AN ACT CONVERTING THE QUIRINO STATE COLLEGE (QSC) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DIFFUN

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 10230

Conversion and Integration
- The Quirino State College (QSC) in Diffun, Quirino is converted into the Quirino State University (QSU), integrating the Quirino Polytechnic College (QPC) in Cabarroguis and the Maddela Institute of Technology (MIT) in Maddela. (Section 1)

General Mandate
- The University shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional and vocational instruction and training in various fields. (Section 2)
- It shall undertake research, extension services, and production activities to support the development of Quirino Province. (Section 2)

Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
- The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 3)

Curricular Offerings
- The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields, including technical-vocational programs and non-traditional courses. (Section 4)
- It may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school under its College of Education. (Section 4)

Administration
- The administration and exercise of corporate powers shall be vested in the Board of Regents and the University President. (Section 5)

The Governing Board (Board of Regents)
- The composition of the Board of Regents is specified, including ex-officio members and appointed members. (Section 6)
- The terms of office for various members are defined. (Section 6)

Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- The Board shall have various powers and duties, including promulgating policies, rules and regulations, receiving and appropriating funds, importing books and publications, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees and other charges, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula, awarding degrees, establishing branches and centers, establishing research and extension centers, providing fellowships and scholarships, authorizing external audits, collaborating with other institutions, entering joint ventures, and extending the term of the University President. (Section 7)

Meetings of the Board
- The Board shall convene regularly once every three (3) months, with provisions for special meetings. (Section 8)
- Quorum requirements and provisions for designating representatives are specified. (Section 8)
- Members shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses. (Section 8)

The University President
- The University shall be headed by a President appointed by the Board, with a term of four (4) years and eligibility for reappointment. (Section 9)
- The incumbent President of QSC shall serve as the first President of QSU. (Section 9)
- Provisions for vacancy and appointment of an Officer-in-Charge are specified. (Section 9)
- The President shall be assisted by Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration, and Research and Development, Extension Services and Training. (Section 9)

The Secretary and Treasurer of the University
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings. (Section 10)
- The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University. (Section 11)

The Administrative Council and Academic Council
- An Administrative Council shall review and recommend policies on administration, management, and development planning. (Section 12)
- An Academic Council shall review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements, and academic policies. (Section 13)

The Faculty
- No discrimination shall be made in the appointment of faculty members based on political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation, ethnic origin, or religious opinion or affiliation. (Section 14)
- Appointments shall be subject to guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board. (Section 14)
- No faculty member shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect. (Section 14)

Scholarship Program and Admission
- The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students. (Section 15)
- No student shall be denied admission based on sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin. (Section 15)

Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus, Equipment, Supplies and Detail Personnel
- Heads of national government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, and detail employees for duty in the University. (Section 16)

Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of QSC, QPC, and MIT shall be transferred to the University. (Section 17)
- The positions, rights, and security of tenure of personnel shall be respected. (Section 17)
- Government-owned lands occupied by QSC, QPC, and MIT shall be titled under the University's name, with provisions for reversion. (Section 17)

Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations
- Importation of economic, technical, and cultural books or publications by the University shall be exempt from customs duties. (Section 18)
- Donations to the University shall be exempt from donor's tax and considered as allowable deductions from the donor's gross income. (Section 18)

Appropriations
- The necessary amount shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of QSC and MIT, except for the existing high school operations. (Section 19)
- The concerned LGU shall continue to provide financial assistance to QPC until its funding is included in the General Appropriations Act. (Section 19)
- Subsequent funding for the University's operations and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 19)

Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure
- Within 120 days, the University shall submit a five (5)-year development plan and program budget to CHED, undergo a management audit, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of key officials. (Section 20)

Filing of Report
- 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 annually. (Section 21)

Suppletory Application
- The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) shall be an integral part of this Act and serve as part of the University's Governing Charter. (Section 22)

Parity Clause
- All other powers, functions, privileges, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to state universities and their officials under existing laws shall be granted to or imposed upon the University and its officials. (Section 23)

Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate the rules and regulations to fully implement the provisions of this Act. (Section 24)

Separability Clause
- If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions shall remain in full force and effect. (Section 25)

Repealing Clause
- All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 26)

Effectivity
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. (Section 27)