Conversion of Existing Schools into University Units
- Bicol Teachers College, Daraga Central Elementary School, Albay Provincial High School, Bicol Regional School of Arts and Trades, Roxas Memorial Agricultural School, and School of Fisheries at Tabaco are incorporated into the University
- Board of Regents empowered to reorganize these units
Primary Purpose
- To provide professional and technical training
- Offer advanced and specialized instruction in literature, philosophy, science, and arts
- Promote scientific and technological research
Powers of the University
- General corporate powers in accordance with Act No. 1459
- Acquire public lands for expansion and beneficial use
- Undertake construction of buildings and improvements via the college of engineering
- Transfer appropriations from previously independent schools to the University
Composition and Appointment of the Board of Regents
- Nine members composed of six regular members and three ex-officio members
- Regular members: two educators from Bicol region, two businessmen/professionals from the region interested in education, two successful alumni
- Ex-officio members: Secretary of Education (Chairman), Chairmen of Senate Committee on Finance and House Committee on Appropriations
- Regular members appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments consent for four-year terms
- Restrictions on University employees serving as Board members
- Per diem and reimbursement provisions for members
Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Schedule meetings and special meetings
- Recommend the University President for appointment
- Fix President’s compensation and roles
- Appropriate funds for University operations
- Establish and reorganize colleges and schools
- Receive and administer donations, legacies, and gifts, tax-exempt
- Appoint University personnel with power to fix compensation, grant leaves, and remove for cause
- Approve courses, fees, and rules of discipline
- Provide scholarships and fellowships
- Establish academic chairs and confer honorary degrees
- Submit annual detailed reports to the President of the Philippines
Quorum and Legal Process
- Quorum defined as majority of members holding office
- Processes must be served on Board Chairman or Secretary
Administration and Officers
- President of the University as Chief Executive, serving full-time
- Assisted by three Vice-Presidents: Executive, Academic Affairs, External Affairs
- Vice-Presidents appointed by Board on President’s recommendation
Powers and Duties of the University President
- Recommend appointments of key personnel
- Promulgate general government ordinances and regulations consistent with law
University Secretary
- Appointed by Board of Regents
- Keeps records for both Board and University
University Council and Academic Powers
- Composed of President and faculty with ranks from dean to assistant professor
- Power to prescribe courses, admission requirements, rules of discipline (subject to Board approval)
- Power to confer degrees and punish students
Faculty and Academic Freedom
- Faculty composed of each college's professors and instructors
- Deans elected presiding officers of faculties
- No religious or political tests or indoctrinations allowed
- Protection of academic freedom
Exemption from Civil Service Requirements
- Top University officials and academic staff exempt from civil service exams
- Classified employees in Comptroller and Auditor General's offices remain subject
- All entitled to government-like benefits including security of tenure, promotion, and retirement
Comptroller and Auditor
- Comptroller appointed by President with civil service rank, appoints subordinates
- Auditor General serves as ex-officio auditor with a civil service-qualified representative
- Staffing and compensation fixed by Board of Regents
Support from National Government
- Heads of National Bureaus and Offices authorized to loan apparatus, supplies, and detail employees
- Such employees count detailed time as regular service
Board of Visitors
- Composed of national and regional legislators
- Duty to inspect University operations, finances, and reports
- Make recommendations to the President of the Philippines
Abolition of Predecessor Institutions
- Existing institutions merged and abolished
- Personnel, funds, and assets transferred to Bicol University
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial appropriation of one million pesos plus unexpended balances
- Maintenance funds included in the annual General Appropriations Act
- Board of Regents to recommend annual budget requests
Effectivity
- Law takes effect immediately upon approval.