Creation of UP Visayas as autonomous unit

State colleges and universities, particularly the University of the Philippines (U.P.) System, are tasked with upgrading higher education to enhance the Philippines' status as an international learning center.
Emphasis is placed on improving U.P.'s facilities and programs in agriculture, business, economics, natural and physical sciences.
An integrated U.P. campus in Iloilo focusing on food and marine sciences is to be expanded.
Region VI (Western Visayas) is designated as the site for the University of the Philippines in the Visayas with a marine sciences focus.

The President is empowered under P.D. No. 1416 to reorganize government structures.
Executive Order No. 628 establishes the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (U.P. in the Visayas) as an autonomous university within the U.P. System.

The U.P. in the Visayas shall comprise:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Fisheries
- Institute of Fisheries Development and Research
- Brackishwater Aquaculture Center
- School of Development Management
- Graduate School
- School of Development Technology
- Other units as approved and funded via the General Appropriations Act.
The university may acquire land and water resources for its main campus in Miagao, Iloilo, and for academic, research, and extension purposes, subject to laws and budget constraints.

The autonomous university is headed by a Chancellor, who is an ex-officio member of the U.P. System Board of Regents.
The Chancellor is the executive officer responsible for governance, academic programs, discipline rules, degree awards, inter-institutional links, reporting, budgeting, and other delegated functions.
The Chancellor is supported by Vice-Chancellors and necessary administrative and support staff.

Prescribe university governance rules consistent with the U.P. System policies.
Submit courses, programs, discipline rules, and degree awards for Board of Regents approval.
Maintain academic interchange with other U.P. units, educational institutions, and government ministries.
Submit annual operational reports and other required documents.
Prepare and recommend the university's budget to the Board of Regents.
Perform other delegated administrative functions to ensure efficient university administration.

Staffing and compensation for U.P. in the Visayas and the Chancellor's office will follow applicable laws, including P.D. Nos. 1177, 985, and other pertinent budget and compensation regulations.

An initial fund of Two Hundred Ten Thousand Pesos (P210,000) for 1980 is allocated to operationalize the Chancellor’s office, charged against uncommitted government funds authorized for new government units.
Future operational funds starting 1981 will be sourced from appropriations authorized under Batas Pambansa Blg. 80.