Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1341)
Presidential Decree No. 1341 converts the Philippine College of Commerce into a university known as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
The University shall primarily provide higher occupational, technical, and professional instruction and training in the applied arts and sciences, promote applied research, advance studies, and progressive leadership in these fields.
In addition to its existing ladder-type programs in business, education, and social sciences, the University shall offer programs in other polytechnic areas such as agriculture, arts and trades, and fisheries.
The President of the University is appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Education and Culture after consultation with the University Board of Regents.
The President acts as Chief Executive Officer, head of faculties, supervises academic/business operations, appoints personnel (subject to Board approval), enforces policies, grants leaves, decides appeals, manages contracts, and prepares annual reports among other duties.
The Board of Regents includes the Secretary of the Department of Education and Culture as Chairman, Directors or representatives of the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Industry, Department of Labor, the University President, the Alumni Association President (if not employed by the University), and a prominent citizen from the private sector.
The Board can appropriate funds, confer degrees, appoint faculty and staff (fix compensation and remove for cause), set tuition/fees, provide scholarships/fellowships, prescribe university rules, and receive/manage donations and legacies.
A quorum consists of a majority of all members of the Board of Regents.
Regular meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month. Special meetings can be called by the Chairman or upon request of four members, with notice given at least three days prior.
An initial appropriated sum of Three Million Pesos (P3,000,000.00) from the National Treasury was set aside, with annual appropriations to be made thereafter as necessary to support the University’s operations.
Yes, existing national schools whose programs contribute to the University’s objectives may be affiliated or integrated, with the Secretary of Education and Culture authorized to approve specific integrations and transfer assets accordingly.
All these properties and obligations are transferred to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, with provisions ensuring that integrated schools continue to receive appropriate funding from local government education funds.