Converting the Bulacan Agricultural State College in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, into Bulacan State Agricultural University

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11783

Conversion of Bulacan Agricultural State College into Bulacan State Agricultural University
- The Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) and its integrated campuses are converted into the Bulacan State Agricultural University (BSAU). (Section 1)
- The main campus of BSAU shall be in Barangay Pinaod, Municipality of San Ildefonso, Bulacan. (Section 1)

General Mandate and Curricular Offerings
- BSAU shall provide advanced instruction and training in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, agricultural engineering, geodetic engineering, fisheries, education, science and technology, arts and humanities, information and communications technology, and other relevant fields. (Section 2)
- BSAU shall offer undergraduate and graduate courses in the aforementioned fields to meet human resource needs of Bulacan and Region III. (Section 3)
- The existing laboratory senior high school shall continue to operate under the College of Education. (Section 3)

Administration
- The governing body is the Board of Regents, chaired by the CHED Chairperson and co-chaired by the BSAU President. (Section 5)
- The Board has general corporate powers and specific powers and duties outlined in Section 6, including:
    - Promulgating policies in accordance with education laws and CHED standards. (Section 6a)
    - Approving curricula, instructional programs, and student discipline rules. (Section 6b)
    - Appointing officials, faculty, and employees, and fixing their salaries and benefits. (Section 6c, 6d)
    - Fixing tuition fees and other charges, which shall constitute special trust funds. (Section 6e)
    - Adopting a socialized tuition scheme for greater access to poor students. (Section 6f)
    - Establishing professorial chairs, fellowships, and scholarships. (Section 6g)
    - Receiving appropriations and other funds to carry out BSAU's purposes. (Section 6h)
    - Setting admission and graduation policies. (Section 6i)
    - Awarding honorary degrees and certificates. (Section 6j)
    - Establishing research and extension centers. (Section 6k)
    - Developing academic arrangements with other institutions. (Section 6l)
    - Adopting innovative modes of knowledge transmission. (Section 6m)
    - Collaborating with other state universities and colleges for restructuring. (Section 6n)
    - Absorbing non-chartered tertiary institutions as branches or centers. (Section 6o)
    - Authorizing external management audits. (Section 6p)
    - Developing consortia and linkages with LGUs and other institutions. (Section 6q)
    - Importing economic, technical, and cultural books and publications. (Section 6r)
    - Entering into joint ventures with business and industry. (Section 6s)
    - Receiving legacies, gifts, and donations. (Section 6t)
    - Extending the President's term beyond retirement age but not beyond 70 years old. (Section 6u)
    - Delegating powers and duties to BSAU officials. (Section 6v)
    - Establishing policy guidelines for participative decision-making. (Section 6w)
    - Privatizing the management of non-academic services. (Section 6x)
    - Authorizing construction, repair, purchase, and acquisition of facilities and property. (Section 6y)
    - Promulgating necessary rules and regulations. (Section 6z)
- The Board shall meet quarterly, with a majority quorum. (Section 7)
- The BSAU President shall be appointed by the Board for a 4-year term and may be reappointed. (Section 8)
- The Board shall appoint a Secretary and the Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio Treasurer. (Sections 9, 10)
- There shall be an Administrative Council and an Academic Council. (Sections 11, 12)
- Campus Directors shall be appointed by the Board as heads of campuses. (Section 13)
- No discrimination in faculty appointment based on political beliefs, gender, culture, or religion. (Section 14)

Academic Freedom, Institutional Autonomy, and Scholarship Programs
- BSAU shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. (Section 15)
- BSAU shall provide scholarships and affirmative action programs for poor but deserving students, without discrimination. (Section 16)

Transfer of Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel
- All assets, liabilities, personnel, and records of BASC shall be transferred to BSAU. (Section 18)
- Positions, rights, and tenure of faculty and personnel shall be respected. (Section 18)
- Government lands occupied by BASC shall be titled under BSAU's name. (Section 18)

Tax Exemption and Importation
- Importation of economic, technical, and cultural books for BSAU's purposes shall be exempt from customs duties. (Section 19)
- Donations and contributions to BSAU for educational purposes shall be exempt from donor's tax and considered allowable deductions. (Section 19)

Compliance with CHED Requirements
- The conversion shall be effective upon CHED's determination that BSAU has complied with the requirements for university status based on CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012. (Section 20)
- CHED shall provide technical assistance and monitor BSAU's compliance. (Section 20)

Development Plan, Management Audit, and Organizational Structure
- Within 120 days, BSAU shall:
    - Submit a 5-year development plan and program budget to CHED. (Section 21a)
    - Set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure. (Section 21b)
    - Undergo a management audit in coordination with CHED. (Section 21c)

Reporting Requirement
- The Board shall file a detailed report on BSAU's needs, condition, and progress to the President and Congress annually. (Section 22)

Appropriations and Implementation
- Necessary funds shall be charged against BASC's current appropriations, and thereafter included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 25)
- The Board, in consultation with CHED, shall formulate implementing rules and regulations within 60 days. (Section 26)