Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9717)
The state university created by Republic Act No. 9717 is officially named the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.
The Camarines Sur State Agricultural College in the Municipality of Pili, Province of Camarines Sur, was converted into the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.
The primary mandates are to provide advanced instruction and research in agriculture and allied technological sciences, including education, arts and related sciences; to undertake extension and development programs; and to provide instructional and research leadership in agricultural, environmental, and technological development in the Bicol Region.
The University is authorized to offer undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture, environmental management, engineering, education, arts and sciences, and other degree courses within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities, subject to the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and its Board of Regents.
The Board of Regents is composed of: the Chairperson of CHED as Chairperson; the University President as Vice Chairperson; the Chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Education; the Regional Directors of NEDA and DA; Presidents of faculty association, student council, alumni association; and two prominent private sector citizens from Camarines Sur.
The Board has general corporate powers including promulgation of rules, appropriation of funds, receipt of donations, setting tuition and fees, appointment of officials, approval of curricula, granting honorary degrees, establishing branches, research centers, and collaborations, among others.
The President is appointed by the Board of Regents upon recommendation of a search committee and serves a four-year term, with eligibility for reappointment to another term. The incumbent President of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College automatically becomes the first University President upon conversion.
The University enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution.
Faculty appointments shall not inquire into political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion, but are subject to qualifications set by the Board. No faculty member shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.
The University shall provide scholarship and affirmative action programs for poor but deserving students and shall not deny admission based on sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin.
Yes, all assets, personnel, and records of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College are transferred to the University. Faculty members' rights and security of tenure are respected. Government lands occupied are declared University property unless the University ceases to exist or no longer needs the lands, then they revert to the government.
CHED approves new academic programs, chairs the Board of Regents, conducts regular monitoring and evaluation for compliance with university status requirements, and may recommend revocation of university status if compliance is not maintained.
The Board shall meet regularly at least once every quarter and may hold up to two special meetings per year, called by the Chairperson with at least three days' prior notice.
The separability clause states that if any part or provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
The University may import duty-free economic, technical, and cultural books or publications certified by CHED for educational purposes, in accordance with the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.