiry or discrimination in appointments, and no faculty member may teach for or against any particular church or sect.
All accounts and expenses of the College shall be audited by the Commission on Audit or its duly authorized representative, ensuring government financial accountability.
The College shall offer low-cost education without sacrificing quality. Student fee incomes are used for operations with government subsidies covering any shortfall. The College may establish branches in cities and provinces where there are no similar schools to promote equal access to educational opportunities.