Mandate of the College
- The College shall provide advanced education primarily in sciences, arts, education, entrepreneurship, engineering, and related fields.
- It will also conduct research, extension services, and offer leadership in its specialized areas.
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- The College shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution.
Curricular Offerings
- Offers undergraduate and graduate courses in industrial technology, arts and sciences, architecture, nontraditional courses, and related degrees fitting its mandate and capabilities.
- The existing high school unit will be transferred to the Department of Education but allowed to operate on campus until current students graduate.
- The graduate school becomes part of the Institute of Education, which may also operate a laboratory school.
Administration and Governing Structure
- The College holds corporate powers under the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- Governance is vested in a Board of Trustees and the College President.
- The Board includes key government officials, representatives from faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent private citizens appointed for two years.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees
- The Board promulgates policies in line with constitutional and CHED educational standards.
- It creates rules, appropriates funds, manages donations, sets fees, and authorizes constructions and appointments.
- It may fix faculty and staff salaries, approve curricula, set admission and graduation policies, and award honorary degrees.
- The Board can establish branches, research centers, chairs, scholarships, and engage in joint ventures.
- It may privatize nonacademic services and extend the President's term beyond retirement age subject to outstanding performance.
Board Meetings and Operations
- Regular meetings every three months; special meetings upon notice.
- Quorum requires majority presence including either the CHED Chairperson or College President.
- Board members serve without salary but may receive reimbursement for expenses.
Leadership: President and Officers of the College
- The President, appointed by the Board for a four-year term, leads the College full-time and may be reappointed once.
- An Officer-in-Charge appointed by CHED chairs the College pending first President's appointment or vacancy.
- Vice Presidents and other officials are appointed on the President's recommendation.
Secretary and Treasurer
- The Board appoints a Secretary to manage records and notice of meetings.
- The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio Treasurer of the College.
Administrative and Academic Councils
- The Administrative Council reviews and recommends policies on management and development.
- The Academic Council, made up of faculty, reviews curricular offerings, admission and graduation requirements, rules of discipline, and student governance matters.
Faculty Appointment and Non-Discrimination
- Faculty appointments are free from inquiry into political beliefs, gender, ethnicity, or religion.
- Faculty must not promote or oppose any religious sect in teaching.
Scholarship and Admission Policies
- Scholarships and affirmative programs assist poor but deserving students.
- Admission shall not be denied based on sex, religion, cultural, or ethnic affiliation.
Loan or Transfer of Government Resources
- National government bureaus may loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, or personnel to the College as requested.
- Detailed employees perform College duties with service time credited.
Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel Transition
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the former Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Naga Campus are transferred to BISCAST.
- Security of tenure for existing employees is respected.
- Certain provincial land used by the College is transferred but reverts to the province if no longer needed.
Tax Exemptions
- Importation of economic, technical, and cultural materials by BISCAST is exempt from customs duties with CHED certification.
- Donations receive donor tax exemption and are deductible from taxable income.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding comes from the previous college's appropriations except for ongoing high school operations.
- Later funding included in national budget appropriations.
Development Plan and Organizational Setup
- Within 120 days of enactment, the College must submit a five-year development plan, undergo a management audit, and establish organizational structure with key appointments.
Reporting Requirements
- Annual progress report must be filed with the Office of the President, CHED, and Congress.
Supplementary Provisions
- Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act) applies as part of the College’s governing charter.
- Powers, responsibilities, and limitations under existing laws for state colleges and officials apply to BISCAST.
Implementing Rules
- The Board, with CHED, will formulate rules for the implementation of this Act.
Separability Clause
- If any part of the Act is invalid, remaining provisions stay effective.
Repealing Clause
- Conflicting laws, decrees, orders, or regulations are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.