Law Summary

1. Establishment

• Legal Principle: This section establishes the Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) by integrating several existing educational institutions in Iloilo.
• Key Definitions:
  • Northern Iloilo State University (NISU): The new state university formed by integrating existing colleges.
• Requirements/Procedures: NISU will include the following institutions:
  • Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC)
  • NIPSC - Barotac Viejo Campus
  • Ajuy Polytechnic College
  • Batad Polytechnic College
  • Concepcion Polytechnic College
  • Lemery Polytechnic College
  • Victorino Salcedo Polytechnic College
• Important Details:
  • Main campus located in Estancia, Iloilo.

2. General Mandate

• Legal Principle: NISU’s primary function is to provide advanced education and training in various fields.
• Key Definitions:
  • Advanced education: Higher technological and professional instruction.
• Requirements/Procedures: NISU will focus on research and extension services.
• Important Details:
  • Fields of specialization: fisheries, agriculture, forestry, science, education, commerce, engineering, tourism, etc.

3. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy

• Legal Principle: NISU shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy as per the Philippine Constitution.
• Key Definitions:
  • Academic Freedom: The liberty of the university to determine its educational policies.
• Important Details: This autonomy allows NISU to operate independently in its academic pursuits.

4. Curricular Offerings

• Legal Principle: NISU must offer various curricular programs aligned with industry needs.
• Key Definitions:
  • Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: Academic programs leading to degrees.
• Requirements/Procedures:
  • Curricular offerings to include marine technology, engineering, agriculture, etc.
  • High school operations to be under the Department of Education until current students graduate.
• Important Details: The Board of Regents can add necessary courses.

5. Administration

• Legal Principle: NISU is governed by a Board of Regents.
• Key Definitions:
  • Board of Regents: The governing body of NISU.
• Requirements/Procedures:
  • The Board has corporate powers under the Corporation Code.
• Important Details:
  • Administration vested in the Board and President of the University.

6. The Governing Board

• Legal Principle: Composition and powers of the Board of Regents are defined.
• Key Definitions:
  • Members: Include CHED Chair, University President, congressional members, and representatives from faculty, students, and alumni.
• Important Details:
  • The Board appoints two prominent citizens as members for a term of two years.

7. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents

• Legal Principle: Outlines specific powers of the Board.
• Requirements/Procedures:
  • The Board can set policies, approve curricula, and manage finances.
• Important Details:
  • The Board must ensure policies align with national education laws.

8. Meetings of the Board

• Legal Principle: Specifies meeting frequency and quorum requirements.
• Important Details:
  • Regular meetings every three months; special meetings can be called with prior notice.

9. The University President

• Legal Principle: Establishes the position and terms of the University President.
• Key Definitions:
  • University President: Chief executive officer of NISU.
• Requirements/Procedures:
  • Term of four years; incumbent NIPSC President may serve as the first President.
• Important Details: A search committee will be formed for future appointments.

10. Heads of University Campuses

• Legal Principle: Designates campus directors for NISU campuses.
• Important Details:
  • Incumbent college administrators will serve as Campus Directors until retirement.

11. The Secretary of the University

• Legal Principle: Appointment of a Secretary to manage records and proceedings.
• Important Details: The Secretary serves both the Board and University.

12. The Treasurer of the University

• Legal Principle: The Treasurer of the Philippines serves as ex officio Treasurer of NISU.

13. The Administrative Council

• Legal Principle: Establishes an Administrative Council for governance.
• Important Details: Review and recommend policies to the Board.

14. The Academic Council

• Legal Principle: Composed of academic staff to oversee academic policies.
• Important Details: Responsible for curricula and student discipline.

15. The Faculty

• Legal Principle: Faculty appointments shall be non-discriminatory.
• Important Details: No inquiry into political or religious beliefs during hiring.

16. Scholarship Program/Admission

• Legal Principle: Establishes a scholarship program for deserving students.
• Important Details: Admission criteria must be equitable.

17. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment

• Legal Principle: Allows government agencies to support NISU with equipment and personnel.
• Important Details: Support is contingent on availability without detriment to public service.

18. Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel

• Legal Principle: Transfers assets and personnel from integrated colleges to NISU.
• Important Details: Employee rights and tenure must be respected.

19. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations

• Legal Principle: Exempts certain imports and donations from taxes.
• Important Details: Donations qualify as tax-deductible for donors.

20. Appropriations

• Legal Principle: Funding for the university's operation is outlined.
• Important Details: Initial appropriations from integrated colleges' budgets.

21. Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational Structure

• Legal Principle: Mandates the creation of a development plan within 120 days of enactment.
• Important Details: Includes program budget submission to CHED.

22. Filing of Report

• Legal Principle: Annual reporting obligation to the President and Congress.
• Important Details: Reports on progress and needs due by the 15th of the second month after classes commence.

23. Suppletory Application

• Legal Principle: Integrates provisions of the Higher Education Modernization Act into this Act.

24. Parity Clause

• Legal Principle: Grants all powers and responsibilities applicable to state universities to NISU.

25. Compliance with CHED Requirements

• Legal Principle: NISU’s university status is contingent on CHED compliance.
• Important Details: Must meet specific operational requirements by January 1, 2016.

26. Implementing Rules and Regulations

• Legal Principle: The Board must formulate guidelines for the Act's implementation.

27. Separability Clause

• Legal Principle: If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain effective.

28. Repealing Clause

• Legal Principle: Repeals any conflicting laws or regulations.

29. Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The Act takes effect 15 days post-publication.

Key Takeaways

• The establishment of the Northern Iloilo State University integrates multiple educational institutions to enhance educational access and service in Iloilo.
• The university is tasked with providing diverse academic programs and enjoys institutional autonomy.
• The governance structure is defined, emphasizing the roles of the Board of Regents, University President, and various councils.
• Financial provisions, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations are set to ensure accountability and operational effectiveness.