QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 1434)
RA 1434 establishes the Samar Institute of Technology in Catarman, Samar as a vocational college. It must offer elementary, secondary general, secondary vocational, and normal courses, and also collegiate agricultural and industrial courses leading to bachelor’s degrees. It must also provide opportunities for manual labor to assist self-supporting students.
The head is the President of the Samar Institute of Technology. He is appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Board of Trustees. His powers and duties include those usually pertaining to the office of a college or university president, in addition to those specifically provided in the Act.
The Board of Trustees consists of: (1) the Secretary of Education (chairman); (2) the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Senate; (3) the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the House of Representatives; (4) the Director of Public Schools; (5) the President of the Institute; and (6) a prominent resident of Samar designated by the President of the Philippines.
Trustees serve without compensation except for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings or other authorized official business authorized by Board resolution.
It may receive and appropriate sums provided by law for support of the Institute, and it may confer certificates, diplomas, or degrees upon successful candidates for graduation.
The Board of Trustees appoints teachers and other employees upon recommendation of the President. It fixes compensation, hours, duties, and conditions; it may grant leave of absence under its regulations. Teachers can be removed for cause only after due investigation and hearing.
The Institute Council prescribes curricula and rules of discipline, but these are subject to the Board of Trustees’ approval.
The Institute Council fixes requirements for admission and graduation and, crucially, it alone has the power to recommend students or others as recipients of degrees.
The Board may fix tuition fees, matriculation fees, graduation fees, laboratory course fees, and special fees, and may remit them in special cases.
The Institute Council, through its President or committee, has disciplinary power over students within the limits prescribed by the rules of discipline approved by the Board of Trustees.
No religious test may be applied in appointing professors or instructors, and religious opinions/affiliations cannot be made an issue in examinations or inquiry. However, no instructor/professor may inculcate sectarian tenets in teachings, nor directly or indirectly attempt to influence students for or against any particular church or religious sect; violation may lead to dismissal by the Board of Trustees.
No. RA 1434 provides that professors and other regular instructors are exempt from civil service examinations or civil service regulations as a requisite for appointment.
Quorum consists of a majority of all the members of the Board.
Process against the Board of Trustees shall be served on the President or secretary thereof.
On or before 15 June of each year, the Board must file with the President of the Philippines a detailed report showing the Institute’s progress, conditions, and needs.
The Institute Council is created, consisting of the President of the Institute and all instructors and professors. It prescribes curricula and rules of discipline (subject to Board approval), fixes admission and graduation requirements, recommends degree recipients, and exercises disciplinary power over students within Board-approved limits.
It is abolished, and all its personnel, unexpended appropriations, properties, and other assets are transferred to the Samar Institute of Technology.
RA 1434 authorizes the appropriation of fifty thousand pesos from any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
It takes effect upon approval.