Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10231)
The Act separates the Camarines Sur Polytechnic College - Naga City Campus from the main college in Nabua and converts it into a state college to be known as Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST).
BISCAST is mandated to provide advanced education, higher technological, professional and vocational instruction and training in sciences, arts, education, entrepreneurship, engineering and related courses. It is also to undertake research, extension services, and provide leadership in its specialization areas.
The Board includes the CHED Chairperson (Chair), College President (Vice Chair), Chairpersons of Education Committees of Senate and House, Regional Directors of NEDA and DOST, Presidents of the Faculty Association, Student Council, Alumni Association, and two prominent private citizens appointed for two-year terms.
The Board can promulgate policies, adopt rules, receive and appropriate funds, fix tuition, manage assets, appoint officials, approve curricula, award honorary degrees, establish branches, and enter into joint ventures, among other powers provided in the Act.
BISCAST enjoys academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to Article XIV, Section 5(2) of the Philippine Constitution, allowing it control over its academic and administrative affairs.
The President is appointed by the Board after a search committee recommendation, serves a full-time term of four years, eligible for reappointment, and may have term extended beyond retirement up to age 70 if rated outstanding.
The existing high school under BISCAST is transferred to the jurisdiction of the Department of Education but may remain operating on the college campus until current students graduate, with provision for a laboratory school if the college has an Institute of Education.
BISCAST shall provide scholarships and affirmative programs to assist poor but deserving students and no student shall be denied admission on the basis of sex, religion, cultural affiliation, or ethnic origin.
All assets, real and personal, liabilities, personnel, and records are transferred to BISCAST. The security of tenure of faculty and personnel is respected, and lands occupied are declared BISCAST property, subject to reverting conditions.
Yes. Importations of economic, technical, and cultural books/publications for BISCAST are exempt from customs duties, and donations to BISCAST are exempt from donor's tax and deductible from gross income for income tax purposes.