AN ACT CONVERTING THE MINDANAO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9519:

Conversion and Integration
- The Mindanao Polytechnic State College in Cagayan de Oro City is converted into the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), integrating satellite campuses in Jasaan, Alubijid, Panaon, and Oroquieta City. (Section 1)
- The main campus shall be in Cagayan de Oro City. (Section 1)

General Mandate
- The University shall provide advanced education, higher technological and professional instruction, advanced instruction in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and advanced research and extension work in human resource development for global competitiveness. (Section 2)

Curricular Offerings
- The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. (Section 3)
- The existing high school shall be transferred to the Department of Education but allowed to operate within the campus until current students complete their education. (Section 3)

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

Board of Regents
- The governing board shall be the Board of Regents, composed of representatives from CHED, the Senate, the House of Representatives, NEDA, DOST, faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent citizens. (Section 5)
- The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with state policies on education, agriculture, science, and technology, and CHED policies. (Section 6)
- The Board shall have specific powers and duties related to promulgating rules, receiving funds, importing duty-free materials, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees, authorizing construction and repairs, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula, setting admission and graduation policies, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, establishing research and extension centers, providing fellowships and scholarships, delegating powers, authorizing audits, collaborating with other institutions, entering joint ventures, developing consortia, adopting modern teaching modes, setting participative decision-making policies, and privatizing non-academic services. (Section 7)
- The Board shall meet at least quarterly, with provisions for special meetings and quorum requirements. (Section 8)

University President
- The University shall be headed by a President appointed by the Board for a 4-year term, eligible for reappointment. (Section 9)
- The incumbent President of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College shall serve as the first President of the University. (Section 9)
- The President shall be assisted by Vice Presidents appointed by the Board. (Section 9)

Campus Directors
- Campus Directors shall head the University campuses and 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. (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 provide notice of meetings. (Section 13)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio Treasurer of the University. (Section 14)

Faculty
- Faculty appointments shall not discriminate based on political beliefs, gender, culture, ethnicity, or religion, subject to Board guidelines. (Section 15)
- No faculty member shall teach for or against any particular religion. (Section 15)

Scholarship Program and Admission
- The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. (Section 16)
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, culture, ethnicity, or community affiliation. (Section 16)

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

Authority to Loan or Transfer Equipment and Detail Personnel
- Government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer equipment and supplies, and detail employees for duty at the University. (Section 18)

Development and Promotion of Cultural Heritage
- The existing University theater arts program shall be enhanced and strengthened to promote and preserve culture and the arts, especially local and indigenous practices of Mindanao. (Section 19)

Tax Exemptions
- The University's revenues and assets used for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. (Section 20)
- Donations to the University shall be exempt from donor's tax and considered as allowable deductions from the donor's gross income. (Section 20)
- Importation of books, supplies, materials, and equipment certified by the Board shall be exempt from customs duties. (Section 20)
- The University shall pay 0% value-added tax. (Section 20)
- Educational monetary awards shall be exempt from taxes. (Section 20)

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College shall be transferred to the University. (Section 21)
- The rights and tenure of personnel shall be respected. (Section 21)
- Government lands occupied by the Mindanao Polytechnic State College shall be titled under the University's name. (Section 21)

Appropriations
- The current year's appropriations of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College shall be used to carry out the provisions of this Act, except for the high school operations. (Section 22)
- Subsequent funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 22)
- A University Modernization Program Fund of Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) per year for 5 years shall be appropriated for construction and improvement of facilities, including the University theater. (Section 22)

Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational Structure
- Within 120 days, the University shall: (Section 23)
- Submit a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED
- Undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED
- Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including appointment of key officials

Suppletory Application
- The provisions of the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 shall be an integral part of this Act. (Section 25)

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

Separability Clause
- If any part of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 27)

Repealing Clause
- All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 28)

Effectivity
- This Act shall take effect 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation. (Section 29)