Legal basis and related references
- The decree is issued by the President by virtue of the powers vested by the Constitution.
- The decree identifies the West Visayas State College as having been established under Republic Act No. 4189, as amended.
- The decree expressly applies the governance framework of Presidential Decree No. 1437 for the University’s Board of Regents.
- The decree states that the University shall retain the aims, powers, rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities under the laws creating the two schools and under P.D. No. 1437, plus other pertinent laws not repealed or amended.
Policy and intent for conversion
- The decree recognizes the national commitment to the growth and development of the educational system.
- The decree states that converting the West Visayas State College into a university will meet the “pressing need” of Region VI for a university providing quality education at reasonable costs.
- The decree states that establishing the West Visayas State University will help decongest over-crowded Metro Manila universities and minimize drop-outs.
- The decree states that the regional state university will hasten socio-economic development of the region.
Entities and governing structure established
- The West Visayas State College in Iloilo City is converted into a university to be known as the West Visayas State University, referred to as the University.
- The Iloilo National College of Agriculture in the Municipality of Lambunao, Province of Iloilo is integrated into the University.
- The University is governed by a Board of Regents.
- The Board’s composition follows P.D. No. 1437, and it includes the presidents of the faculty organization and the alumni association.
University leadership continuity
- The incumbent President of the College continues as President of the University until the expiration of her term of office as provided in P.D. No. 1437.
Academic program continuity and expansion
- The University continues to offer the university level courses it is presently offering.
- The University may offer such other courses as the Board subsequently approves.
Powers, rights, obligations, and institutional character
- The University has the same aims, powers, rights and privileges as those prescribed in the laws creating the West Visayas State College and the Iloilo National College of Agriculture and those provided in P.D. No. 1437.
- The University has the same obligations and responsibilities as prescribed in the laws creating the two institutions and under P.D. No. 1437, and other pertinent laws not otherwise repealed and/or amended.
Transfer of property, assets, records, and obligations
- All funds of the West Visayas State College and the Iloilo National College of Agriculture are transferred to the University.
- All records of both colleges are transferred to the University.
- All properties and assets of both colleges are transferred to the University.
- All obligations of both colleges are transferred to the University.
Staffing pattern and personnel security
- The Board shall adopt a staffing pattern for the University with the approval of the Minister of Budget and Management.
- No officer or employee of the West Visayas State College or of the Iloilo National College of Agriculture may be separated from service except for cause.
- Any such officer or employee may be given another position in the University with the same compensation and privileges.
Repeal of inconsistent laws
- All laws inconsistent with the provisions of P.D. No. 2019 are repealed or amended accordingly.