QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9720)
RA 9720 converts ISCAF (including its existing extension campuses in Ifugao) into a state university to be known as the Ifugao State University (main campus in Lamut, Ifugao).
Potia Campus (Alfonso Lista), Lagawe Campus (Lagawe), Aguinaldo Campus (Hungduan), and Tinoc Campus (Tinoc), all in the Province of Ifugao.
It primarily provides advanced instruction and professional training in specified fields (including agriculture/forestry and other relevant disciplines), undertakes research and extension services, and provides progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.
Degrees must align with the University’s areas of specialization and its capability as determined by the Board. It also retains the original mandate primarily as an agricultural, technological and scientific institution.
No degree shall be offered without the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) before the degree is approved by the Board of Regents.
They are transferred to the jurisdiction and supervision of the Department of Education (DepED). They may remain and operate within the campus until the existing students complete high school.
The administration and the exercise of corporate powers are vested exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University.
It includes (among others): CHED Chairperson (Chair); University President (Vice Chair); Senate Committee on Education chair; House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair; Regional NEDA director; Regional DA director; leaders from faculty, student councils, alumni; and two prominent private-sector citizens from Ifugao.
The University President, in consultation with the CHED Chairperson and other Board members, constitutes a search committee that recommends at least five qualified persons from Ifugao; the Board then appoints two from that list.
The Board may fix tuition fees and other charges after consultation. Fees/charges, government subsidies, and other income generated constitute special trust funds deposited in an authorized government depository bank, with interest accruing to the same funds.
Income generated by the University from tuition and other charges, as well as from auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension, or other university programs—while fiduciary fees must be disbursed for their specific purpose.
If the Office becomes vacant due to death, compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause, or incapacity, the Board designates an Officer-in-Charge within six (6) months pending appointment of a new President. The successor/OIC serves only the unexpired portion of the term.
The President is appointed for a four (4) year term and is eligible for reappointment for another term. The incumbent ISCAF President, if qualified, may serve as the first President to ensure smooth transition.
The President is appointed by the Board upon recommendation of a search committee, serves full-time, and is assisted by Vice Presidents appointed by the Board upon the President’s recommendation. The Board may delegate any of its powers/duties to the President or other officers as it deems appropriate.
It grants the University academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to the constitutional provision on academic freedom (Article XIV, Section 5(2) referenced in the text).
All assets (fixed and movable), personnel, and records of ISCAF, including liabilities/obligations, are transferred to the University. Faculty positions, rights, and security of tenure under existing laws are respected. Government parcels of land occupied by ISCAF are declared University property to be titled under the University; if the University ceases or land is no longer needed, the land reverts to the concerned LGUs.
Needed funds charged against the current year’s appropriations of ISCAF, except sums needed to continue operations of existing high schools. Thereafter, continuing operation and maintenance are included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
CHED conducts regular monitoring and evaluation for continuing compliance. If the University does not maintain compliance, CHED submits a recommendation for revocation of the University status to the appropriate Senate and House education committees.
Within 120 days after approval, the University must submit its five-year development plan (with program budget) to CHED, undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED, and set up its organizational/administrative/academic structure including appointment of key officials.