Conversion of WVCST into Iloilo Science and Technology University

Mandate, autonomy, and academic freedom

Section 2 requires the University to primarily provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction and training in the arts, sciences, education, engineering, agriculture and forestry, and other relevant fields of study.
Section 2 requires the University to promote and undertake research, extension services, and production activities to support the socioeconomic development of the Province of Iloilo and to provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.
Section 3 grants the University academic freedom and institutional autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

Academic programs and laboratory school

Section 4 requires the University to offer undergraduate and graduate studies in the following fields: arts and sciences, philosophy, teacher education, agriculture and forestry, engineering and architecture, maritime education, industrial and technological education, information and communications technology, hotel and restaurant technology, and trades, and also nontraditional courses and other degrees within its areas of specialization.
Section 4 requires program offerings to align with the University’s capabilities as the Board of Regents deems necessary to carry out its objectives and to meet the needs of the Province of Iloilo and Region VI.
Section 4 requires the University to maintain and operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school under its College of Education in the main campus.

Corporate powers and governing board

Section 5 grants the University the general powers of a corporation under Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, as amended (the Corporation Code of the Philippines).
Section 5 vests administration and corporate powers exclusively in the Board of Regents and the President of the University.
Section 6 establishes the Board of Regents as the University’s governing board.
Section 6 composes the Board of Regents as follows:
- the Chairperson of CHED as Chairperson;
- the President of the University as Vice Chairperson;
- the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture of the Senate as member;
- the Chairperson of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of Representatives as member;
- the Regional Director of NEDA as member;
- the Regional Director of DOST as member;
- the President of the federation of faculty associations of the University as member;
- the President of the federation of student councils of the University as member;
- the President of the federation of alumni associations of the University as member; and
- two (2) prominent citizens from the private sector who have distinguished themselves in their profession or fields of specialization as members.
Section 6 requires the Board to appoint the two (2) prominent citizens from a list of at least five (5) qualified persons in the Province and City of Iloilo, based on normal standards and qualifications set by the Board.
Section 6 requires a search committee constituted by the University President to recommend the list, in consultation with the Chairperson of CHED and the other members of the Board.
Section 6 limits service of the representatives from faculty, student councils, and alumni to the duration of their terms under their constitutions and bylaws.
Section 6 fixes the term of the two (2) prominent citizens at two (2) years from date of appointment and allows eligibility for reappointment for another term.

Board powers, fees, and governance mechanisms

Section 7 empowers the Board (in addition to its general corporate powers) to promulgate and implement policies consistent with Philippine constitutional education and related State policies, and the CHED policies under Republic Act No. 7722 (the Higher Education Act of 1994).
Section 7 empowers the Board to issue rules and regulations not contrary to law to carry out University purposes and functions.
Section 7 requires the Board to receive and appropriate all sums provided for the University’s support.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to import economic, technical and cultural books and/or publications.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to receive in trust legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal properties and to administer and dispose of them when necessary for the University, subject to the donor’s limitations, directions, and instructions if any.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to fix tuition fees and other necessary school charges (including matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees) after due consultations with involved sectors.
Section 7 mandates that tuition fees and other charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the University, constitute special trust funds deposited in an authorized government depository bank, with interest accruing to the same fund for University use.
Section 7 requires that fiduciary fees be disbursed for the specific purposes for which collected.
Section 7 requires the University to retain income generated from tuition fees and other charges and from operations of auxiliary services and land grants, and allows the Board to disburse such income for instruction, research, extension or other University programs or projects.
Section 7 authorizes the Board, if the University cannot pursue a project for which funds were appropriated and allocated under an approved program of expenditures for reasons beyond its control, to authorize use of the funds for any reasonable purpose necessary and urgent for attainment of University objectives and goals.
Section 7 requires the Board to adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees for greater access to poor but deserving students.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to acquire loans from government depository banks or government financial institutions for construction or repair of buildings, machinery, equipment, and other facilities, and for purchase/acquisition of real property including necessary supplies, materials, and equipment.
Section 7 requires the Board to appoint, upon recommendation of the President, Vice Presidents, deans, directors, heads of departments, heads of campuses, faculty members, and other officials and employees.
Section 7 requires the Board to fix and adjust salaries of faculty and administrative officials and employees subject to the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and other pertinent budget and compensation laws governing hours of service and other duties and conditions; it authorizes leaves of absence under Board regulations and requires removal for cause with due process of law.
Section 7 requires Board approval of curricula, instructional programs, and rules of discipline drawn by the Administrative and Academic Councils.
Section 7 requires the Board to set policies on admission and graduation.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to award honorary degrees for outstanding contribution in education, public service, arts, science and technology, agriculture, or any field within the University’s academic competence, and to authorize certificates of completion of nondegree and nontraditional courses.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to establish and absorb nonchartered tertiary institutions within the Province of Iloilo as branches and centers in coordination with CRED, and in consultation with DBM, to offer programs/courses for equal access to educational opportunities mandated by the Constitution.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to establish research and extension centers of the University when such promote development of the University.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to establish professorial chairs and provide fellowships for qualified faculty members and scholarships to deserving students.
Section 7 authorizes delegation of powers and duties to the President and/or other officials to expedite University administration.
Section 7 authorizes an external management audit subject to COA rules and authorizes reforms based on audit results and recommendations.
Section 7 authorizes collaboration with other governing boards of state colleges and universities within the Province of Iloilo or Region VI under CRED supervision and in consultation with DBM to restructure the University for efficiency, relevance, productivity, and competitiveness.
Section 7 authorizes the Board to enter into joint ventures with business and industry for profitable development and management of the University’s economic assets, with proceeds used for University development and strengthening.
Section 7 authorizes consortia and other economic linkages with LGUs, institutions, and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, to further the University purposes and objectives.
Section 7 authorizes academic arrangements for institutional capability building with appropriate institutions and agencies, public and private, local and foreign, and authorizes appointment of experts as consultants, part-time/visiting/exchange professors, scholars or researchers.
Section 7 authorizes setting policies for participative decision-making and transparency within the University.
Section 7 authorizes privatization of management of nonacademic services where most advantageous to the University, including health, food, building/grounds/property maintenance and similar activities.
Section 7 authorizes extension of the President’s term beyond retirement age up to seventy (70) years where performance is unanimously rated by the Board as Outstanding, based on Board guidelines, qualifications and standards, after unanimous recommendation by the search committee.

Board meetings and member compensation

Section 8 requires the Board to convene regularly once every three (3) months.
Section 8 authorizes the Chairperson, when necessary, to call a maximum of two (2) special meetings within the same period, with three (3) days prior written notice.
Section 8 defines quorum as a majority of all members holding office at the time of the meeting.
Section 8 requires that the Chairperson of the Board or the President of the University be present for the meeting.
Section 8 provides that if the Chairperson is absent, the Chairperson of CHED designates a CHED Commissioner as representative with full rights and responsibilities of a regular member.
Section 8 provides that during such meeting, the President of the University (as Vice Chairperson) presides.
Section 8 further authorizes CHED’s Chairperson to designate a CHED Commissioner as regular Chair, in which case that CHED Commissioner acts as presiding officer.
Section 8 authorizes the Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees on Education to designate representatives if they cannot attend; representatives have the same rights and responsibilities as regular members.
Section 8 states that Board members receive no salary but are entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred attending meetings or other authorized official business, subject to existing laws and regulations.

University President, campus heads, and officers

Section 9 requires the University to be headed by a President who renders full-time service and is appointed by the Board upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee under Board guidelines, qualifications, and standards.
Section 9 sets the President’s term at four (4) years and allows eligibility for reappointment for another term.
Section 9 mandates that the incumbent President of the WVCST serves as the first President of the University.
Section 9 requires the Board to constitute the Search Committee for the Presidency (SCP) within six (6) months before expiration of the incumbent President’s term.
Section 9 requires the Board, upon vacancy due to death, compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause, or incapacity, to designate an Officer-in-Charge within six (6) months from the date of vacancy, pending appointment of a new President.
Section 9 limits the successor or Officer-in-Charge to the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 9 provides that the President’s powers and duties include those usually pertaining to the office in similar universities, plus those delegated by the Board.
Section 9 requires the President’s salary to follow the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System and be comparable to salaries of Presidents of similar educational institutions.
Section 9 requires the President to be assisted by:
- a Vice President for Academic Affairs,
- a Vice President for Administration and Finance, and
- a Vice President for Research and Extension,
  appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the President.
Section 10 provides that Campus Administrators head University campuses, render full-time service, and are appointed by the Board upon recommendation of the search committee and the President, subject to Board guidelines, qualifications and standards.
Section 10 provides that incumbent College Administrators of the extension campuses serve as Campus Administrators of their respective campuses.
Section 11 requires the Board to appoint a Secretary who serves for both the Board and the University, keeps all Board records and proceedings, and ensures members are served notice of Board meetings.
Section 12 makes the Treasurer of the Philippines the ex officio Treasurer of the University.

Councils and faculty protections

Section 13 establishes an Administrative Council chaired by the President and composed of Vice Presidents, deans, directors, campus administrators, and other officials of equal rank.
Section 13 requires the Administrative Council to review and recommend to the Board policies governing administration, management, and development planning.
Section 14 establishes an Academic Council chaired by the President and composed of all academic staff with at least the rank of assistant professor.
Section 14 authorizes the Academic Council to review and recommend curricular offerings and rules of discipline to the Board.
Section 14 requires the Academic Council to fix requirements for admission and graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to Board review and approval through the President.
Section 14 gives the Academic Council disciplinary power over students and requires formulation of academic policies and rules on discipline, subject to Board approval.
Section 15 prohibits inquiry into political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, and religious opinion or affiliation in the appointment of faculty members.
Section 15 requires faculty appointment to be subject to Board guidelines, qualifications, and standards.
Section 15 prohibits any faculty member from teaching for or against any particular church or religious sect.

Scholarships, admissions, loans/transfers

Section 16 requires the University to provide a scholarship program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who qualify for admission.
Section 16 prohibits denial of admission on grounds of gender, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin.
Section 17 authorizes heads of national government bureaus and offices, upon request of the President, to loan or transfer apparatus/equipment/supplies needed by the University and to detail employees for duty when such can be spared without serious detriment to public service.
Section 17 requires detailed employees to perform duties required by the President and counts the time employed as part of their regular services.

Assets, land ownership, and personnel transfer

Section 18 transfers to the University all assets (real and personal), personnel, records, and liabilities or obligations of WVCST and the listed named colleges.
Section 18 requires respect for the positions, rights, and security of tenure of faculty members and personnel employed under existing laws prior to conversion.
Section 18 declares parcels of land belonging to the government and occupied by the listed institutions to be property of the University and requires titling under the University’s name.
Section 18 provides that if the University ceases to exist or is abolished, or if the parcels of land are no longer needed by the University, the land reverts to the LGU(s) concerned.

Tax exemptions for imports and donations

Section 19 exempts from customs duties, upon CHED certification, the importation by the University of economic, technical and cultural books or publications for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical or cultural purposes.
Section 19 exempts donations in any form to the University from the donor’s tax and treats them as allowable deductions from the gross income for computing the donor’s income tax under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

Appropriations and transition operations

Section 20 charges amounts necessary to carry out the Act against the current year’s appropriations of the listed institutions, except sums needed to continue operations of the existing high school.
Section 20 requires that thereafter, sums necessary for continued operation and maintenance of the University be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Development plan, audits, and reporting

Section 21 requires the University, within one hundred twenty (120) days after approval of the Act, to:
- submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget to CHED for recommendation to DBM;
- undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED; and
- set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including appointments of key officials.
Section 22 requires the Board to file on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second (2nd) month after the opening of the regular classes each year:
- a detailed report with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Chairperson of CHED, and
- a detailed report with both Houses of Congress on progress, conditions, and needs of the University.

Effectivity, CHED university-status condition

Section 23 makes Republic Act No. 8292 (the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) an integral part of the Act and part of the University’s governing charter.
Section 24 imposes a parity rule that all powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, and limitations under existing laws applicable to state universities and their officials are deemed granted to or imposed on the University and its officials whenever appropriate.
Section 25 requires the Board, in consultation with CHED, to formulate guidelines to fully implement the Act.
Section 26 provides that establishment or conversion into a state university becomes effective only upon CHED determination and declaration—based on recommendation of a panel of experts—that the institution complied with requirements for university status.
Section 26 requires CHED, through its regional office, to regularly provide technical assistance and monitor compliance.
Section 26 requires CHED to designate a panel of experts to recommend to the CHED Chairperson whether the institution has substantially complied with university-status requirements.
Section 26 sets operational requirements for university status as:
- Level III accreditation or equivalent under CHED policies for at least four (4) undergraduate programs (including one (1) in liberal arts and one (1) in the sciences) and two (2) graduate programs;
- a ratio of qualified full-time faculty with requisite degrees to number of students;
- adequate library and laboratories;
- research and development output of practical and commercial application to the community;
- relevant linkages and outreach programs serviceable to the community; and
- relevant academic policies, systems and processes.
Section 26 preserves the institution’s status prior to effectivity unless it complies within a period not exceeding January 1, 2016.

Separability, repeal, and publication effectivity

Section 27 provides separability: if any part of the Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts remain in full force and effect.
Section 28 repeals or modifies accordingly all laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the Act.
Section 29 sets effectivity at fifteen (15) days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Issuance details and approval

The Act is Republic Act No. 10595 entitled “AN ACT CONVERTING THE WESTERN VISAYAS COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (WVCST) IN THE CITY OF ILOILO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY, WITH CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BAROTAC NUEVO, DUMANGAS, LEON AND MIAG-AO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.”
Republic Act No. 10595 is dated June 04, 2013.
The Senate President signs approval: JUNE 04, 2013.