AN ACT CONVERTING THE JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE COLLEGE (JRMSC) IN THE CITY OF DAPITAN

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9852

Conversion and Integration
- The Jose Rizal Memorial State College (JRMSC) in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte is converted into a state university called the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU). (Section 1)
- The Katipunan National Agricultural School (KNAS) and the Zamboanga del Norte Agricultural College (ZNAC) are integrated into the JRMSU. (Section 1)

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings
- The JRMSU shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in various fields of study. (Section 2)
- The JRMSU shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields, subject to the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (Section 3)
- Existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education (DepED), but may remain within the campus until students complete their high school education. The JRMSU may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education. (Section 3)

Administration
- The administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Regents and the President of the University. (Section 4)

Board of Regents
- The governing board is the Board of Regents, composed of various members from government agencies, faculty, students, alumni, and private sector. (Section 5)
- The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education and CHED policies. (Section 6)
- The Board has various powers and duties related to promulgating rules, receiving funds, importing duty-free books, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees, authorizing construction and repairs, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, entering joint ventures, and other administrative and academic matters. (Section 7)
- The Board shall meet at least once every quarter, with provisions for special meetings and quorum requirements. (Section 8)

University President and Campus Directors
- The University shall be headed by a President, appointed by the Board for a term of 4 years, renewable for another term. (Section 9)
- Campus Directors shall head the University campuses and shall be appointed by the Board. (Section 10)

Administrative and Academic Councils
- There shall be an Administrative Council to review and recommend policies on administration, management, and development planning. (Section 11)
- There shall be an Academic Council to review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and academic policies. (Section 12)

Secretary and Treasurer
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings. (Section 13)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. (Section 14)

Faculty and Admission
- Faculty appointment shall not discriminate based on political beliefs, gender, culture, ethnicity, or religion, subject to the Board's guidelines. No faculty shall teach for or against any particular religion. (Section 15)
- The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, culture, or ethnicity. (Section 16)

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 17)

Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of JRMSC, KNAS, and ZNAC shall be transferred to the JRMSU. The rights and tenure of personnel shall be respected. (Section 19)
- All government land occupied by JRMSC, KNAS, and ZNAC shall be titled under the JRMSU's name. (Section 19)

Appropriations
- The necessary amount shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of JRMSC, KNAS, and ZNAC, except for the existing high schools. Thereafter, the JRMSU's operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 20)

Development Plan, Management Audit, and Organizational Structure
- Within 120 days, the University shall: (Section 21)
- Submit a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED and DBM.
- Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED.
- Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of key officials.

CHED Monitoring and Evaluation
- CHED shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to determine continuing compliance with University status requirements. If the University does not maintain compliance, CHED shall recommend the revocation of University status. (Section 22)

Reporting
- The Board shall file a detailed report on the progress, conditions, and needs of the University with the Office of the President and Congress annually. (Section 23)

Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act. (Section 26)

Separability Clause, Repealing Clause, and Effectivity
- If any part of this Act is declared invalid, the remaining parts shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 27)
- All laws contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 28)
- This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation. (Section 29)