An act converting the State Polytechnic College of Palawan in the Province of Palawan into a State University to be known as the Western Philippines University and appropriating funds therefor

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9260:

Conversion of State Polytechnic College of Palawan into Western Philippines University (WPU)
- Section 1: Converts the State Polytechnic College of Palawan into the Western Philippines University, with its main campus in Aborlan, Palawan.

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings
- Section 2: WPU shall provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in fields like agriculture, fisheries, forestry, engineering, environment, education, arts, sciences, rural development, and other relevant fields.
- Section 3: WPU shall offer undergraduate and graduate studies in its areas of specialization, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, engineering, environment, education, arts and sciences, coastal resource management, marine biology, oceanography, and rural development.

Administration and Governing Board
- Section 4: WPU shall have the general powers of a corporation, with its administration vested in the Board of Regents and the President.
- Section 5: The Board of Regents shall be the governing board, composed of representatives from various government agencies, faculty, students, alumni, and three prominent citizens.

Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents
- Section 7: The Board shall have powers and duties related to promulgating rules and regulations, receiving and appropriating funds, importing duty-free books and publications, receiving donations, fixing tuition fees and charges, appointing officials and employees, approving curricula, awarding degrees, establishing branches and extension centers, entering into joint ventures, and privatizing non-academic services.

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

University President and Administrative Council
- Section 9: The University shall be headed by a President, appointed by the Board for a term of four years, eligible for reappointment.
- Section 10: There shall be an Administrative Council to review and recommend policies on administration, management, and development planning.

Academic Council and Secretary
- Section 11: There shall be an Academic Council to review and recommend curricular offerings, rules of discipline, admission and graduation requirements.
- Section 12: The Board shall appoint a Secretary to keep records and proceedings.

Treasurer, Faculty, and Scholarship Program
- Section 13: The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio treasurer of the University.
- Section 14: No discrimination shall be made in the appointment of faculty members based on political beliefs, gender, cultural affiliation, or religious opinion.
- Section 15: The University shall provide a scholarship program and affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students.

Academic Freedom, Institutional Autonomy, and Assets
- Section 16: The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
- Section 17: Government bureaus and offices are authorized to loan or transfer apparatus, equipment, supplies, or detail employees for duty in the University.
- Section 18: All assets, liabilities, and personnel records of the State Polytechnic College of Palawan shall be transferred to the University.

Appropriation and Development Plan
- Section 19: The necessary amount to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the State Polytechnic College of Palawan.
- Section 20: Within 120 days, the University shall submit a five-year development plan, undergo a management audit, and set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure.

Reporting and Incorporation of Other Laws
- Section 21: The Board shall file an annual report on the progress, conditions, and needs of the University.
- Section 22: The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) shall form part of this Act and serve as the governing charter of the University.

Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- Section 23: All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
- Section 24: This Act shall take effect upon its approval.