Declaration of Policy
- The State promotes quality education that is accessible and relevant to societal needs.
- Strengthens engineering curricula consistent with global standards.
- Declares Batangas State University (BatStateU) as the national engineering university.
Purpose of BatStateU
- Provide world-class academic training in engineering and related professions, fostering responsible citizenship.
- Offer advanced studies and specialization for faculty and professionals.
- Develop industry-driven and emerging engineering programs, promote academe-industry collaboration, and innovate pedagogies.
- Conduct basic and applied research, promote collaborations, and disseminate knowledge.
- Intensify high-impact scientific and technological research through the STEER Hub.
- Lead academic standards, innovation, and maintain centers of excellence.
- Offer courses in varied fields as determined necessary for comprehensive education.
- Lead conservation and management of the Verde Island Passage and establish related research centers.
- Generate knowledge and technology for global competitiveness.
- Provide professional advancement in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and contribute to resilient community efforts.
- Contribute to economic growth and community well-being through KIST Park.
- Provide public service and technical assistance while maintaining excellence.
- Strengthen Laboratory and Integrated Schools as feeder schools for STEM programs.
- Protect and promote welfare of academic and nonacademic personnel.
- Offer leadership training promoting nationalism and democratic values.
- Cooperate globally with international scientific unions and networks.
- Ensure democratic governance with active constituent participation.
University Composition
- Composed of constituent and extension campuses as designated by the governing board.
- Constituent campuses include BatStateU-Pablo Borbon, Alangulan, ARASOF-Nasugbu, JPLPC-Malvar, Lipa, and future campuses.
- Extension campuses include Lobo, Mabini, Balayan, Rosario, Lemery, San Juan, and future campuses.
Academic Freedom
- BatStateU enjoys academic freedom as per RA 8292 and the Philippine Constitution.
Commitment to National Development
- At least 50% enrollment in engineering and technology programs.
- Discontinue new programs not allied with engineering or technology.
- Accelerate faculty development in engineering and technology.
- Lead in scientific and technological R&D and knowledge dissemination.
Social Responsibility
- Serve Filipino nation and humanity, aligning activities with Filipino needs and aspirations.
- Provide venues for volunteerism.
Democratic Access
- Affirmative steps to enhance access for disadvantaged students (indigenous peoples, PWDs, poor but deserving).
- Prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, nationality, religion, economic status, ethnicity, disability, or political opinion.
- Guarantee religious freedom.
Sports, Culture, and the Arts
- Support comprehensive sports programs to promote physical education, excellence, identity, pride, and teamwork.
- Strengthen culture and arts as strategic national resources.
Institutional Autonomy
- Greater flexibility for BatStateU in determining academic and institutional policies consistent with national goals.
Administration
- BatStateU has corporate powers per RA 11232.
- Administered by Board of Regents and University President.
- Central administration led by University President, assisted by Vice Presidents.
- Chancellors administer constituent campuses; Campus Directors administer extension campuses.
Board of Regents Composition
- Chaired by CHED Chairperson, co-chaired by BatStateU President.
- Members include Senate and House Committee Chairpersons on Higher Education, NEDA Director General, DOST Secretary, and representatives of faculty, students, alumni, nonteaching personnel, and two private sector representatives.
- Private sector reps must include an engineering and technology professional.
- Terms and conditions detailed for members.
Board Meetings and Quorum
- Regular and special meetings with written notices.
- Majority plus presence of CHED Chairperson or designate constitute quorum.
- Voting allowed remotely and in absentia as provided by law.
Powers and Duties of Board
- Define academic thrusts and institutional goals.
- Preserve University integrity.
- Approve academic programs, structural changes, curricula, and discipline rules.
- Appoint faculty and officials.
- Fix tuition fees and other charges after consultation.
- Implement socialized tuition schemes per RA 10931.
- Approve admission and graduation policies.
- Award honorary degrees without consideration.
- Establish research, extension centers.
- Authorize travel, fellowships, scholarships.
- Develop institutional linkages, public-private partnerships.
- Manage donations, gifts, land leases, and joint ventures per strict conditions.
- Extend President and faculty tenures beyond retirement age under conditions.
- Construct and repair facilities.
- Enact internal governance rules.
- Privatize nonacademic services if advantageous.
- Promulgate necessary rules and regulations.
President of BatStateU
- Chief academic and executive officer.
- Elected for four-year term, renewable once.
- Full-time service.
- Vacancy filled by Officer-in-Charge pending new appointment.
- Salary per Salary Standardization Law.
Secretary of BatStateU and Board
- Designated Secretary keeps records of the University and Board.
Academic Council
- Composed of President (Chair), VP for Academic Affairs, and faculty assistant professor rank and higher.
- Highest academic body.
Powers of Academic Council
- Review and propose academic policies, curricula, evaluation systems.
- Recommend honorary degrees and graduation honors.
- Prescribe academic programs and student welfare policies.
- Adopt internal rules.
Administrative Council
- Composed of President and key officials.
- Reviews and recommends administrative and management policies.
Research and Extension Services Councils
- Research Council advises on research directions, policy, and fund allocation.
- Extension Services Council advises on extension services planning and policies.
Chancellor of Constituent Campus
- Administers each constituent campus.
- Designated by Board on President's recommendation.
- Reports to University President.
Faculty
- College faculty presided over by Dean, appointed by Board.
- No discrimination based on political, gender, cultural, ethnic, or religious views in appointments.
- Faculty prohibited from teaching for/against religious sects.
Student Affairs
- Establishment of student councils at college, campus levels, and university federation.
- Student councils advance student welfare and interests.
- Freedom of expression and autonomy guaranteed for student publications.
Land Grants and Real Properties
- State may support BatStateU through appropriations, land grants, donations.
- Income from land and properties used for University purposes.
- Ownership of landholdings confirmed; expedited title issuance mandated.
- Board may approve land leases and joint ventures respecting academic missions and environmental laws.
- No alienation of BatStateU real properties except as donation terms allow.
- Revenue generation projects must align with academic mission and be approved through consultation.
Safeguards on Asset Disposition
- Sale of existing real property prohibited except for specific cases.
- Leases over five years and certain transactions require Board approval with conditions:
- Transparency, competitive bidding, fairness opinions.
- No contract splitting to circumvent rules.
- Certain leases (faculty/staff benefits, academic purposes) exempted.
Management of Funds
- Independent trust committee manages funds via trust agreements.
- Committee recommends universal banks for fund management.
- Emphasis on preserving value and earning reasonable returns.
Tax Exemptions
- Revenues and assets used for education exempt from taxes.
- Grants, donations exempt from donor’s tax and deductible for donors.
- Importation of educational materials and equipment exempt from customs duties.
- Academic awards exempt from taxes.
Reporting and Auditing
- Annual financial and operation reports submitted to Congress.
- All accounts audited by Commission on Audit.
Rules of Construction
- Powers and privileges of BatStateU preserved unless expressly amended.
- Interpretation favors academic freedom and fiscal autonomy.
Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to BatStateU’s current appropriations.
- Subsequent funding included in General Appropriations Act.
Development Plan and Organizational Setup
- Within 120 days post-enactment, BatStateU must:
- Submit 5-year development plan and budget.
- Organize and designate officials.
- Secure additional positions and budget augmentations.
Transitory Provision
- Incumbent President serves as first President of the national engineering university with possible reappointment.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect remaining provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Amends, repeals inconsistent laws, notably repeals RA 9045 and amendments pertaining to the establishment of BatStateU.
Effectivity
- Law takes effect 15 days after publication.