Law Summary
Transfer and Integration of Institutions
- Specific institutions such as Central Luzon Teachers College, Eastern Pangasinan Agricultural College, Pangasinan College of Fisheries, Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades, and others are integrated into the new university.
- These institutions will be maintained and operated as units or branches upon approval of the Board of Regents.
Scope of Instruction
- The university shall provide advanced instruction in arts, agricultural and natural sciences, technological, and professional fields.
University Governance: Board of Regents
- Governing body composed of:
- Minister of Education and Culture (Chairman)
- President of the University (Vice Chairman)
- Representative of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
- Two prominent citizens appointed by the President of the Philippines, one representing alumni and one from Pangasinan's prominent citizens.
- Terms for appointed members are initially two and four years, later standardized to four years.
- Provision for authorization of representatives during the Minister's absence.
Board Quorum and Legal Representation
- Quorum requires majority of members including either the Minister or the President of the University.
- Legal processes against the university shall be served on the President or authorized representative.
Compensation of Board Members
- Board members receive compensation and reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses related to their official duties.
Powers of the Board of Regents
- General administrative powers in line with Presidential Decree No. 1437.
- Corporate powers as provided in the Corporation Law (Act No. 1459).
Non-Discrimination in Admission
- Admission policies prohibit denial based on sex, nationality, religion, or political belief.
Appointment and Role of the University President
- President of the University appointed by the President of the Philippines for a six-year term.
- Appointment follows recommendation by the Minister of Education and Culture after consultation with the Board.
- The President holds typical powers and duties of a university chief executive.
Administrative Council
- Chaired by the University President.
- Comprises vice-presidents, deans, directors, and equivalent officials.
- Implements policies related to administration, management, and development planning, subject to Board approval.
Academic Council
- Chaired by the University President with all faculty members as members.
- Faculty includes instructors, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors.
- Powers include prescribing curricula, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and degree conferral recommendations, all subject to Board review.
- Holds disciplinary power over students within approved guidelines.
Faculty Appointment and Religious Neutrality
- Faculty exempt from civil service examination or regulation for appointment.
- No religious tests applied; religious opinions or affiliations shall not influence appointment.
- Faculty prohibited from teaching for or against any religious sect.
Financial Administration
- Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex-officio treasurer of the University.
- The Commission on Audit audits all accounts and expenses.
Transfer of Assets and Personnel
- Transfer of all college personnel, assets, records, and appropriations from merged institutions to the University.
Loan or Transfer of Equipment and Personnel
- Heads of government bureaus and offices in Region I authorized to loan or transfer equipment and detail employees to the University.
- Detailed employees' service time counts as regular service.
Implementation and Advisory Committee
- The Minister of Education and Culture tasked with immediate implementation.
- Authorized to create a technical committee to advise the Board of Regents on establishment and development.
Annual Reporting
- Board of Regents must file an annual report on the University's progress, conditions, and needs to the Office of the President through the Minister of Education and Culture.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial appropriation of One Million Pesos from the National Treasury.
- Future funding to be included in the Annual Appropriation Act.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- Republic Act No. 5705 and other conflicting laws, acts, decrees, or executive orders are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.