AN ACT CONVERTING THE PANAY STATE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE INTHE PROVINCE OF CAPIZ INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CAPIZ STATE UNIVERSITY (CAPSU) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9273:

Conversion of Panay State Polytechnic College into Capiz State University (CAPSU)
• Section 1: Converts Panay State Polytechnic College into Capiz State University (CAPSU), with the center for administration in Roxas City campus and the center for academic affairs in Mambusao Poblacion Campus.

General Mandate
• Section 2: CAPSU shall primarily provide advanced instruction and professional training in agriculture, fishery and forestry, science and technology, arts and humanities, education, and related fields. It shall also undertake research, extension services, production activities, and provide leadership in its areas of specialization.

Curricular Offerings
• Section 3: CAPSU shall offer undergraduate, graduate, and short-term courses within its areas of specialization and capabilities, as determined by the Board of Regents. The existing high schools shall be transferred to the Department of Education (DepEd), but CAPSU may operate a laboratory school if it has a College of Education.

Administration
• Section 4: CAPSU 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 Regents and the president.

The Governing Board (Board of Regents)
• Section 5: The Board of Regents shall be the governing board, composed of various members, including the CHED Chairperson, University President, Chairpersons of Congressional Committees on Education, NEDA Regional Director, DA Regional Director, and representatives from faculty, students, alumni, and two prominent citizens.

Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
• Section 7: The Board shall have various powers and duties, including promulgating rules and regulations, receiving and appropriating funds, importing duty-free books and publications, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees and charges, authorizing construction and repairs, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula and programs, setting admission and graduation policies, awarding honorary degrees, establishing branches and centers, establishing research and extension centers, providing fellowships and scholarships, delegating powers, authorizing external audits, collaborating with other institutions, entering joint ventures, developing linkages, adopting modern modes of knowledge transmission, setting policies for participative decision-making, privatizing non-academic services, and extending the term of the president beyond retirement age under certain conditions.

Meetings of the Board
• Section 8: The Board shall convene at least once every quarter, with provisions for special meetings, quorum requirements, and reimbursement of expenses for members.

The University President
• Section 9: The University shall be headed by a president appointed by the Board for a term of four years, eligible for reappointment. The president shall be assisted by vice presidents for academic affairs and administration. Provisions are made for handling vacancies in the president's office.

The Administrative Council
• Section 10: There shall be an Administrative Council consisting of the president, vice presidents, deans, directors, and other officials, whose duty is to review and recommend policies governing administration, management, and development planning.

The Academic Council
• Section 11: There shall be an Academic Council with the president as chairperson and academic staff members, with the power to review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and academic policies.

The Secretary and Treasurer of the University
• Sections 12 and 13: The Board shall appoint a secretary to keep records and proceedings, and the Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.

Faculty
• Section 14: Faculty members shall be appointed without discrimination based on political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion or affiliation.

Scholarship Program and Admission
• Section 15: CAPSU shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist deserving students. No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin.

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
• Section 16: CAPSU shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to the Constitution.

Authority to Loan or Transfer
• Section 17: Government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, or detail employees for duty at CAPSU, when such resources can be spared without detriment to public service.

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
• Section 18: All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of Panay State Polytechnic College shall be transferred to CAPSU. The positions, rights, and security of tenure of personnel shall be respected. Government lands occupied by PSPC shall be titled under CAPSU's name.

Appropriations
• Section 19: The necessary amount to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of PSPC, except for the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high schools. Thereafter, sums necessary for CAPSU's operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure
• Section 20: Within 120 days after the approval of this Act, CAPSU shall submit a five-year development plan and program budget to CHED, undergo a management audit in cooperation with CHED, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment/designation of key University officials.

Filing of Report
• Section 21: On or before the fifteenth 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 the University with the Office of the President of the Philippines, CHED, and both Houses of Congress.

Suppletory Application
• Section 22: The provisions of the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 shall be an integral part of this Act and serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University.

Repealing Clause
• Section 23: All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Effectivity
• Section 24: This Act shall take effect upon its approval.