IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10604 AS AMENDED BY RA 11012 OR THE ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CHARTER

The following rules and regulations are hereby adopted and promulgated pursuant to Republic Act No. 10604 otherwise known as “AN ACT CONVERTING THE ILOILO STATE COLLEGE OF FISHERIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WITH CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN ENRIQUE, DINGLE,AND DUMANGAS, AND INTEGRATING THEREWITH THE BAROTAC NUEVO POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Rule I

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title. – These implementing rules and regulations are promulgate equity groups pursuant to Section 25 of the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10604, as amended, otherwise known as  “AN ACT CONVERTING THE ILOILO STATE COLLEGE OF FISHERIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, PROVINCE OF ILOILO INTO A STATE UNIVERSITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WITH CAMPUSES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN ENRIQUE, DINGLE,AND DUMANGAS, AND INTEGRATING THEREWITH THE BAROTAC NUEVO POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAROTAC NUEVO, ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.”

SEC. 2. Purpose. – These rules and regulations are promulgated to define the procedures and guidelines for implementing RA 10604, as amended, to facilitate the accomplishment of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science Technology (ISUFST)’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives.

SEC. 3. Declaration of Policy. – It is a declared policy of the State to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of higher education relevant to the needs of the people and society. The State shall likewise ensure and protect academic freedom. It shall promote its exercise and observance for continuing learning and research, the development of responsible and effective leadership, the education of high-level and middle-level professionals, and the enrichment of the Filipino historical and cultural heritage. State-supported institutions of higher learning shall gear their programs to national, regional, or local development plans. All institutions of higher learning shall exemplify through their physical and natural surroundings the dignity and beauty as well as pride in the intellectual and scholarly life.

Rule II

DEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 1. Definition of Terms. – Whenever used in these implementing rules and regulations, the following words and phrases shall mean or refer thus:

Academic Freedom. Refers to the academic freedom that shall be construed in the following aspects:

For the University. Refers to the right of the University to determine for itself, on academic grounds, who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study.

For the Faculty. Refers to the right of faculty member or teacher to teach the subject of his/her specialization according to his/her best lights; to hold in other subjects, such as ideas he/she believes sincerely to be right; and to express his/her opinions on public questions in a manner that shall not interfere with his/her duties as member of the faculty or jeopardize his/her loyalty to the University. It also includes the right of the teacher/faculty members or researchers to investigate and discuss the problems of his/her conclusions, whether through publication, presentation, or the instruction of students, without interference from political or administrative officials of the University, unless his/her methods are found by competent authority/ies of his/her profession to be clearly incompetent and contrary to professional ethics and generally accepted practices.

For the Students. Refers to the expression of academic freedom shall consists of, but not limited to the following rights:

To conduct research in connection with academic work and to freely discuss and publish their findings and recommendations subject to the provisions of the Research Innovation and Extensive Service Manual, Policy and Procedures for Research Ethical Approval, and the Intellectual Property Policy, and Technology Transfer Protocol of the University;

To conduct an inquiry pertaining to curricular and extracurricular activities within the campus;

To choose a field of study, subject to limitations set by law, and to pursue the quest for truth, to express their opinion on any subject of public or general concern which directly or indirectly affects the students or educational system;

To express contrary interpretations or dissenting opinions inside and outside the classroom;

To invite off-campus speakers or resource persons to student-sponsored assemblies, fora, symposia, and other activities of similar nature;

To participate, through their duly elected officers, in drafting of a new curriculum and the review or revision of the old;

To participate, through their duly elected officers, in the committees or councils involved in the drafting and/or revising of students’ Handbook, manuals, policies, and other university rules and regulations affecting students’ rights. A copy of the said student handbook shall be furnished to the students upon payment of reasonable charge/fee thereof after admission to the University.

To be free from any form of indoctrination leading to imposed ideological homogeneity; and

To free expression of opinions and suggestions, and effective channels of communication with appropriate academic channels and administrative bodies of the school or institution.

The Academic Council is the principal academic authority of the University responsible for proposing, presenting, regulating, and maintaining the standards of teaching, research, extension, and production programs in relation to academic matters.

The Administrative Council is the policy making body that considers matters of general concern pertaining to auxiliary services, instruction, research, extension, and production. It must review and recommend to the Board of Regents (BOR) the policies governing the University’s administration, management, financial requirements, and development planning.

The Research and Extension Council is the body responsible for proposing, presenting, and regulating policies regarding the implementation of research and extension programs and their centers at the University.

Business Affairs and Resource Generation Services. Refers to all kinds of services pertaining to economic or profit-generating activities done and/or rendered by the University, such as, but not limited to, hospital, garments and tailoring, cafeteria, janitorial, printing press, bookstore, and such other services other than academic.

Chairperson and Presiding Officer of the ISUFST Board of Regents. Refers to the CHED Chairperson or a Commissioner duly designated by him/her to serve and perform the powers and duties as regular Chair and Presiding Officer;

Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Refers to the government agency created by Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” which has jurisdiction over all HEIs, public or private, in the Philippines.

Community Laboratory. Refers to the community adopted by the University as part of its extension program where its students and/or faculty conduct research and civic services. This may also be a field laboratory/experimental station.

Curricular Freedom. Refers to the exercise freedom of the University to create and develop its curricular programs, subject to compliance with the minimum requirements established by the CHED.

Distance Education. Refers to a mode of educational delivery whereby the teacher and the learner are physically separated from each other, and instruction is delivered through appropriate communication technologies using specially designed materials and methods supported by organizational and administrative arrangements and structures, subject to compliance with pertinent issuances established by CHED.

Dual System. Refers to a teaching-learning approach utilizing both the experiences gained by students inside and outside the classrooms, usually through industry immersion, sometimes called the in-school, off-school approach.

Duly recognized campus alumni association. Refers to an association established by the bona fide alumni of the University from the (1) Laboratory High School as may be established by the University, (2) previous secondary and elementary level program of the main Campus, and (3) tertiary level programs, which ma be organized by every school/college or campus in the University or in such manner as may be observed by the general assembly of alumni of the University.

Duly recognized Federation of Alumni Associations. Refers to the federation of the duly recognized alumni associations of the University, to which the ISUFST has extended recognition as the legitimate and lawful organization of its alumni.

Duly recognized Faculty Association. Refers to a registered or accredited faculty organization of not less than ten percent (10%) of the rank-and-file faculty members of a SUC, its campus or department duly registered or accredited by the Civil Service Commission – Personal Relations Office (CSC-PRO), and Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau of Labor Relations (DOLE-BLR) for their mutual aid and protection.

Duly recognized federation of faculty associations. Refers to the federation of the faculty associations duly recognized by the ISUFST Board of Regents to be its legitimate and lawful faculty association.

Duly recognized campus student council. Refers to a student council established by a bona fide students of the University, which may be organized by the Campus or college in the University or such manner as may be observed by the general assembly of students of the University.

Duly recognized Federation of Student Councils. Refers to the federation of the duly recognized student councils in the different campuses or colleges of the University, to which the ISUFST Board of Regents has extended recognition.

Extension Campus. Refers to the Campus that responds to special needs/demands (e.g., instruction, research, or extension) with no or limited administrative structure duly created by the ISUFST Board of Regents or enabling law, operated in accordance with existing rules and regulations of CHED.

Extension services. Refers to the function of the University and the faculty members comprised of programs, projects, studies, or activities conducted in accordance with the policies of the University directed towards human empowerment, societal development and the improvement in the quality of life of target clients and further expand the social contributions of the University to the constituents in  various localities in Iloilo Province or its nearby localities.

External Campus. Refers to those campuses identified under Section 3, Rule IV hereof and to those other campuses which may be established by law.

Research Center. Refers to an entity established within the SUC to mobilize knowledge and technology towards enhancing productivity, generating employment, and reducing poverty, including transfer and/or application of technology/knowledge that contributes to the attainment of the country’s development goal.

Federation. Refers to a body formed by a number of associations/organizations with separate by-laws and must be registered with the appropriate government agency, of which each association/organization retains control of its internal affairs.

Flexible Learning. A pedagogical approach allows flexibility of time, place, and audience learning but is not solely focused on the use of technology. Although it commonly uses the delivery method of distance education and educational technology facilities, this may vary depending on the levels of technology, availability of devices, internet connectivity, level of digital literacy, and approaches.

Governing Board (G.B.). Refers to the highest policy-making bodies of SUCs. The highest policy-making body for a Chartered State University is the Board of Regents (BOR).

Instruction. Refers to a function of the University and faculty members, which includes, among others, the pedagogy and academic activities necessary for the delivery of educational services and degree programs or educational services to the students, professionals, and other clients that are vital in the realization of the mandates, vision, mission, and objectives of the University.

Internally generated Funds. Any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the University and may be disbursed by its G.B. for instruction, research, extension, or other programs/projects of the University: Provided, that all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected.

If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any projects for which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, its G.B. may authorize the use of the said funds for any reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the University.

Internally generated income. Refers to all receipts generated by SUCs out of tuition fees, other income collected from students, and from sources other than government appropriations.

ISUFST. Refers to ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

ISUFST-Board of Regents. Refers to the Governing Board (G.B.) of the ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

Main Campus. The Campus where the administrative services of the University are located and/or where the University President principally holds office.

Open Learning. Refers to a philosophy of student-centered learning adopting a great amount of flexibility in the learning process, thus enabling them to learn at the time, place, and pace that satisfies their circumstances and requirements.

Open Distance Learning. Refers to the merger of the two (2) concepts, that of open learning and distance education. It is a system that combines the methodology of distance education with the philosophy of open and flexible learning.

Private Sector Representative (PSR). Refers to a G.B. member who is a prominent representing the private sector, distinguished in his or her profession or field of specialization aligned to the mandate of the SUC, and possesses none of the disqualifications under this IRR, no matter how such position is specified in the different charters of the SUCs.

Research services. Refers to the function of the University and the faculty members comprised of plans, programs, projects, studies, or activities conducted in accordance with the policies of the University directed towards the increase in the university-mandated outputs such as but not limited to the scientific body of knowledge, innovations, inventions, technology, and others produced by the different stakeholders with the protection of their intellectual property rights as promulgated in the Intellectual Property Policy of the University and other relevant laws.

Socialized scheme of tuition and other instructional fees. Refers to a scheme or pattern where the rate of tuition and instructional fees are collected on the basis of family income and/or socio-economic status of the student, such that the lesser-economically privileged students shall pay lesser fees than students coming from more economically advantaged families.

Special Trust Fund (STF) — refers to the income of the SUC arising from the collection of tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, service and other income. This is broken down into:

Tertiary Education. Refers to higher education degree programs for Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs.

University.  Refers to the ILOILO STATE UNIVERSITY OF FISHERIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

University Code. Refers to the set of guidelines of the University duly approved by the ISUFST-Board of Regents containing, among others, the policies on administration, instruction or academic and admission, research, extension, production, employment, financial management, disciplinary measures, and other relevant guidelines of the University.

Rule III

COVERAGE, APPLICATION, AND CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 1. Coverage. – This IRR shall apply to and cover the Main Campus, External and Extension Campuses, and such other Campuses as may be established by law or the University.

SEC. 2. Application and Construction. – The provisions of this IRR shall be applied in order to attain the mandates, intents,vision, mission, objectives, goals, and purposes of the University. The ISUFST shall strive to continue the provision of quality higher education, attain greater relevance and global competitiveness, maintain its institutional autonomy and academic freedom in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations, and establish jurisprudence. Thus, all doubts in the implementation of the provisions of this IRR shall be resolved in favor of the University.

In all matters affecting the welfare of the students, all doubts in the implementation of the provisions of this IRR shall be resolved in favor of the student subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

In all matters affecting the welfare of teaching and non-teaching personnel, all doubts in the implementation and interpretation of the provisions of this IRR shall be resolved in favor of the faculty members or personnel, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Rule IV

CONVERSION/INTEGRATION AND THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES

SECTION 1.  Conversion. – the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) in the Municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Province of Iloilo, including its campuses, namely the San Enrique Polytechnic College in the Municipality of San Enrique; the Dingle Agricultural and Technological College in the Municipality of Dingle; and the Dumangas Polytechnic College in the Municipality of Dumangas, is hereby converted into a state university to be known as the Iloilo State Univesity of Fisheries Science and Technology, hereinafter referred to as the University, and integrating therewith the Barotac Nuevo Polytechnic Institute in the Municipality of Barotac Nuevo. The main Campus of the University shall be located in Barangay Ilaya Poblacion, Municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Province of Iloilo.

SEC. 2. The Main Campus. – The University’s main Campus shall be in the Municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Province of Iloilo, and shall be called the ISUFST Main Campus. Here, the University President and other organic officials shall hold regular office.

SEC. 3. The External Campus. – The external campuses of the University shall be called the ISUFST San Enrique Campus in the Municipality of San Enrique, the ISUFST Dumangas Campus in the Municipality of Dumangas, and the ISUFST Dingle Campus in the Municipality of Dingle, all located in the Povince of Iloilo. Each Campus is the granting unit of various academic programs.

SEC. 4. Other Campuses. – The University may establish such other campuses subject to authorization by the Department of Budget and Management and other appropriate bodies.

Rule V

GENERAL MANDATE, PROGRAM OFFERINGS, AND FUNCTIONS

SECTION 1. General Mandate. – The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, hereinafter referred to as the University, shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction, and training in fisheries technology, arts and sciences, education, industrial technology, engineering, aquaculture, seaweed farming and other related fields of study and as may be relevant to national development. It shall also undertake research, extension services, and production activities in support of the development of the Province of Iloilo and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

The University may operate a reasonably-sized laboratory school if it has a College of Education.

SEC. 2. Program Offerings. – The University shall offer undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of fisheries, marine biology, agriculture, information and communications technology, arts and sciences, industrial technology, teacher education, engineering, administration and management, maritime studies, and other related courses within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities as the Board of Regents may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly in meeting the needs of the Province of Iloilo and Region VI.

SEC. 3. Continuation of the Program Offerings Prior to University Conversion. – The University shall continue the program offerings on the Main Campus and the external campuses prior to its conversion into a university in accordance with the pertinent rules and regulations of the CHED unless the Board of Regents decides otherwise.

SEC. 4. Requisites in the Consideration and Approval of Program Offerings . – The following requisites shall be satisfied before the Board of Regents considers or approves any new program offering:                  

SEC. 5. Requisites in the Consideration and Approval of the Curriculum Revisions. – A curriculum revision is undertaken to comply with the policies, standards, and guidelines or implement the recommendations by the accrediting or regulatory bodies without substantial alterations or changes in the nomenclature of the degree program or courses.

The following requisites shall be observed for the consideration and approval of revision for any curriculum of a degree program or course, to wit:

Provided, that no approval by the Board of Regents may be required if the proposed revision will comprise only a change in the schedule of offering the subject (e.g., from the first semester to the second semester or from the second year to the third year) or a change in course number or code only.

SEC. 6. Promulgation and Implementation of Policies. – The Board shall promulgate and implement policies in accordance with the declared State policies on education and other pertinent provisions of the Philippine Constitution on education, agriculture, science, and technology, as well as the policies, standards, and thrusts of the CHED under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994”.

The Board shall review and approve all service manuals, policies, and guidelines necessary and incidental to ensure proper implementation of the University’s mandates, vision, mission, objectives, programs, and plans.

Rule VI

ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1. Administration. – The University shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth in Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the “Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.” The administration of the University and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board and delegated to the President of the University insofar as authorized by the Board.

SEC. 2. Chief Executive Officer. – The University President shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the University whose primary duties and responsibilities are to faithfully, properly, efficiently, and effectively carry out the policies, guidelines,and programs laid down by the Board in accordance with the existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Rule VII

THE GOVERNING BOARD

SECTION 1. The Governing Board. – The governing Board of the University shall be the Board of Regents, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the following:       

SEC. 2. Minimum Qualifications, Standards, Requirements, and Selection Process of the Prominent Citizens. – The Board shall appoint two (2) prominent citizens from among a list of at least five (5) qualified persons in the Province of Iloilo where the University and its branches are located, as recommended by the search committee constituted by the University President, in consultation with the Chairperson of the CHED and the other members of the Board, based on the normal standards and qualifications for the position.

The Search Committee (S.C.) shall be composed of three (3) members: a Committee Chair to be selected by the BOR Chair, one from the Academic Community to represent the ISUFST faculty, students, and alumni, and one from the Private Sector, in accordance with the related provisions of the CMO 07, s. 2022 or the 2022 Revised IRR of RA 8292. S.C. membership is distinct from BOR membership.

The duly constituted S.C. shall take charge of recruiting, screening, and recommending to the Board at least five (5) qualified nominees for the possible appointment if there are two (vacancies) for the private sector representative or at least three (3) qualified nominees should there be one (1) vacancy. The private sector representative may come from places where the main Campus or external Campus of the University is located, from any other localities within the Province of Iloilo.

The Board shall take into consideration the qualifications and the weight of their possible contribution vis-a-vis knowledge, expertise, and depth and breadth of experience to the deliberations of the Board and to the realization of the mission of the University itself.

Private Sector Representative(s) shall be selected by a majority vote of all the sitting members of the BOR during the meeting called for that purpose and shall be appointed by the BOR through a Resolution. The Chairperson of the Board should sign the appointment(s).

The duly appointed private sector representative shall assume office after taking an oath before the Chair of the Board or before his/her duly designated representative.

In the event of two (2) consecutive failures to obtain the required number of qualified nominees, as aforementioned, the Governing Board may decide to continue the process upon the recommendation of the Search Committee and elect and subsequently appoint the new private sector representatives.

SEC. 3. Term of Office of the President of the Federation of Faculty Associations, President of the Federation of Student Councils, President of the Federation of Alumni Associations, and Private Sector Representatives. – The term of office of the President of the Federation of Faculty Associations, President of the Federation of Student Councils, and President of the Federation of Alumni Associations shall be concurrent with their terms of office in such capacities in accordance with their respective Constitution and By-laws duly ratified by their respective members.

The two (2) private sector representatives shall serve for a term of two (2) years each. They may be reappointed for another term only upon approval by a majority of the Board, provided that the University President shall favorably endorse them after proper consultation with the Chairperson of the ISUFST Board of Regents. In no instance shall the PSRs act on hold-over capacity after the expiration of their term.

SEC. 4. Succession in the Representation to the ISUFST Board of Regents by the Faculty, Student, and Alumni Sectors. – In the event that the President of the Federation of Faculty Associations loses his/her employment status by way of resignation, retirement, dismissal or transfer from the University or such other causes, or in case the President of the Federation of Student Councils loses his/her status as a bona fide student by expulsion, transfer or such other causes, or if the President of the Alumni Association loses his/her authority to hold the position by way of resignation, completion of term, or such other causes, then the representation of their sector shall be in accordance with the succession of the officers provided in their respective Constitution and By-laws: Provided, that should there be questions on the succession of officers in any sector, and avoid hiatus in the representation of any sector, a special election shall be conducted for the representative of the sector after due consultation with the stakeholders of the sector concerned.

The student representative shall be a bona fide student during the conduct of the election and the semester or school year of his/her representation to the Board. The duly elected representatives shall be eligible to represent their respective sectors to the Board with all the rights of a regular member within the period prescribed by the Board.

SEC. 5. Powers and Duties of the Board of Regents. – The Board shall have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of all powers granted to the Board of Directors of a corporation under existing law:

Such donations shall be exempt from the donor’s tax, and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the honor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended:

Provided that such donation shall not be disposed of, transferred, or sold;

To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, such as, but not limited to, matriculation fees, graduation fees, and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to impose, after due consultations with the involved sectors;

Such fees, including government subsidies and other income generated by the University shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank and all interests that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the University.

Any provision of existing laws, rules, and regulations to the contrary, notwithstanding any income generated by the University from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the operation of the University shall retain auxiliary services and land grants, which may be disbursed by the Board for instructions, research, extensions, or other programs/projects of the University.

Provided that all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected.

If, for reasons beyond its control, the University shall not be able to pursue any projects for which the funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, the Board may authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the University;   

SEC. 6. Meetings and Quorum of the Board. – The Board shall regularly convene at least once every quarter. However, the Chairperson may, upon three (3) days prior written notice, call a special meeting whenever necessary, subject to the frequency of such meetings as provided in Sec. 12.3 of CMO 07, s. 2022. A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members holding office at the time of the meeting: Provided, however, that the Chairperson of the Board or the President of the University is among those present in the meeting: Provided further, that a majority of such quorum may decide any question at the meeting, except those matters that require the affirmative vote of a greater proportion as prescribed by relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The minutes of the Board meetings shall be confidential. However, the Board may allow the University President to issue the corresponding BOR Resolution on the decisions made by the Board, subject to the University’s Standard Operating Procedures and the rules and regulations on Freedom of Information and the Data Privacy Act.

SEC. 7. Representatives of Board Members Coming from the Legislative Committees on Higher Education. – The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education or the Chairperson of the House of Representative Committee on Higher and Technical Education may designate, in writing, their representatives to the meeting, provided that such representative is not disqualified from holding public office under pertinent civil service laws and regulations. Such written authority should be presented to the Board Secretary before the start of the meeting. After such submission, the representative shall be entitled to the rights and powers of any regular member of the Governing Board unless the principal provides otherwise in writing. In case of a special meeting for the election of the SUC President, they should issue a written authority for their representative to attend and vote on their behalf.

SEC. 8. Presiding Officer. – The CHED Chairperson or the CHED Commissioner, as duly designated Chair in his/her capacity as Chairperson of the Board, shall preside over the regular meetings or special sessions thereof, except as hereinafter provided for.

In the absence of the Board chairperson and upon his/her written authority, the Governing Board vice-chairperson shall preside over the regular meetings and special meetings of the Governing Board, except as hereinafter provided.

While presiding and the Board chairperson finds it necessary to leave the meeting temporarily, the Board Chairperson may designate one of the members to act as a presiding officer until such time that the governing board chairperson can preside over the said meeting.

SEC. 9. Rights and Responsibilities of the Board of Regents, and No Compensation for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members of the Board. – The Board members should have all the rights and responsibilities of a regular member of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees of non-profit, non-stock corporations.

The Board Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, and members from the government have the right to sit as Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, and members thereof ipso facto upon their assumption into office.

The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members of the Board shall not receive any salary. However, they shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance to meetings of the Board or in connection with other official businesses authorized by resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.

SEC. 10. Entitlement to Honorarium of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members of the Board and its Resource Persons and duly Constituted Committees. – The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members of the Board shall be entitled to a reasonable honorarium for their attendance during board meetings.

The resource persons and the members of the Committees duly constituted by the Board shall likewise be entitled to a reasonable honorarium for their attendance during meetings and such other incidental activities, provided that the rate of honorarium shall be in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and such other relevant issuances thereof.

SEC. 11. Approval of Urgent Resolutions through Referendum. – The University President may request approval through a referendum of any urgent resolution/s or matter/s necessary or incidental to the realization of the mandates, vision, mission and objectives and ensure continuity in the delivery of the services of the University that require immediate action prior to the holding of the en bac meeting: Provided, that, the Chairperson of the Board shall approve the request for referendum before the same be routed to other members for their approval and signature. Further, it was provided that such resolution shall be signed by a majority of the Board and submitted for confirmation during the next Bord meeting. Upon its confirmation, the said resolution shall have the same legal effect as the one approved by the Board en bac.

Rule VIII

THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

SECTION 1. The University President. – The University shall be headed by a president who shall render full-time service. The Board shall appoint him/her upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. He/She shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term.

SEC. 2. Appointment and Term of Service. – After the Board has selected and appointed the University President by a majority vote of the members present in a meeting called for the purpose, his/her appointment papers shall be signed by the CHED Chairperson or the CHED Commissioner duly designated as Regular Chair of the Board.

The University President appointed by the Board shall have a term of four (4)years, the beginning and end of which must be clearly specified in the appointment by the Board, and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term.

SEC. 3. Minimum Qualifications. – Applicants for SUC Presidency must possess the following minimum qualifications:                                        

An applicant who does not meet any one of the above mentioned minimum qualifications and cannot submit pertinent supporting documentary evidence shall be disqualified from the search process.

Incumbent Presidents of other SUCs whose term is set to expire within six months of the Search Process shall be allowed to file/submit his/her application for the vacant President post.

Notwithstanding the above, the Board may impose additional qualifications and requirements and subject the same requirements for verification at any stage during the search process.

SEC. 4. Documentary Requirements for the Application for President. – Interested applicants must submit one (1)set of original and six (6) certified photocopies of the following documents to the SCP Secretariat:

The SCP Secretariat shall check the completeness of the required documents and make their initial report to the SCP. Should the SCP find that applicants lack the necessary documents, the SCP must immediately refer to the G.B. whether or not the applicants will be advised to complete the documents and continue with the process.

SEC. 5. Reservation Clause. – Notwithstanding Sec.s 4 and 5 of this Rule, the Governing Board reserves the right to impose additional qualifications and documentary requirements on the applicants for SUC Presidency inasmuch as they are not contrary to exisiting laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 6. Criteria for Evaluation. – In general, applicants for SUC Presidency shall be evaluated in four (4) major areas:                   

SEC. 7. Powers and Duties. – In addition to those specifically provide in this IRR, the powers and duties of the university president shall be those usually pertaining to the Office of the President of similar universities and those delegated by the Board.

Corollary, the University President shall be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University with the following specific powers, functions, duties, and responsibilities:            

If evidence so warrants, the University President may permanently cancel the said permit after informing the Board of his/her action, and the Board may take any action that it may deem appropriate in connection therewith.     

Submit an annual report to the Board on the work of the past year and needs for the current year. He/She shall also present the University’s annual budget with estimates of income and expenditures, including short-, medium-, and long-term development and investment plans.

Upon the authority of and subject to confirmation by the ISUFST-Board of Regents execute and sign on behalf of the University all contracts, deeds, and other instruments necessary for the proper conduct of the University’s business.

However, in regularly recurring undertakings and transactions where his/her action is virtually ministerial and existing regulations and general laws have fixed conditions and terms, he/she may direct through appropriate written instructions that approval in specified cases may be made in his/her behalf by the officers of administration or heads of units, subject to such safeguards as he/she may impose.

The University President shall discharge the following specific duties, authorities, and powers in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations:

Perform other powers, duties, responsibilities, and functions as expressly stipulated in the University Code, in such other relevant laws, rules, and regulations, or such other powers as the Board may authorize or delegate from time to time.

SEC. 8. Reappointment and Extension of the Term of Office of the University President. – The University President shall be eligible for reappointment for another term only subject to the review of the performance and such other requirements set forth by the Board. A majority of the Board of Regents shall be required to reappoint a University President.

The incumbent president shall undergo an evaluation of the key areas of governance. The Governing Board shall constitute the Evaluation Committee (E.C.) whose composition should be the same as that of the SCP. The E.C. shall formulate the criteria for evaluating the incumbent’s performance which shall be submitted for approval to this SUC GB. The E.C. shall submit its report to the Governing Board through its Chairperson.

SEC. 9. Incumbent President to Signify Intent to be Reappointed. – The Incumbent President holding office on his/her first (1st) term must notify the Board in writing of his/her intent to be reappointed at least six (6) months before the expiration of the said term.

Otherwise, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee for the Presidency (SCP) within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office of the incumbent President of the University.

SEC. 10. Hold-Over. – In the event of the expiration of term of an SUC President, the concerned SUC GB may allow hold-over capacity of its President under the following conditions:             

SEC. 11. Succession. – The Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the University in case of vacancy in the Office of the President by reason of conclusion of first term without an approved second term, death, compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause in accordance with Civil Service law and rules, or incapacity of the President to perform the functions of the office, pending the appointment if a new President. In the event the Board cannot meet for the purpose of filling up the vacancy as mentioned above, the CHED Chairperson or the CHED Commissioner as Chair of the Board shall, within fifteen (15) days from the occurrence of such vacancy, designate an OIC in the Office of the President of the University, subject to the confirmation of the Board. The term of the office of the OIC is subject to the Board’s decision or until a new University President is appointed.

SEC. 12. Appointment of New President after Vacancy Occurs . – In case a new President is appointed by the GB of a SUC after a permanent vacancy occurs in the Office of the President but during the term of office of the original appointee, the new President shall be selected through the regular search process for presidency in accordance with this IRR and the new President shall be entitled to hold office only for the unexpired term. The new President may be eligible for reappointment to another term, subject to Sec. 3, Rule VII of this IRR. The service of the new President for the unexpired term shall not count as a term for purposes of appointment and reappointment.

SEC. 13. Remuneration. – The salary of the University president shall be in accordance with the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System, as modified by Joint Resolution No. 4 dated June 17, 2009, and by such other laws amendatory thereto, which may hereinafter be enacted, and shall be comparable to that received by the Presidents of similar educational institutions.

The University shall likewise be entitled to full retirement benefits under existing laws. Furthermore, the President of the University shall be entitled to Representation and Transportation (RATA) and such other benefits based on the rates prescribed by the DBM.

SEC. 14. Prohibition against the Incumbent President to Apply in Other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). – To avoid disruption in the operation of the University, an Incumbent President may not be allowed to apply as President in other SUCs without the express approval of the Board.

Rule IX

THE VICE PRESIDENTS, CAMPUS ADMINISTRATORS, COLLEGE DEANS, DIRECTORS, HEADS AND OTHER UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

SECTION. 1. Vice Presidents. – The President of the University shall be assisted by a Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President for Administration and Finance, who shall be appointed/designated by the Board upon the President’s recommendation and provided that the said designation shall be in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 2. Campus Administrators. – The Campus Administrators shall serve as heads or administrators of the University campuses and shall render full-time service.

They shall be designated by the Board upon recommendation by the University President, subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board Provided that the incumbent Campus Administrators of the existing campuses shall serve as Campus Administrators of their respective campuses upon the effectivity of this IRR.

SEC. 3. Deans and Directors. – A Dean heads the existing Colleges, while a Director heads the Graduate School and major units of the University.

The major offices and functions of the University include but are not limited to research and innovation, extension services, knowledge and technology transfer, business affairs and resource generation,student affairs and services, financial management, administrative services, human resource management and development, gender and development, quality assurance, planning development, public affairs and strategic communication, external linkages and international affairs, sports, and cultural development, and information systems and analytics shall by headed each by a Director.

However, the Governing Board reserves the right to create, abolish, or reorganize offices within the ISUFST upon recommendation by the University President, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 4. Appointment/Designation. – The University President shall issue an appropriate special order to effect the designation of Vice Presidents, Campus Administrators, College Deans, Directors, Heads, Chairpersons, Coordinators, and other officials of the University, subject to the confirmation by the Governing Board. However, the University President may call for a local search, as necessary, the result of which shall be subject to the confirmation of the Boards.

SEC. 5. Duties and Responsibilities. – The University President shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the Vice Presidents, College Directors, College Deans, Directors, Heads, Chairpersons, Coordinators, and other university officials in accordance with the provisions of the University Code and such other existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 6. Appointments and Terms of Office of the Campus Administrators, College Deans, Directors, Heads, Chairpersons, Coordinators, and Other University Officials. – Upon issuance of a special order by the University President, the Campus Administrators, College Deans, Directors, Heads, Chairpersons, Coordinators, and other University Officials shall have a term as may be determined by the University President and confirmed by the Board.

SEC. 7. Entitlement of Representation and Transportation Allowance and Honorarium. – The Vice Presidents, Campus Administrators, College Deans, Directors may be entitled to monthly Representation Allowance and Honorarium (RATA) in accordance with the provisions of DBM Circulars, rules, and regulations, Provided that the Directors and other officials who are not covered by DBM Circulars, rules, and regulations may be granted reasonable honorarium as prescribed by the University President, duly approved by the Board of Regents, subject to the availability of funds and the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations; Provided further, that the amount necessary to support the grant of RATA and honorarium may be charged from appropriate funds of the University subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Rule X

THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

SECTION 1. Composition. – Powers and Duties. An administrative council shall be established with the President of the University who shall act as Chairperson, Vice Presidents, deans, directors, campus administrators, and other officials of equal rank as members. The Council must review and recommend to the Board the policies governing the University’s administration, management, and development planning.

The Board and the University Secretary may serve as the Secretary of the Administrative Council. She shall keep all records and proceedings of the Administrative Council, serve upon each member of the Administrative Council the appropriate notice of meetings, and discharge such other duties and responsibilities as the Administrative Council and/or University President may determine.

SEC. 2. Meetings and Quorum. – The University President shall fix the schedule and venue of every meeting of the Administrative Council. A quorum for any meeting of the Council shall consist of a majority of the members. A majority of such quorums may decide on any question at the meeting, except for matters that require the affirmative vote of a greater proportion as prescribed by relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 3. Internal Rules of Procedures . – The duly constituted Council may formulate and promulgate internal rules of procedures to ensure proper and orderly conduct of its business and meetings.

Rule XI

THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL

SECTION 1. Composition. – The Academic Council. The Academic Council shall be composed of the President of the University, who shall act as Chairperson and all academic personnel with the rank of at least an Assistant Professor as members.

The Academic Council shall have the power to review and recommend the program offerings and rules of discipline of the University, subject to the approval of the Board. It shall fix the requirements for the admission of students, as well as for their graduation and conferment of degrees, subject to review and approval by the Board through the President of the University. It shall have the disciplinary power over students of the University and shall formulate academic policies, rules, and regulations on discipline, subject to the approval of the Board.

The Academic Council shall have a Secretary to be designated by the University President from among the personnel of the University. The duly designated Secretary shall keep all records and proceedings of the Academic Council, serve upon each member of the Academic Council the appropriate notice of meetings, and discharge such other duties and responsibilities as the Academic Council and/or University President may determine. The Board and the University Secretary may act as Secretary of the Academic Council.

SEC. 2. Meetings and Quorum. – The University President shall fix the schedule and venue of every meeting of the Academic Council. A quorum for any meeting of the Academic Council member shall consist of a majority of the members. A majority of such quorums may decide on any question at the meeting, except for matters that require the affirmative vote of a greater proportion as prescribed by relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 3. Internal Rules of Procedures . – The duly constituted Council may formulate and promulgate internal rules of procedures to ensure proper and orderly conduct of its business and meetings.

Rule XII

THE UNIVERSITY AND BOARD SECRETARY AND THE UNIVERSITY TREASURER

SECTION 1. The Secretary of the University.- The Board shall appoint a Secretary, who shall serve as such for both the Board and the University shall keep all records and proceedings of the Board. The Secretary of the University shall serve upon each member of the Board the appropriate notice of the Board meetings. In addition, the University and BOR Secretary shall discharge such other duties and responsibilities as the University President and the Board may prescribe.

SEC. 2. The Treasurer. – The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex officio Treasurer of the University.

Rule XIII

THE FACULTY

SECTION 1. Composition. – The faculty consists of the professors and instructors of each college. The members of the faculty include University Professors, College Professors, Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Instructors, Adjunct Professors, and Visiting Professor/Instructors.

SEC. 2. Qualifications. – All faculty appointments shall be made strictly on the basis of merit and fitness and/or on their qualifications and competence to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. They shall be subject to guidelines, qualifications, and/or standards set by the Board. The members of the faculty shall be covered by appropriate Civil Service law and rules, CHED and DBM Circulars, and the University Charter.

SEC. 3. Prohibitions in the Selection of Faculty. – No political beliefs, gender preference, cultural or community affiliation or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the appointment of faculty members of the University; Provided, that said appointment shall be subject to guidelines, qualifications, and standards set by the Board; Provided, further, that no member of the faculty shall teach for or against any particular church or religious sect.

SEC. 4. Appointment, Compensation, and Other Benefits of Faculty Members. – The recruitment and appointment and other personnel actions for faculty shall be in accordance with the Amended Omnibus Rules of Appointment and other personnel actions of the Civil Service rules and laws. Recruitment shall be limited to those who meet the minimum requirements prescribed for the rank.

Faculty members of the University shall be entitled to compensation and other benefits prescribed under existing laws, rules, and regulations. They may also be entitled to an honorarium for overload services and for their actual involvement in research, extension, resource generation, and other related programs, projects, or activities in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations as authorized by the University President and the BOR.

Rule XIV

ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY

SECTION 1. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy of the University. – The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and as provided for under Batas Pambansa 232, Republic Act No. 8292 and such other applicable laws and provided, that the exercise of academic and curricular freedom of the University is consistent with the vision, mission, and strategic goals, and compliant with the minimum conditions of quality programs as prescribed by CHED.

SEC. 2. Academic Freedom of Faculty Members and Students. – The University’s faculty members and students shall enjoy academic freedom as provided for under applicable laws, this IRR, and jurisprudence.

Rule XV

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM/ADMISSION

SECTION 1. Scholarship and Incentive Program. – The University shall provide scholarship and incentive program and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who qualify for admission to the University.

SEC. 2. Admission. – No student shall be denied admission to the University by reason of sex, religion, cultural or community affiliation, or ethnic origin.

The University President shall formulate and implement affirmative action programs to enhance the access of disadvantaged students, such as indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, students from public schools, and students from depressed areas. These affirmative action programs shall be approved by the Governing Board and submitted to CHED within one year after the approval of this IRR.

SEC. 2. Scholarship for the Faculty and Non-Teaching Staff. – The University may also provide scholarship grants to the faculty members and non-teaching personnel subject to the policies and guidelines approved by the Board of Regents.

Rule XVI

AUTHORITY TO LOAN OR TRANSFER APPARATUS/EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES AND DETAIL OF PERSONNEL

SECTION 1. Authority to Loan or Transfer Apparatus/Equipment/Supplies and Detail of Personnel. – The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the President of the University, such apparatus, equipment, or supplies as may be needed by the University and to detail employees for duty therein when, in the judgment of the head of the bureau or office, such apparatus, equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment to public service.

The employees so detailed shall perform such as duties as required of them by the President of the University, and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their regular services.

Rule XVII

ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND PERSONNEL

SECTION 1. Transfer of Assets and Liabilities. – All assets, real and personal, personnel, including intellectual properties, and records of the external campuses are hereby transferred to the University.

SEC. 2. Ownership and Titling of Properties. – All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by ISUFST and its campuses in the municipalities of San Enrique, Dingle, and Dumangas and the Barotac Nuevo are hereby declared to be property of the University and shall be titled under that name: Provided, that should the University cease to exist or be abolished or should such parcels of land aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same shall revert to LGUs concerned.

The Governing Board shall cause for the immediate titling of the properties above in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 3. Positions, Rights, and Security of Tenure of Personnel. – The position, rights, and security of tenure of the personnel therein employed under existing laws shall be respected Provided, that the University President may recommend the transfer or details of any faculty member or employee from one Campus to another Campus of the University, subject to relevant CSC laws, rules, and regulations, to improve further the quality in the delivery of services and the realization of the mandates, vision, mission, and objectives of the University: Provided, further, That the selection, promotion and such other personnel action in all University Campuses shall be subject to the policies and guidelines set forth by the Board. Personnel appointment shall be signed by the proper official/s and duly approved by the University President.

SEC. 4.  Selection and Appointment of Personnel. – The selection and appointment of any personnel of the University Campuses shall be subject to the guidelines, qualifications, and/or standards set by the Board and consistent with the existing rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

SEC. 5. Compensation and other Benefits. – University personnel shall be entitled to compensation and other benefits prescribed under existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Rule XVII

TAX EXEMPTION ON IMPORTATION AND DONATIONS

SECTION. 1. Tax Exemption on Importation and Donations. – The importation of economic, technical, and cultural books or publications which is for economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical, or cultural purposes made by the University, upon certification by the CHED, shall be exempt from customs duties in accordance with the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended.

Donations in any form to the University shall be exempt from the donor’s tax, and the same shall be considered as an allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

SEC. 2. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the continued operation/maintenance of ISUFST and to carry out the provisions of this IRR shall be included in the General Appropriations Act every year.

Rule XIX

DEVELOPMENT PLAN, MANAGEMENT AUDIT, ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE/ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

SECTION. 1. Development Plan, Management Audit, Organizational/Administrative/Academic Structure. – Within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the approval of this Act, the University shall accomplish the following:

Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget, to the CHED for corresponding recommendation to DBM;

Undergo a management audit in cooperation with the CHED; and

Accordingly, it has set up its organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the appointment of the key officials of the University.

Rule XX

FILING OF REPORT

SECTION. 1. Filing of Report. – On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the second (2nd) moth after the opening of the regular classes each year, the Board shall file with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Chairperson of the CHED and with both Houses of Congress a detailed report on the progress, conditions and needs of the University, Provided, that the University of the President through its duly designated or authorized official/s, shall facilitate in the preparation and submission of the appropriate report.

Rule XXI

SUPPLETORY APPLICATION AND PARITY CLAUSE

SECTION. 1. Suppletory Application. – The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997”, shall be an integral part of this Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University.

SEC. 2. Parity Clause. – All other powers, functions and privileges, responsibilities, and limitations to state universities and their officials under existing laws shall be deemed granted to imposed upon the University and its officials whenever appropriate.

Rule XXII

COMPLIANCE WITH CHED REQUIREMENTS

SECTION. 1. Compliance with CHED Requirements. – The provisions of this Act notwithstanding, the establishment or conversion of the institution into a state university shall become effective only upon the determination and declaration by the CHED, based on the recommendation of a panel of experts, that the institution has complied with the requirements for university status. The CHED, through its regional office, shall regularly provide technical assistance to the institution and monitor compliance with the Commission’s requirements.

SEC. 2. CHED-Designated Panel Evaluation of Institutional Compliance. – The CHED shall designate a panel of experts who shall prepare a recommendation to the CHED Chairperson on whether the institution has substantially complied with the requirements for the grant of university status.

SEC. 3. Status Retention. – The institution shall retain its status prior to the effectivity of this Act unless, in the meantime, it is able to comply with the requirements provided herein.

Rule XXIII

REPEALING CLAUSE

SECTION. 1. Repealing Clause. – If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Rule XXIV

SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

SECTION. 1. Separability 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.

Rule XXV

REVISION, AMENDMENT AND EFFECTIVITY

SECTION. 1. Revision. – The Board of Regents may revise this IRR upon the recommendation of the University President, provided that a Committee shall be created to study and review any proposal to revise this IRR before the Board may act thereon. The duly approved revised IRR shall be submitted to the CHED for consultation.

SEC. 2. Amendment. – The Board may amend any part or provision of this IRR upon the recommendation of the University President, provided that a Committee shall be created to study and review any proposal to amend this IRR before the Board may act. The duly approved amendment/s shall b submitted to the CHED for consultation.

SEC. e. Effectivity. – This IRR shall take effect fifteen (15) days after it is published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

WE HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS PER BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 38, SERIES OF 2024.

ADOPTED this 25th day of May, 2024.