AN ACT CONVERTING THE MARIKINA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MIST) INTO THE MARIKINA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE (MPC)

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9289

Conversion of Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) to Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC)
- Section 1: MIST is converted into MPC.

Purpose of MPC
- Section 2: To offer higher professional and technical instructions and training to prospective teachers and instructors in technical education and skills development (TESD) institutions.
- To serve as a center for development on shoe and leathercraft industry.
- To provide technological, professional and occupational training on appropriate technologies for community-based enterprises.
- To undertake research and extension services in its areas of specialization.

Powers of MPC
- Section 3: MPC will have the structure and powers of a higher education institution, specifically a teacher education institution.
- It shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth in the Corporation Code of the Philippines.
- The administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Trustees.

The Governing Body (Board of Trustees)
- Section 4: Composition of the Board of Trustees.
- The Chairperson shall supervise degree programs, and the Co-Chairperson shall supervise non-degree programs.
- Term of office for the president of faculty association, student council, and alumni association shall be co-terminus with their term.
- Three prominent citizens shall serve for a term of two (2) years.

Powers and Duties of the Board
- Section 5: Detailed list of powers and duties of the Board, including:
  - Promulgate rules and regulations.
  - Receive and appropriate funds for the support of MPC.
  - Receive donations and legacies, which shall be exempt from donor's tax.
  - Coordinate with CHED, TESDA, and other governing boards.
  - Approve curricula, programs, and rules of discipline.
  - Develop and implement a system of equivalency and credit transfer.
  - Set policies on admission, graduation, and certification.
  - Fix tuition fees and other charges.
  - Provide scholarships and subsidies to poor but deserving students.
  - Fix and adjust salaries of faculty and staff.
  - Provide fellowships to qualified faculty members.
  - Develop training arrangements for institutional capability-building.
  - Authorize construction, repair, and purchase of facilities and properties.
  - Enter into joint ventures with business and industry.
  - Develop consortia and linkages with other institutions and agencies.
  - Privatize management of non-academic services.

Meetings of the Board
- Section 6: The Board shall convene at least once every quarter.
- A majority of all members shall constitute a quorum.
- Members shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses.

Administration
- Section 7: The administration shall be vested in a President appointed by the Board.
- The President shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment.
- The current head of MIST shall become the officer-in-charge until the President is appointed.

Administrative Council
- Section 8: There shall be an Administrative Council consisting of the President, vice-presidents, deans, directors, and other officials.
- The duty is to review and recommend policies governing administration, management, and development planning.

Academic Council
- Section 9: There shall be an Academic Council consisting of the President, vice-presidents, and instructional staff with the rank of not lower than assistant professor.
- The Academic Council shall review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission requirements, graduation requirements, and conferring of certificates and diplomas.

Secretary and Treasurer
- Section 10: The Board shall appoint a Secretary.
- Section 11: The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio Treasurer of MPC.

Admission and Scholarships
- Section 12: No student shall be denied admission based on gender, nationality, religion, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or political affiliation.
- MPC shall provide a scholarship program and other subsidies to assist poor but deserving students.

Religion
- Section 13: No religious opinion, political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin shall be a matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members.
- No faculty member shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.

Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure
- Section 14: Within 120 days after the approval of this Act, MPC shall:
  - Submit a five (5) year development plan and program budget to CHED and TESDA.
  - Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED and TESDA.
  - Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of key officials.
  - Set in motion the establishment of higher and advanced programs on technological education.

Transfer of Assets
- Section 15: All assets, personnel, records, liabilities, and obligations of MIST shall be transferred to MPC.
- All government-owned land occupied by MIST shall be titled under the name of MPC.

Loan of Equipment
- Section 16: Heads of government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer equipment, supplies, or detail employees for duty in MPC.

Auditing
- Section 17: All accounts and expenses of MPC shall be audited by the Commission on Audit or its representative.

Filing of Report
- Section 18: On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second month after the opening of regular classes each year, the Board shall file a detailed report on the progress, conditions, and needs of MPC with the Office of the President, CHED, TESDA, and both Houses of Congress.

Appropriations
- Section 19: The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of MIST.
- Thereafter, sums necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of MPC shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Repealing Clause
- Section 20: Special Provisions No. 8 appearing on page 882 of Republic Act No. 8760 is repealed.
- All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, memoranda, rules, and regulations contrary or inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Separability Clause
- Section 21: If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Effectivity
- Section 22: This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.