Law Summary

Introduction

Presidential Decree No. 1778, dated January 15, 1981, establishes the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University through the merger of several educational institutions in La Union, Philippines, and integrates Sapilang Elementary School into the university.

Establishment of the University

• Legal Principle/Provision: The decree establishes the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University by merging the following institutions:
  • Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State College
  • Southern Ilocos Polytechnic State College
  • La Union School of Arts and Trades
  • La Union Community College
• Integration: The Sapilang Elementary School is also integrated into the university.

Personnel and Administration

• Faculty Transfer: All current faculty and personnel from the merged institutions are transferred to the university.
• Asset Management: The university will manage all assets, records, and properties of the merged institutions.

Educational Mandate

• Advanced Instruction: The university will provide instruction in various fields including arts, agriculture, fishery, engineering, and natural sciences.
• Research and Extension Work: The university is also mandated to promote research and engage in extension services.

Governance Structure

• Governing Board: The university will be governed by a Board of Regents, composed of:
  • Minister of Education and Culture (Chairman)
  • University President (Vice-Chairman)
  • Regional Director of National Economic and Development Authority
  • Four appointed prominent citizens
• Quorum Requirements: A majority of board members constitutes a quorum, including the Minister or their representative.

Powers and Duties of the Board

• General Powers: The Board can enact rules for governance, receive appropriated funds, approve curricula, confer degrees, and appoint university officials.
• Financial Authority: The Board can establish tuition fees and maintain a fund for university use.

University Leadership

• Appointment of President: The university president is appointed for a six-year term by the President of the Philippines based on the Minister of Education's recommendation.

Autonomy and Governance

• Autonomy Clause: The governance structure allows for autonomy among the various colleges within the university, promoting initiative and creativity.

Administrative and Academic Councils

• Administrative Council: Composed of the university president and vice-presidents, tasked with implementing university policies.
• Academic Council: Includes all professors and is responsible for curricula and discipline.

Faculty Appointments

• Exemption from Civil Service: Faculty members are exempt from civil service examinations and religious tests during appointments.

Admissions Policy

• Non-Discriminatory Admission: No student shall be denied admission based on age, sex, religion, or political affiliation.

Financial Oversight

• Treasurer: The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as the ex-officio Treasurer of the university, with accounts subject to audit by the Commission on Audit.

Eminent Domain Authority

• Acquisition Rights: The university is authorized to exercise eminent domain for site acquisition.

Implementation and Reporting

• Ministerial Oversight: The Minister of Education and Culture is tasked with overseeing the decree's implementation, including annual reports on the university's progress.

Appropriations

• Funding: An initial appropriation of PHP 20,000,000 is authorized for the university's establishment, with subsequent funding included in the Annual General Appropriation Act.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws

• Repeal Clause: Previous decrees and laws conflicting with this decree are repealed or amended accordingly.

Effectivity

• Effective Date: The decree takes effect in the school year 1981-82.

Key Takeaways

• The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University is established by merging four educational institutions.
• A Board of Regents governs the university with specific powers regarding administration and funding.
• The faculty is transferred without the need for civil service examinations.
• The university promotes a non-discriminatory admission policy and has the authority to acquire land through eminent domain.
• An initial budget allocation is set, with oversight from the Minister of Education and Culture for implementation and reporting.