Conversion of Apayao Institute into State College

The State College will offer higher professional and technical programs.
It will promote research, extension services, advanced studies, and progressive leadership.
Focus areas include agriculture, industry, environment, forestry, educational sciences, arts, and related fields.
Extension high schools in Luna, Calanasan, Sta. Marcela, Kabugao, and Pudtol are transferred to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, but the State College may operate a laboratory school if it has a college of education.

The State College may offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term technical courses relevant to provincial needs.
Programs offered must align with the State College’s objectives.

The State College has general corporate powers.
Governance and corporate power exercise are exclusively vested in the Board of Trustees and the President of the State College.

Board Chairman: Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Vice Chairman: President of the State College.
Members include chairpersons of relevant Senate and House education committees, NEDA Director-General, presidents of faculty association, supreme student council, alumni association, and two prominent citizens from Apayao.
Terms of office vary, with specific provisions for filling vacancies.
The State College President is entitled to full retirement benefits under existing laws.

The Board shall adopt policies aligning with constitutional mandates and CHED standards and directives under RA 7722.

To enact rules and regulations consistent with law.
To manage and allocate funds for the State College’s purposes.
To import duty-free educational materials subject to availability and law.
To receive and administer donations and legacies, tax-exempt for donors.
To fix tuition and other school fees; fees form special trust funds.
To authorize construction and purchases of properties and equipment.
To appoint key officials including the president, faculty, and staff.
To fix and adjust salaries within the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System.
To approve curricula, confer degrees, award honorary degrees and certificates.
To establish branches in Apayao where needed and chairs and scholarships.
To delegate powers to expedite administration.
To authorize external audits and institute reforms accordingly.
To partner with other colleges and industries for development and resource sharing.
To promote innovative educational modes including technology-enhanced learning.
To privatize management of non-academic services when beneficial.
To extend the president’s term beyond retirement age subject to performance.

Regular meetings at least every two months; special meetings may be called with notice.
Quorum requires majority including either CHED Chairman or State College President.
Members receive honoraria and expense reimbursements but not salaries.

The President is appointed for a 4-year term renewable once, subject to retirement or removal.
Vacancies handled by officer-in-charge pending successor appointment.
The President's salary is aligned with similar institutions under the Revised Compensation System.
Powers are those usual to presidents of similar colleges.

Administrative council: President as chair, vice presidents, deans, directors; implements Board policies.
Academic council: President as chair, faculty ranks assistant professor and higher; prescribes curricula, admission and graduation requirements, disciplinary measures subject to Board approval.

Secretary of the State College: appointed by Board upon President’s recommendation; serves as Board secretary.
Treasurer: The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio treasurer.

Religious beliefs not considered in faculty appointments.
Faculty prohibited from religious advocacy in teaching.
Admission to students is open without discrimination on sex, nationality, religion, or political affiliation.

Incumbent AIST head may serve as officer-in-charge pending President’s appointment.
Annual reports on State College progress, conditions, and needs submitted to the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.

RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) applies and governs alongside this Act.

All assets, personnel, and liabilities of AIST main and Conner extension transferred to State College.
Extension high schools other than Conner remain with Department of Education.
Personnel rights and tenure protected; qualified incumbents retain status until reassignment.
Government lands occupied by AIST and Conner extension declared property of State College; reverts to province if no longer needed.

Accounts and expenses audited by Commission on Audit or representatives.
National government agencies may loan apparatus, equipment, supplies, and employees upon request to aid State College, without detriment to public service.

State College may accept affiliation or integration of national schools contributing to its objectives.

Initial funding charged against current year budget of AIST main and Conner extension.
Subsequent funding to be included in annual General Appropriations Act.

All laws or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.