Philippine Normal University as the National University for Teacher Education

Senate Office of the Serretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ] REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] ] First Regular Session MAY -7 P3:59 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 2125 Introduced by SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY, DECLARING IT AS THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOR TEACHER EDUCATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. It shall also establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society? The Philippine Normal University (PNU) traces its origins to the Philippine Normal School established in 1901 through Act No. 74 of the Philippine Commission. It was later converted into the Philippine Normal College pursuant to Republic Act No. 416 and subsequently converted into the Philippine Normal University under Republic Act No. 7168. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9647, the PNU was designated as the National Center for Teacher Education. 1 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 1. 2 Id. at Section 2 (2).

The PNU occupies a unique and singular position in the Philippine higher education system. It is the only institution designated by law as the National Center for Teacher Education, and the only public higher education institution in the country whose academic mandate is exclusively devoted to teaching and allied education professions. Unlike comprehensive universities with multiple disciplinary mandates, PNU's sole and enduring mission is the preparation, development, and advancement of teachers, teacher educators, and education leaders across all levels and contexts of Philippine education. This singular focus makes PNU both uniquely positioned and institutionally obligated to respond to the systemic challenges facing Philippine education. Since the quality of education is fundamentally tied to the strength of teacher education, persistent issues in teacher preparation highlight the need for coordinated and sustained reforms. Republic Act No. 11713 institutionalized the Teacher Education Council to harmonize teacher education policies across agencies. Complementary laws such as Republic Act No. 10533 or the "Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013" and Republic Act No. 12288 or the "Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act", and similar reforms in professional standards for teachers and licensure systems administered by the Professional Regulation Commission, and quality assurance mechanisms of the Commission on Higher Education have strengthened governance and accountability in teacher education. Despite these measures, findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) continue to show shortages and uneven preparation of teachers in critical areas, including mathematics, science, technology, technical vocational and livelihood education, values education, special education, inclusive education, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. The PNU is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. It operates through a system of specialized campuses aligned with national priorities and regional needs, such as: PNU North Luzon (Indigenous Peoples' and Multilingual Education); PNU South Luzon (Green Technology and Environmental Education); PNU Visayas (Multicultural and Inclusive

Education); PNU Mindanao (Technology and Livelihood Education); and PNU Manila (comprehensive teacher education specializations). These campuses support the development of teachers across various disciplines and learning contexts. Strengthening the PNU will enable it to support Teacher Education Institutions nationwide and contribute to the development of competent teachers across subject areas. Institutionally, PNU's quality and maturity are well established. It is a SUC Level III university, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and a Philippine Quality Award (PQA) recipient for proficiency in quality management. It maintains 28 Level IV-accredited programs-the highest number among state universities and colleges under the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), and is recognized by the CHED and the Teacher Education Council (TEC) as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education. Since 2009, PNU has produced 118 topnotchers in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), affirming its consistent record of excellence. From 2012 to 2025, the LEPT results show a consistent presence of PNU campuses among the top-performing schools, particularly in both elementary and secondary levels. PNU Manila consistently appears each year and remains the strongest campus, ranking in the Top 10 in every year. It achieved Rank 1 several times, notably in 2013 (Secondary), 2022 (Elementary), 2024 (Secondary), and 2025 (Secondary). PNU campuses (North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and South Luzon) began to appear prominently from 2014 onward, indicating broader institutional strengthening beyond the main campus. In 2025, all regional campuses (North Luzon, Mindanao, Visayas, and South Luzon) achieved Rank 1 in the Secondary Level, a remarkable milestone suggesting system-wide excellence and national recognition. There is a noticeable upward trend in recent years (2022-2025), where rankings improved significantly compared to earlier years (2012-2019), reflecting successful academic reforms and stronger teacher education programs.

Internationally, PNU continues to build a strong reputation for innovation and social responsibility. It holds a three-star QS rating (2023), ranks among the Top 200 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI, 2025), and performs strongly in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, notably in the Sustainable Development Goals on No Poverty, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals. PNU also leads as the permanent secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) and convenes the National Network of Normal Schools (3NS)—platforms that strengthen collaboration and professional development in teacher education within and beyond the country. While the Philippine Normal University has demonstrated institutional capacity and the current framework under Republic Act No. 9647 primarily positions it as the National Center for Teacher Education, there remains a need to strengthen its mandate to support research, innovation, professional learning, and institutional capacity development in teacher education. This measure seeks to revise the Charter of the Philippine Normal University and declare it as the National University for Teacher Education. Strengthening its mandate will enable it to support teacher education reforms and strengthen institutional capacity in teacher education. This measure aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, AmBisyon Natin 2040, and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. slal WIN GATCHALIAI

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 MAY -7 P 3:59 SENATE RECEIVED BY S.B. No. 2125 Introduced by SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY, DECLARING IT AS THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOR TEACHER EDUCATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Revised

5 Philippine Normal University Charter Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the

8 State to promote access to and equity in high-quality teacher education and professional development. The State shall ensure holistic, transformative, innovative, collaborative, and research-based teacher education that enhances the quality of basic and higher education, thereby developing knowledgeable, skilled, and well-rounded learners and citizen-leaders. The State shall institutionalize innovations and alternative systems in teacher education covering pedagogy, curricula, instruction, assessment, training, and research that are supportive of national development goals and responsive to the current and emerging needs of education stakeholders.

Furthermore, the State shall advance teacher education consistent 2 with national and global standards and practices, particularly those that address inequalities in learning outcomes, strengthen professional environments, promote lifelong learning; and adapt to technological 5 advancements while ensuring resilience amid socio-economic, political, and 6 ecological challenges. To this end, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) is hereby declared as the National University for Teacher Education (NUTE). As NUTE, the PNU shall serve as the nation's academic, research, and leadership institution for teacher education, guiding the continuous improvement of the country's teacher education system through innovation, scholarship, and capacity development. Consistent with its statutory role under Republic Act No. 11713 or the "Excellence in Teacher Education Act", the PNU shall continue to advise the Teacher Education Council (TEC) by providing evidence-based policy guidance, research, and academic expertise to strengthen decision- making and reforms in teacher education.

Sec. 3. Seat of Administration and Seal of the University. - The seat of

administration of the PNU System shall be located in its main campus in the City of Manila. There shall be one (1) common Seal of the PNU, to be known as the PNU Seal, composed of the following symbols and their corresponding meaning: a) The Torch, symbolizing enlightenment and the guiding light of education that nurtures generations of learners; b) The Open Book, representing the accessibility of knowledge and the continuous pursuit of wisdom; and c) The Laurel Leaves, signifying victory, honor, and achievement in the noble mission of teaching. These symbols are interwoven with the PNU's enduring values of Truth, Excellence, and Service, as it continues to uphold its national mandate to produce and nurture future-ready teachers and education leaders.

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - The following terms are adopted from R.A.

2 No. 11713, unless otherwise defined in this Act: a) "Pre-service teacher education programs" refer to undergraduate degrees and certificates of teaching covering mandatory curriculum and practicum specifications; b) "Pre-service teachers" refer to students enrolled in a teacher education degree program offered by Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs); c) "Teacher" refers to a person qualified to practice teaching under the law and engaged in the teaching of any subject, including technical- vocational (Tech-Voc) in accordance with Republic Act No. 7796 or the "TESDA Act of 1994," at the basic education level in all private or public basic education institutions. This may include teachers who may not actually be employed as such; d) "Teacher Education" refers to formal pre-service and in-service education and training, including graduate education, in various areas of specialization undertaken by pre-service teachers and teachers; e) "Teacher Education Institutions (TEls)" refer to higher education institutions (HEls) recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offering teacher education degree programs and certificates in teaching programs or their equivalent, as may be approved by the CHED; and f) "Teacher education programs" refer to recognized academic programs, such as undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including certificate of teaching education or its equivalent, that enable pre- service teachers to meet the requirements for entry into the teaching profession and provide in-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to strengthen their professional practice. ARTICLE II MANDATE, ROLE, AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOR TEACHER EDUCATION

Sec. 5. Role of PNU. - As NUTE, PNU shall serve as the State's academic,

34 research, and leadership institution for teacher education, guiding the

continuous improvement of the teacher education system through innovation, scholarship, and capacity development. The exercise of PNU's mandate as the NUTE shall be academic, research-based, developmental, and model-setting 4 in nature. In carrying out this mandate, PNU shall develop academic 5 standards, research-based benchmarks, and model frameworks; lead the 6 formulation and piloting of innovations and reforms; and provide policy advice 7 and technical expertise, all without prejudice to and subject to the statutory regulatory, accreditation, and licensure powers of the Professional Regulation 9 Commission (PRC), CHED, TEC, the Technical Education and Skills 10 Development Authority (TESDA), and other relevant government agencies 11 under existing laws. The PNU shall perform the following functions under this Act: a) Provide evidence-based research-informed policy advice, recommendations, and technical support to the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED, TEC, PRC, TESDA, Early Childhood Care And Development Council (ECCD), and other relevant agencies for teacher education policy, innovation, and system improvement; and serve as the principal academic adviser to the TEC in the formulation and implementation of teacher education policies and programs; b) Lead in the formulation, piloting, and scaling of national reforms in teacher education, training, and curriculum innovation. PNU shall integrate artificial intelligence (Al), digital tools, and adaptive technologies in teacher preparation and professional development to ensure inclusion of underserved and remote regions. It shall collaborate with national agencies and TEls in co-designing research-based, inclusive, and future-ready curricula; c) Serve as a research-intensive university advancing teacher education and education sciences, emphasizing teacher quality, pre-service and graduate education, lifelong learning, and continuing professional development for teachers and education leaders; d) Set standards and benchmarks for transformative, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable teacher education and education sciences across undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate levels;

e) Serve as the international hub for collaborative teacher education, global mobility, and multilateral academic partnerships, promoting international benchmarking and alignment with global and regional standards, particularly within ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific, in accordance with the relevant rules and guidelines on international linkages; f) Lead the creation, utilization, and dissemination of research with policy implications to teacher education and education sciences through its national research units such as the Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ), the Institute for Educational Policy Research and Development (IEPRD), and other similar units as may be approved by the Board of Regents ("Board"); g) Lead the development and implementation of research-based and alternative pedagogies and assessment models in teacher education and lifelong learning. The PNU may establish, upon Board approval, specialized centers to advance lifelong learning and continuing education; h) Upon request of Congress or any of its committees, provide technical assistance and evidence-based inputs in the formulation, review, or evaluation of legislative measures concerning teacher education, teacher training, continuing professional development, and lifelong learning; and i) Serve as the lead academic partner of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), CHED, DepEd, PRC, TESDA, ECCD, and other national agencies. Nothing in this section shall be construed as diminishing, transferring, or encroaching upon the statutory powers and regulatory functions of the CHED, the PRC, the TEC, the TESDA, ECCD, and other government agencies as provided under existing laws

Sec. 6. Strengthening Research-Oriented Units with National Scope. -

The state recognizes the importance of providing adequate, stable, and continuing budgetary support for the operations, management, facilities,

manpower, and research programs of PNU's research-oriented units to enable them to effectively perform their mandates at the national level. Such support may include institutional and administrative operations, research personnel 4 and staffing requirements, research infrastructure and facilities, and the 5 conduct, dissemination, and utilization of research in teacher education and 6 education sciences. The research-oriented units shall operate under the policy direction and oversight of the Board, and the executive supervision of the PNU President and the Vice President for Research, and shall serve as the PNU's primary mechanisms for research, policy support, innovation, and knowledge 11 creation, with research outputs informing extension services, capacity- building initiatives, curriculum and program development, policy advisory functions, and national and international partnerships of the PNU. The research units may include, but are not limited to, the following institutes: 1. RITQ. - The RITQ shall focus on research and policy studies relating to teacher and school-leader competencies, preparation, instructional effectiveness, assessment, and professional standards, addressing the academic and professional dimensions of teacher quality. 2. IEPRD. - The IEPRD shall undertake studies and maintain databases on education policies, systems, and governance; develop, pilot, and evaluate models of teacher education and education reform; and provide policy recommendations to government and legislative bodies. 3. Research Institute for Lifelong Learning (RILL). - The RILL shall promote lifelong learning across formal, non-formal, and informal pathways; develop modular and competency-based certification systems; create and test pedagogical and professional-development models; and propose mechanisms and guidelines for lifelong-learning policy in teacher education and development. 4. Research Institute for Teacher Welfare and Well-Being (RITWW). - The RITWW shall focus on research relating to the physical, mental, emotional, and socio-economic well-being of teachers and school leaders, including workplace conditions, occupational health,

motivation, retention, and professional resilience, as distinct from instructional performance and competency research. To ensure coherence and avoid duplication, the Board shall, through 4 the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act, establish coordination mechanisms among research units, research hubs, and the 6 NUTE Research Coordinating Council, including shared research agendas, 7 joint studies, and harmonized research data systems, as may be appropriate. A NUTE Research Coordinating Council shall be established under the 9 Board to promote system-wide coherence, coordination, and complementarity of research agendas across research units, campuses, and partner TEls. The composition, powers, and functions of the Council shall be defined in the IRR of this Act. The PNU shall adopt a system-wide Research Data and Policy Dissemination Protocol to ensure the timely, ethical, and transparent sharing of research outputs, datasets, and policy-relevant findings with government agencies and TEIs.

Sec. 7. College for Flexible Learning and Multiple Pathways. - PNU, as

19 the NUTE, shall establish and maintain a College for Flexible Learning and Multiple Pathways (CFLMP), which shall function as the PNU's open, distance, and alternative education arm. The CFLMP shall design, develop, and deliver undergraduate, graduate, non-degree, technical-vocational, and professional programs in teacher 24 education and related fields through flexible learning modalities, including but not limited to online education, blended learning, modular instruction, micro-credentialing, ladderized programs, and technology-enabled platforms, 27 consistent with national and international standards of quality. The CFLMP shall serve as a hub for multiple entry and exit points in teacher education, providing opportunities for: a) pre-service teachers to pursue initial qualifications; b) in-service teachers to upgrade or specialize; c) para-teachers, teacher aides, and graduates of TESDA programs to transition into teacher education through ladderized pathways;

d) professionals from other fields to retool and enter the teaching profession; e) lifelong learners to pursue continuing professional development and advanced studies; and f) learners from other countries who wish to access the expertise of the PNU through flexible and technology-enabled learning. Learners enrolled in the CFLMP shall not automatically be considered 8 State scholars, unless expressly covered by specific government scholarship programs. The CFLMP shall develop sustainable financing models, including tuition, program fees, institutional partnerships, international collaborations, and income-generating activities, without prejudice to the PNU's capacity to offer scholarships, grants, or subsidies as may be determined by the Board. Participation in flexible, alternative, and international programs under this Section shall be subject to cost-recovery and sustainability principles, as may be determined by the Board. The CFLMP is hereby authorized to admit international students without numerical quota limitations, subject to academic standards, program capacity, and admission policies prescribed by the Board. International students shall not be entitled to State subsidy unless otherwise provided by law or covered by specific agreements, and their tuition and other fees shall be determined separately in accordance with guidelines set by the Board. To ensure responsiveness to global demands, the CFLMP shall have the 23 flexibility to engage faculty, trainers, and experts from the Philippines and abroad on a contractual, adjunct, or visiting basis, in addition to regular PNU faculty. The CFLMP may determine and implement its own work arrangements and compensation schemes for such faculty, especially for international hires: Provided, That such expenses are sourced exclusively from its self-generated revenues and are subject to the approval of the Board. The engagement of faculty, trainers, and experts from abroad shall be subject to the limitations imposed by law on the practice of profession by foreign citizens. The CFLMP shall work in close coordination with the CHED, the PRC, 33 the DepEd, the TESDA, and the ECCD to ensure program alignment with the

1 Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), the Philippine 2 Qualifications Framework (PQF), and evolving national and global teacher 3 education priorities. The Board shall prescribe the organizational structure, curricular 5 offerings, admission and graduation requirements, and such other rules and 6 regulations as may be necessary for the effective operation of CFLMP. ARTICLE III THE PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Sec. 8. The Philippine Normal University System. - The PNU System

shall be composed of constituent and extension campuses established by the Board upon the recommendation of the PNU President. Each campus shall serve as a specialized regional hub for teacher- education innovation, based on regional development needs and thematic priorities identified in the national teacher-education roadmap, including but not limited to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Peace Education, Environmental Education, and Indigenous People Education. These hubs shall lead in research, certification, policy development, and faculty mobility. The constituent campuses of PNU shall include: (1) PNU North Luzon - Alicia, Isabela; (2) PNU Visayas - Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; (3) PNU Mindanao - Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; (4) PNU South Luzon - Lopez, 24 Quezon; and (5) such other campuses as may be established by the Board in other regions of the country. All the constituent campuses shall serve as specialized hubs responsive to both regional development needs and national development goals. The constituent campuses shall have substantial autonomy in managing their affairs as determined by the Board.

Sec. 9. Academic Freedom. - PNU shall enjoy academic freedom in

accordance with the Constitution, R.A. No. 8292 or the "Higher Education 33 Modernization Act of 1997", and applicable jurisprudence.

Academic freedom shall be exercised to advance truth, innovation, and service to the nation, and shall include the right of: a) Faculty - to teach, conduct research, and disseminate knowledge without undue interference; b) Students - to study, inquire, and express ideas within the bounds of law and university policies; and c) Researchers and Extension Staff - to pursue scholarly and professional activities in furtherance of the PNU's mission and its mandate as the NUTE.

Sec. 10. Commitment to Social Responsibility and National Development.

12 - The PNU shall serve the Filipino nation and humanity through its steadfast commitment to sustainability, gender equality, inclusivity, ethical responsibility, and accountability toward quality and future-proof education. Guided by these principles, the PNU shall pursue social transformation and sustainable development by mobilizing knowledge, values, traditions, and skills among its constituents and partners. As the NUTE, it shall provide opportunities for volunteerism, civic participation, and community engagement, thereby creating a transformative impact on communities, TEls, global partners, and other education stakeholders. To fulfill this mandate, the PNU shall: a) ensure that all academic programs are in teacher education and allied education fields, and that its graduates are committed to serve the country through a national student intake mechanism; b) create new programs allied with education in support of national development goals; c) accelerate professional development programs in teacher education and allied education disciplines; and d) establish relevant, evidence-based, and innovative mechanisms responsive to the needs and priorities of its community and institutional partners, sustaining PNU's leadership in teacher education.

In furtherance of this mandate, the PNU shall contribute to nation- 2 building by harnessing the competencies and expertise of its faculty and 3 thought leaders in the pursuit of national development, as outlined in national development plans and consistent with international commitments 5 and conventions. PNU's faculty and scholars shall meaningfully engage in 6 shaping public policy and, where appropriate, in implementing education- 7 related programs of national importance.

Sec. 11. Democratic Access. - No student shall be denied admission to

10 PNU on the basis of age, sex, gender, nationality, religious belief, cultural belief, economic status, ethnicity, physical disability, and political opinion or affiliation. The PNU recognizes the separation of Church and State and shall guarantee freedom of religion and belief, including the right not to profess any religion. The PNU shall actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic, research, and campus life, consistent with human rights principles and the PNU's mandate as the NUTE.

Sec. 12. Education through Culture, Creativity, and Scientific Inquiry for

Nation-Building. - PNU, as the NUTE, shall champion the integration of culture, the arts, literature, sports, science, technology, and innovation as transformative forces for nation-building, human development, and the advancement of human rights and dignity. Guided by the principles of inclusivity, equity, sustainability, and lifelong learning, the University shall cultivate teachers and education leaders who are locally responsive, globally competent, and ethically grounded, recognizing education as both a human right and a social responsibility. a) Culture, the Arts, and Literature. - PNU shall advance a culturally rooted and creative teacher education that strengthens Filipino identity, empathy, and solidarity across communities. It shall promote artistic and literary expression as means of critical reflection, intercultural

understanding, and peacebuilding, and integrate cultural education across all levels of teacher formation. The PNU shall partner with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other cultural agencies in promoting Filipino culture, heritage, and identity, ensuring that teacher education contributes to the preservation, revitalization, and creative transmission of the nation's diverse cultural traditions. PNU shall support and promote Schools for Living Traditions (SLTs) as vital mechanisms for safeguarding and transmitting intangible cultural heritage, facilitating partnerships where culture bearers, including master artists, indigenous knowledge holders, and traditional practitioners share their expertise with teachers, students, and local communities. b) Science, Technology, Innovation, and Mathematics. - PNU shall foster scientific literacy, health literacy, and ethical innovation as foundations for equitable and sustainable national progress. It shall integrate digital, environmental, scientific, and health competencies into teacher education to strengthen evidence-based decision-making among Filipino learners and the public. The PNU shall collaborate with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Health (DOH), and other institutions to democratize access to science and health education, advance research-informed teaching, and encourage local innovation responsive to community and national needs. c) Sports and Physical Well-Being. - PNU shall promote sports, physical education, and wellness as integral to holistic learning and character formation. It shall instill the values of discipline, teamwork, and fair play, and advance programs on health, well-being, and resilience for teachers and learners in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and partner organizations.

Sec. 13. Institutional Autonomy. - As the NUTE, PNU shall have

autonomy pursuant to paragraph 2, Section 5 of Article XIV of the

1 Constitution. It shall set its own policies, standards, plans, programs, activities and projects in its core functions in instruction, research, extension and production, in pursuit of its vision, mission, goals and objectives and responsive to national and international development goals, priorities, and 5 directions. Consistent with its mandate as the NUTE, it shall determine its 6 own quality assurance mechanisms, subject to minimum standards prescribed by law. ARTICLE IV GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 14. Administration. - The PNU shall have the general powers of a

corporation as set forth in the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines. The administration of the PNU and the exercise of its corporate powers shall be vested exclusively in the Board and the President of the PNU, insofar as authorized by the Board. There shall be a System Administration headed by the PNU President, who shall provide strategic leadership in instruction, research, innovation, extension, human resource and infrastructure development, partnerships, and resource management in pursuit of PNU's national mandate. The PNU President shall be assisted by at least four (4) Vice Presidents, designated by the Board upon the PNU President's recommendation, corresponding to the PNU's major functions and strategic thrusts. Additional 24 Vice Presidents may be appointed as warranted by the needs of the system. Each constituent campus shall be administered by an Executive Director and Provost, designated by the Board upon the recommendation of the PNU President. The Executive Director and Provost shall be assisted by a Dean for Academics, a Director for Finance and Administration, and such other officials as may be designated by the PNU President, subject to confirmation by the Board.

Sec. 15. The Board of Regents. - The governing body of the University

33 shall be the Board, which shall be composed of the following:

a) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as Chairperson; b) President of the Philippine Normal University, as Vice-Chairperson; c) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), as Member; d) Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, as Member; e) Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, as Member; Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), as Member; g) President of the duly recognized Federation of Alumni Associations of PNU, as Member; h) President of the Federation of PNU Faculty Unions, as Member; 1) President of the National Union of Student Governments or equivalent PNU Student Federation representative, Member; J) President of the Federation of PNU Administrative Employees Associations, as Member; k) One (1) Representative from the private school system, as Member; and 1) One (1) Representative from private industries or the business sector, as Member. All federations, associations, and organizations represented in the Board must possess legal personality in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. The powers and operational procedures of the Board shall be governed by R.A. No. 8292, its IRR, and any subsequent amendments or superseding legislation.

Sec. 16. Powers and Duties of the Board. - The administration of the

PNU and the exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board, which shall have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the Board of Directors of a corporation under Section 35 of R.A. No. 11232 or the 32 "Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines";

a) Define in general terms the academic thrusts and institutional goals of the PNU and adopt broad policy guidelines to ensure effective implementation; b) Preserve the integrity of the PNU; c) Approve the instruction, merger or abolition of academic programs, upon recommendation of the University's Academic Council through the President of the PNU; d) Create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish constituent campuses, extension campuses, colleges, institutes, and other academic and administrative units of the PNU; e) Approve the curricula, institutional programs, and rules on student discipline drawn by the Administrative and Academic Councils as herein provided; f) Approve the rules on student discipline recommended by the Academic Council through the President of the PNU, with the Board retaining the power to review and pass final judgment on student disciplinary cases; g) Approve the graduation of students and grant of honors as recommended by the Academic Council through the President; h) Appoint, upon the recommendation of the President of the PNU, the faculty members and other officials and employees in accordance with the compensation and position classification system; to draw up a position classification and compensation plan for its faculty and staff, subject to the review and approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members and other employees in accordance with the compensation and classification system; to determine the hours of service of faculty and staff, and such other terms and conditions of employment as it may deem proper; to grant leave of absence under such regulations as it may promulgate, any other provisions of law to the contrary notwithstanding; and to remove them for cause as provided by law after due investigation and proper hearing;

i) Fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges as the Board may deem proper to impose, after due consultation with the students concerned. i. Such fees and charges, including government support and other income generated by the PNU, shall constitute its special trust funds, and shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank. All interest that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the PNU: Provided, That priority shall be given to the sustainability of the CFLMP; ii. Any provision of existing law, rule or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, any income generated and collected by the PNU or by its subsidiaries, as well as from operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the PNU and may be disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension services or other programs or projects of the PNU; for the professional growth and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the students, faculty members and administrative personnel; for the acquisition, construction, maintenance and repair of needed instructional and auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure; development of economic assets, and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its purposes under its approved program of expenditures; iii. If the PNU, for reasons beyond its control, shall not be able to pursue any project or purpose for which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, the Board 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 of the PNU, including utilization for the professional growth, and other benefits of the students, faculty members and administrative personnel: Provided further, That trust funds

created by law for a specific purpose, other than special trust funds constituted herein, shall not be reprogrammed to other expenditures; j) Adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees for greater access of poor but deserving students in accordance with R.A. No. 10931 or the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act"; k) Receive and appropriate sums as may be provided by law for the support of the PNU, and all other sums in the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to perform the functions of the PNU; 1) Set policies on admission and graduation of students; m) Award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of learning, statesmanship, or eminence in the field of engineering, science, technology, education, public service or in any field of specialization within the academic competency of the PNU, upon recommendation of a committee created by the President of the PNU: Provided, That such degrees shall not be conferred in consideration of any payment, gift or other valuable consideration; n) Establish research and extension centers to promote the development of the PNU; o) Authorize its faculty and staff to travel abroad to study, deliver papers, attend conferences and disseminate research: Provided, That the fellowship, scholarship or grant is authorized by the Board: Provided further, That research and other activities funded by the PNU shall likewise undertake research in fields or topics with promising commercial applications, and that the faculty and staff involved in said research be allowed to participate in its financial or economic benefits, subject to existing rules and regulations; p) Provide fellowships, scholarships and grants, including athletic grants and to award the same to faculty, staff and students having special evidence of merit, especially those who are poor and deserving individuals;

q) Develop academic arrangements for institutional capability building with appropriate institutions and agencies, whether public, private, local or foreign, and appoint experts or specialists as consultants, part- time, visiting or exchange professors, scholars, and researchers, as the case may be; r) Develop consortia and other economic forms of linkages with local government units, as well as public, private, local or foreign institution and agencies for the furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the PNU; s) Enter into joint ventures or public-private partnerships (PPPs) with business and industry for the profitable development and management of the economic assets, the proceeds of which shall be used for the development and strengthening of the PNU, and for the professional growth and development, health, welfare, and other benefits of the students, faculty members and administrative personnel; t) Receive in trust, legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds and administer and dispose the same, when necessary, for the benefit of the PNU and subject to the limitations, discretion and instructions of the donor, if any; u) Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including the necessary supplies, materials and equipment; v) Delegate any of its powers and duties provided to the President or other officials of the PNU, as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the PNU; w) Prescribe rules for its own government and discipline of the faculty and other personnel and to enact for the governance of the PNU such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent with its purposes; x) Where most advantageous to the PNU, privatize the management of non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance, and such other similar activities;

y) Develop mechanisms for the efficient adoption of PPPs in the areas of research, instruction, extension and in the acquisition of facilities and structures of the PNU; and z) Promulgate rules and regulations, as may be necessary, to perform the functions of the PNU.

Sec. 17. The President of the PNU. - The President shall be the chief

executive officer and chief academic officer of the PNU System. The President shall exercise powers provided in this Act, those determined by the Board, and those inherent in the Office of the President in the governance of a 11 national university. The selection, qualifications, and re-appointment of the PNU President shall conform to Republic Act No. 8292 and its IRR, subject to the guidelines approved by the Board. The President shall serve for a term of four (4) years, subject to renewal for one (1) full term. Upon the enactment of this Act, there shall be a four (4)-year transition period to ensure continuity and orderly implementation of the University's transformation into the National University for Teacher Education. The incumbent President shall serve during this period but shall not be eligible for immediate re-election thereafter. At the end of the transition period, the Board shall elect the new President of the PNU.

Sec. 18. The Governing Board Secretary. - The Board shall appoint a

24 Secretary who shall serve as such for the Board and perform functions as may be determined by the Board. ARTICLE V ACADEMIC, RESEARCH, AND EXTENSION GOVERNANCE

Sec. 19. The Academic Council. - There shall be an Academic Council

composed of the PNU President as Chairperson and the faculty members of all campuses with the academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher as Members.

As the NUTE, the Academic Council shall function as the highest academic policy-making and quality assurance body of the PNU System, ensuring coherence, innovation, and excellence across programs in all 4 constituent and extension campuses

Sec. 20. Powers of the Academic Council. - The Academic Council shall

7 exercise full authority over the PNU's academic affairs subject to compliance 8 with minimum standards, policies, and guidelines issued by the CHED, and shall have the following powers and functions: a) Develop, design, and determine the PNU's academic programs and curricular offerings across all levels and campuses, ensuring academic coherence, innovation, and responsiveness to national and global developments in teacher education and allied disciplines; b) Determine and recommend the requirements for admission, retention, graduation, and the conferment of degrees, subject to approval by the Board; c) Exercise disciplinary authority over students and establish policies on student conduct and welfare consistent with due process, ethics, and the mission of the PNU; d) Safeguard academic integrity by formulating and enforcing policies on research ethics, originality, and professional conduct, promoting a culture of honesty, accountability, and scholarly rigor; e) Lead in setting and promoting academic benchmarks and standards for teacher education and allied fields, developing research-based innovations and model frameworks in curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment that may guide TEIs nationwide; f) Uphold and protect academic freedom in teaching, research, and extension, ensuring that faculty, researchers, and students may pursue truth, knowledge, and innovation free from undue interference, while exercising such freedom with professional responsibility, ethical accountability, and respect for human rights, human dignity, and the national interest; and

g) Perform such other functions as are necessary to advance academic excellence, institutional coherence, and national impact in teacher education.

Sec. 21. Administrative Council. - There shall be an Administrative

6 Council composed of the PNU President as Chairperson, and the Vice 7 Presidents, College Deans, Institute Directors, Campus Executive Directors, Provosts, Directors for Finance and Administration, and other officials of 9 equivalent rank as Members. The Administrative Council shall be formally constituted by the Board 11 upon the recommendation of the PNU President.

Sec. 22. Duty of the Administrative Council. - The Administrative

14 Council shall formulate, review, and recommend to the Board policies on administration, governance, financial management, resource mobilization, and institutional development, ensuring that administrative systems uphold transparency, accountability, and efficiency. It shall support the Academic Council by providing the enabling structures and resources necessary for the University to fulfill its mandate as the NUTE, advancing excellence, inclusion, and sustainability in all operations.

Sec. 23. Research and Extension Council. - There shall be a Research

and Extension Council (REC) composed of the President of the PNU as Chairperson, and the Vice Presidents, Executive Directors and Provosts, College Deans, Institute Directors, Directors of University-level Research, Extension, and Gender and Development Offices, and one (1) representative each from the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor across campuses as Members. The Council shall serve as the policy and coordinating body for all research and extension programs of the PNU System, ensuring their coherence, quality, and alignment with PNU's mandate as the NUTE.

Sec. 24. Duty of the Research and Extension Council. - The REC, as

2 duly formed and constituted, shall review and recommend to the Board proposals and undertakings for projects, activities, and programs, as well as 4 quality assurance systems covering research, extension, and knowledge 5 management of PNU. The REC shall: a) Formulate, review, and oversee the implementation of the PNU's research and extension agenda, ensuring that it advances innovation, equity, and excellence in teacher education and allied disciplines; b) Ensure that research and extension initiatives contribute to policy development, teacher quality enhancement, and the professional advancement of teachers and education leaders at the local, national, and international levels; c) Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, TEIs, research networks, and international organizations to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange; d) Institutionalize systems for the dissemination, utilization, and translation of research outputs into educational practice, policy reform, and community empowerment; e) Promote a culture of ethical, inclusive, and impactful research and extension, emphasizing integrity, sustainability, and the responsible use of knowledge; and f) Recommend to the Board strategic directions, funding priorities, and frameworks for research and extension that advance PNU's leadership in teacher education and national development.

Sec. 25. The Executive Director and Provost of the Constituent Campus.

- The administration of each constituent campus of the PNU System shall be vested in an Executive Director and Provost (EDP), who shall be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the PNU President. The Executive Director and Provost shall serve as the chief academic and administrative officer of the campus and shall report directly to the PNU President. The EDP shall act as the President's focal representative in campus

governance and regional engagements, and may represent the PNU in official 2 functions, partnerships, and collaborative activities within the region. The EDP shall ensure the effective delivery of the campus's academic, 4 research, extension, and linkages programs, and shall coordinate closely with 5 PNU officials to uphold institutional standards, efficiency, and quality assurance across all operations. The EDP shall lead in the formulation and implementation of campus- specific policies, strategic plans, and innovations for continuous improvement, responsiveness to regional development priorities, and alignment with the PNU's mandate as the NUTE.

Sec. 26. National Network of Normal Schools. - As the NUTE, the PNU

shall serve as the Lead Convenor of the National Network of Normal Schools (3NS). The 3NS shall serve as the national coordinating hub that links Normal Schools, TEC-designated Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Centers of Development (CODs) in teacher education, and other leading TEls. The 3NS shall have the following functions: a) Act as the central node of a national network of teacher education institutions of excellence, fostering collaboration, complementarity, and resource sharing; b) Integrate the expertise of Normal Schools, and COEs in developing national models of pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment for teacher education; c) Provide technical and capacity-building support to TEls aspiring for higher levels of accreditation, including mentoring, quality assurance, and research collaboration; d) Serve as a platform for innovation, generating and disseminating best practices in teacher education, including digital transformation, inclusive education, and Al integration; e) Link regional and local TEls to the national network to ensure that quality teacher education is accessible and responsive to diverse contexts, particularly underserved areas; and

f) Forge international partnerships for exchange programs, research collaborations, and benchmarking of teacher education standards. ARTICLE VI FACULTY, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, AND STUDENTS

Sec. 27. The Faculty. - The faculty members of the PNU, as teachers,

8 scholars, and education leaders, shall be the intellectual stewards and moral anchors of the PNU's mandate as the NUTE. They shall exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, professional integrity, and public service, advancing education as a pillar of nation-building, democratic participation, and human development. The faculty shall serve as the nation's champions of teacher education, committed to shaping competent, ethical, and socially responsible educators who will nurture the next generation of Filipino learners and citizens. In fulfilling this role, the faculty shall: a) Uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, embodying the University's triadic ideals of Truth, Excellence, and Service; b) Lead in the design and innovation of teaching, learning, and assessment strategies, including emerging pedagogies and modalities that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and digital transformation in education; c) Conduct research and scholarly inquiry that advance teacher education, inform education policy, strengthen teacher quality, and contribute to the global discourse on learning and equity; d) Extend professional expertise to TEls and other partners nationwide through mentoring, training, and quality-assurance initiatives, fostering coherence and excellence across the teacher-education system; e) Engage in extension and community programs that translate knowledge into social transformation, promote gender equality, cultural understanding, peacebuilding, environmental stewardship, and respect for human rights and human dignity;

1) Produce creative, scholarly, and technological works that demonstrate leadership in innovation and contribute to national development; and g) Pursue lifelong learning and advanced professional growth to sustain the PNU's global competitiveness and its capacity.

Sec. 28. Autonomy in Faculty Qualifications, Appointment, Ranking,

7 Promotion, Development, Welfare, and Others Related to the Practice of Profession. - To uphold its academic independence and ensure that the PNU continuously attracts, develops, and retains the most competent educators, researchers, and scholars in the country, the PNU, as the NUTE, shall exercise full authority and responsibility over the selection, appointment, promotion, professional development, remuneration, welfare, and working conditions of its faculty, consistent with applicable national laws on compensation and civil service, unless otherwise expressly authorized by law. In the exercise of this authority, the PNU shall: a) Determine its own standards and qualifications for faculty appointment and promotion, consistent with the principles of merit, academic freedom, and institutional integrity, while remaining aligned with national laws and civil service principles; b) Recruit, develop, and retain a faculty corps recognized for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and leadership in teacher education and allied fields, both nationally and globally; c) Ensure the best possible working conditions, arrangements, and remuneration for its faculty, commensurate with their academic contributions and the PNU's national and international standing, and consistent with the goal of fostering creativity, productivity, and institutional loyalty; d) Engage international faculty, visiting scholars, and experts to promote global collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and advancement in teacher education, subject to policies approved by the Board; e) Guarantee fairness, inclusivity, and non-discrimination in all faculty- related matters, regardless of sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, or cultural background;

1) Establish and maintain a faculty classification, ranking, and compensation system that reflects its unique mandate as the NUTE, benchmarked against international best practices; g) Implement comprehensive faculty development and welfare programs, including scholarships, research and creative grants, sabbatical and study-leave opportunities, housing, health and wellness programs, and other benefits that advance professional and personal well-being; h) Create and administer a Faculty Provident Fund to ensure the long- term financial security and welfare of its academic personnel. The Fund shall be sourced from faculty and institutional contributions, grants, donations, and income-generating activities, and shall be governed by policies approved by the Board in consultation with the duly recognized faculty associations; and i) Formulate internal policies and ethical standards governing professional practice, performance evaluation, and scholarly accountability, ensuring that all faculty uphold the PNU's leadership role in teacher education, research, and national development.

Sec. 29. The Administrative Staff. - The administrative staff of the PNU,

as professionals, managers, and public servants, shall be the institutional stewards and operational backbone of the PNU's mandate as the National University for Teacher Education. They shall uphold the highest standards of efficiency, integrity, accountability, and service excellence, ensuring that the PNU's academic, research, extension, and governance functions are effectively supported and sustainably managed. The administrative staff shall play a critical role in translating the PNU's vision, policies, and strategic directions into responsive systems, sound management practices, and reliable institutional services that advance nation-building, democratic governance, and public trust in higher education. In fulfilling this role, the administrative staff shall: a) Uphold ethical conduct, professionalism, and accountability in all administrative, financial, and operational functions, consistent with

public service values and the PNU's ideals of Truth, Excellence, and Service; b) Ensure the efficient planning, implementation, and monitoring of administrative systems supporting instruction, research, extension, student services, and institutional development; c) Provide competent and responsive administrative support to faculty, students, researchers, and partners, enabling the effective delivery of academic and national programs of the PNU; d) Safeguard transparency, fiscal responsibility, and regulatory compliance in financial management, procurement, human resource administration, records management, and institutional reporting; e) Support institutional innovation, digital transformation, and quality assurance initiatives through data-driven management, systems improvement, and continuous process enhancement; f) Engage in capacity-building, skills upgrading, and professional development to strengthen administrative leadership, technical competence, and service delivery across all campuses; and g) Contribute to a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and service- oriented governance that advances the PNU's 's role as the National University for Teacher Education.

Sec. 30. Autonomy in Administrative Staff Qualifications, Appointment,

Ranking, Promotion, Development, Welfare, and Others Related to the Practice 24 of Profession. - To uphold institutional excellence and ensure the effective, ethical, and professional management of the PNU, as the NUTE, the PNU shall exercise authority and responsibility over the selection, appointment, promotion, professional development, welfare, and working conditions of its administrative staff, consistent with civil service laws, compensation and position classification statutes, and other applicable national regulations, unless otherwise expressly provided by law. The PNU shall establish and maintain Qualification Standards (QS) for its administrative positions, consistent with Civil Service Commission (CSC) guidelines. It may adopt higher or competency-based standards aligned with

1 its national mandate, subject to submission to and confirmation or approval 2 by the CSC. Appointments, ranking, and compensation of administrative personnel 4 shall be governed by existing laws, including Presidential Decree No. 985, as amended by Republic Act No. 6758, and shall remain subject to the authority of the DBM. In the exercise of this authority, the PNU shall: a) Determine its own standards and qualifications for administrative positions, consistent with the principles of merit, competence, and integrity in public service, while remaining aligned with the general policies of the CSC and other relevant government agencies; b) Maintain a corps of highly qualified administrative leaders and professionals who exemplify excellence, efficiency, innovation, and accountability in institutional management and service delivery. The PNU may engage international consultants and experts to support institutional strengthening and capacity-building, subject to policies approved by the Board; c) Uphold fairness, inclusivity, and non-discrimination in all matters of appointment, promotion, and assignment, regardless of age, sex, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, or cultural background; d) Establish and maintain its own classification, ranking, and compensation system for administrative personnel, consistent with the PNU's national status and benchmarked against best practices in higher education management, while ensuring general consistency with CSC rules; e) Ensure the best possible working conditions, arrangements, and remuneration for its administrative personnel, commensurate with their contributions to institutional performance and to the PNU's national and international mandate; f) Implement comprehensive staff development and welfare programs, including continuing education, technical and leadership training,

scholarships, health and wellness programs, housing, and other benefits that enhance professional growth and well-being; g) Create and administer an Administrative Provident Fund to ensure the long-term financial security and welfare of its administrative personnel. The Fund shall be sourced from staff and institutional contributions, grants, donations, and income-generating activities, and shall be governed by rules approved by the Board, in consultation with duly recognized administrative employees' associations; and h) Formulate and enforce internal rules, regulations, and ethical standards governing the professional practice, rights, and responsibilities of administrative personnel, consistent with national laws and the PNU's vision of excellence, service, and accountability.

Sec. 31. The Students. - All officially admitted undergraduate and

graduate students of the PNU, as the NUTE, shall be recognized as part of a national community of teacher scholars committed to academic excellence, professional competence, and service to the nation. For purposes of this Act, a "National Teacher Education Scholar" refers to a student who is granted scholarship support funded by the State, covering tuition and other authorized educational expenses, subject to qualifications, standards of merit, and financial need as may be prescribed by the PNU and relevant government policies. Students of the PNU may be granted National Teacher Education 24 Scholar status or other forms of financial assistance based on merit, need, and academic performance, in accordance with rules approved by the Board and consistent with national policies on public scholarships. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as automatically conferring National Teacher Education Scholar status upon all admitted students without compliance with prescribed qualifications and requirements. a) National Intake. - To ensure equitable access to high-quality teacher education and to strengthen the national supply of teachers, the PNU shall establish a National Intake Mechanism for its undergraduate and graduate programs.

The mechanism shall initially prioritize the admission of National Teacher Education Scholars from different regions and provinces of the country, with the long-term goal of expanding to cover municipalities and cities as resources permit, based on academic preparedness, aptitude for teaching, commitment to public service, regional representation, and other criteria as may be determined by the PNU through policies approved by the Board. Local governments and other relevant agencies may recommend and sponsor high-performing students for admission under this program, subject to policies established by the PNU. The National Intake Mechanism shall promote equitable access across regions while upholding rigorous academic and professional standards consistent with the PNU's mandate as the NUTE. In the implementation of the National Intake Mechanism, PNU shall: i. Set clear entry qualifications and a strict retention policy to ensure the quality and readiness of scholars; ii. Require an agreement between the PNU, the sponsoring local government or agency, and the student upon enrollment, providing that the scholar shall render service in the education system, preferably in the region of the sponsoring local government, consistent with national teacher demand; iii. Develop and administer rigorous assessments to select students who will be admitted as pre-service teachers under the program; and iv. Provide financial assistance and support programs to National Teacher Education Scholars, including tuition exemption, stipends, and allowances, with the aim of ensuring a high graduation and completion rate across all campuses of the University. National Teacher Education Scholars shall be subject to a service obligation, requiring them to serve in the Philippine education system

for a period to be determined by the Board, consistent with existing laws and policies. The service obligation shall be designed to address national and regional teacher shortages, particularly in underserved and high-need areas, subject to existing deployment and civil service policies. Scholars may enroll in any campus of the PNU System depending on their chosen program of study, specialization, or regional preference. The service obligation under this Section shall be implemented in accordance with existing laws, civil service rules, and deployment policies of the DepEd. The National Intake Mechanism shall be implemented progressively, subject to the absorptive capacity of the PNU and the availability of resources, as may be determined by the Board. b) Teacher Education Financial Assistance and Privileges for Students. - To strengthen the National Intake Mechanism, local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and partner institutions may provide financial sponsorships or contributions for National Teacher Education Scholars. Such sponsorships may be sourced from their general funds or other authorized sources, and shall be remitted to the PNU National Teacher Education Endowment Fund or directly to the PNU in accordance with guidelines issued by the Board. The implementation of service obligations and deployment preferences shall be coordinated with the DepEd and other relevant agencies, consistent with existing deployment and hiring policies. Sponsored scholars shall be subject to a tripartite agreement among the PNU, the sponsoring LGU or agency, and the student. The agreement shall specify the terms of financial assistance and the scholar's service obligation, which shall include preferential deployment in the sponsoring LGU or agency, consistent with national teacher demand and existing laws and policies. All contributions and sponsorships shall be subject to government accounting, auditing, and transparency standards, and the

PNU shall include a summary of such sponsorships in its annual report to Congress. c) Basic Services. - The provisions for basic services that are necessary to protect the well-being and support the holistic development of students shall be provided for. The following student affairs and services shall be implemented: i. Student Welfare. - The PNU shall ensure the delivery of basic programs and services for students, including: 1. Information and orientation services 2. Guidance, counseling, and psychological services, such as mental health programs anchored on PNU's mental health and wellness framework 3. Career services and job placement assistance 4. Economic enterprise development 5. Student handbook development and dissemination These services shall be continuously developed to ensure the holistic well-being of students, addressing their academic, personal, emotional, social, and mental health needs. ii. Institutional Programs and Services. - The PNU may provide support to basic health, food, shelter, and safety concerns of students, including but not limited to: 1. Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Incentives - covering living allowance, uniform, research and book allowance, educational tools, and other forms of student support, with provisions for rewards and incentives for academic and leadership achievements 2. Special Populations Support - dedicated programs and assistance for scholars, working students, student- parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), athletes, artists/ performers, indigenous peoples, and international students

3. Frontline Services - including cultural and sports development, library and information services, medical and dental services, housing and dormitories, multi-faith and spiritual services, student loans, laundry facilities, and other services necessary to sustain student welfare iii. Student Development Services. - The PNU recognizes the importance of student development and the critical role of providing opportunities for leadership, discipline, and therefore provide community participation. PNU shall opportunities for student formation and discipline; student organizations and activities; leadership training and development; student publications and media; student council/ student government initiatives; and student mobility and exchange programs (local and international), consistent with institutional and national frameworks. 1. Student Councils. - The PNU shall establish the following student councils: 1. A student council for each campus; 2. A graduate student council for each campus, subject to feasibility and minimum membership requirements; and 3. A National Union of Student Councils/Student Government (or Student Federation) constituted from officers of the campus student councils. The National Union of Student Councils shall be composed of duly elected representatives from constituent campuses and their extension campuses. The student councils shall serve as the primary representative bodies of the students, advancing their interests, welfare, and aspirations. Each council shall have the authority to adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with this Act.

2. Student Publications. - Subject to due and comprehensive consultation with students, there shall be a student publication established in every constituent campus, funded by student fees. Freedom of expression and autonomy in all editorial and fiscal matters shall be guaranteed, particularly in the selection of editors and staff. The political stand of the publication on local and national issues shall be respected and upheld. d) International Students. - Subject to the rule of reciprocity, international students shall be afforded the same rights and privileges as Filipino students. Separate admission and retention policies shall be crafted for international students, alongside academic and mobility agreements with partner institutions. The limitation on international student intake is intended to preserve the PNU's primary mandate of serving national teacher education needs while supporting internationalization. The intake of international students shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total PNU student population per school year. Graduate students holding non-Philippine passports must provide proof that the higher education institutions they previously attended are recognized through international academic rankings, in line with requirements for inbound and outbound student mobility. e) Research and Field Practice Support. - The PNU, in partnership with the DepEd Schools Division Offices and other agencies, shall facilitate efficient access to research venues and teaching practice opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, subject to approval by the University Research Ethics Board. f) Licensure Equivalency. - PNU, as NUTE, may develop and pilot alternative licensure pathways, including performance-based assessments, supervised residency programs, and other competency- based evaluation mechanisms designed to strengthen teacher

preparation and professional readiness. Such alternative pathways shall be developed and implemented in coordination and consultation with PRC and other relevant agencies, and shall remain subject to PRC oversight and approval in accordance with applicable regulatory policies governing professional licensure. ARTICLE VII LAND, ASSETS, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 32. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the PNU. - All parcels

of land reserved, granted, or otherwise ceded by law, decree, presidential issuance, or government action for the use of the Philippine Normal School established under Act No. 74 of 1901, its successor the Philippine Normal College created under R.A. No. 416 of 1946, and now the Philippine Normal University constituted under R.A. No. 7168 of 1991, including the main site in the City of Manila and all its duly established branches, together with all existing buildings and permanent structures therein such as the Normal Hall and other heritage edifices declared under R.A. No. 10066, are hereby declared to be the property of the PNU. Provided that the PNU ceases to exist, be abolished, or should such parcels of land be no longer needed for the purposes of teacher education, the same shall revert to the provinces, municipalities, or cities where they are located. The State may support the PNU System as the National University for Teacher Education in the form of a lump sum amount in the Annual General Appropriations Act, other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants, donations, and the use of other real properties. Income derived from the development, lease, or other productive uses of all such land grants and real properties shall accrue exclusively to the PNU, as may be determined by its Board. Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree, or presidential issuance to the PNU are declared to be reserved for the purpose intended. The absolute ownership of the PNU over these landholdings, including those covered by

original and transfer certificates of title issued in its name and their future derivatives, is hereby confirmed. Where the issuance of certificates of title for these landholdings is pending, the appropriate government office shall, within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, expedite the issuance thereof in 5 favor of the PNU: Provided, That all legal and registration requirements 6 necessary for the issuance of the said titles have been duly submitted and complied with. The Board may plan, design, approve, and cause the implementation of land leases: Provided, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall sustain and protect the environment in accordance with law, and exclude the academic core zone of the campuses of the PNU: Provided further, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall not conflict with the academic mission of the PNU. The Board may allow the use of the income from real properties of the PNU as security for transactions to generate additional revenues, when needed for educational purposes. The Board may approve the implementation of joint ventures: Provided, That when the real properties of the PNU are involved, only the income derived by PNU from the use of real properties shall be the subject of its participation or obligation in the joint ventures: Provided further, That no joint venture shall result in the alienation of the real properties owned by the PNU. Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and 24 other real properties entrusted to the PNU shall be consistent with the academic mission and orientation of the PNU, and shall be protected from undue influence and control of commercial interests: Provided, That such programs, projects, or mechanisms shall be approved by the Board, subject to a transparent and democratic process of consultation with the constituents of the PNU: Provided further, That funds generated from such programs, projects, or mechanisms shall not be meant to replace, in whole or in part, the annual appropriations provided by the national government to the PNU.

Sec. 33. Safeguards on Assets Disposition. - The preservation and

2 protection of the value of the assets of PNU shall be of primary consideration. The sale of any existing and future property of the PNU shall be 4 prohibited: Provided, That the Board may dispose real property donated only 5 if the same is allowed under the contract of donation. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the PNU from entering into 7 cooperative agreements or partnerships with cultural, educational, or heritage institutions, including the National Museum of the Philippines, for the conservation, adaptive re-use, and development of its heritage buildings and 10 other real properties: Provided, That such arrangements shall not diminish or transfer ownership of said properties and that the PNU shall remain their perpetual owner and custodian. The PNU shall develop and implement internal controls, measures, and systems, consistent with existing laws and regulatory requirements, to ensure the protection of its physical properties, documented information, and digital assets.

Sec. 34. Technology-based Infrastructure and Assets. - As the NUTE,

19 PNU shall ensure delivery of the following: a) Establish infrastructures, facilities, laboratories, research offices, learning commons, and classrooms equipped with advanced technology-based solutions to facilitate the fulfillment of its mandate; b) Create initiatives for innovations and system-based solutions to digitalize the processes and services that will support operations and functions efficiently and effectively; c) Establish comprehensive digital security that has well-defined security policies, procedures, and ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure the university's digital assets and data remain secure against evolving cyber threats; d) Develop and implement teacher education programs that integrate digital pedagogy, Al tools, and technology-driven teaching strategies; e) Acquire technology-based resources and other forms of digital assets to drive university goals and directions; and

f) Manage communication and collaboration among stakeholders effectively by utilizing information and communication technology provisions. ARTICLE VIII FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, TAX EXEMPTIONS, AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sec. 35. Financial Management and Sustainability. - There shall be an

9 independent trust committee to be composed of the President of the PNU as 10 Chairperson and with representatives from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), Investment Houses Association of the Philippines (IHAP), Trust Officers Association of the Philippines (TOAP), Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) as representatives, and who shall be entitled to a reasonable per diem, as the Board may specify. The independent trust committee shall recommend to the Board five (5) universal banks selected on a provident basis. Trust departments shall manage the corporate and other funds through trust agreements of the PNU on a non-directed basis: Provided, That any such agreement shall be for a period of not more than two (2) years. The independent trust committee shall provide the Board with direction on the appropriate investments with the view of preserving the value of funds while allowing the PNU to earn a reasonable return thereon. To support NUTE's expanded functions, PNU shall adopt a workload 24 differentiation scheme, institutionalize research incentives, and decentralize governance by expanding campus and stakeholder participation. Investments in infrastructure and digital platforms shall be prioritized.

Sec. 36. Tax Exemptions. - The provisions of any general or special law

to the contrary notwithstanding: a) All revenues and assets of the PNU used actually, directly and exclusively for educational purposes or in support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes and duties;

b) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended: Provided, That the allowable deductions shall be equivalent to 150 percent of the value of such donation. Valuation of assistance other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of the property. Such valuation shall take into consideration the depreciated value of property in case said property has been used; c) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, historical and cultural books, supplies and materials, duly certified by the Board, including scientific and educational computers and equipment, shall be exempt from customs duties in accordance with the provisions of R.A. No. 10863 or the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)"; d) The University shall only pay 0% Value Added Tax for all transactions subject to this tax; and e) All academic monetary awards shall be exempt from all taxes.

Sec. 37. Appropriations. - The amount needed to carry out the

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the PNU and its other internal funds. Thereafter, the amount necessary to strengthen its capacity as the NUTE shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. ARTICLE IX IMPLEMENTING, TRANSITORY, AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 38. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days

after the effectivity of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the CHED, DBM, and other relevant agencies, shall formulate the rules and regulations to fully implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 39. Transitory Provision. - To ensure a smooth transition, the

incumbent President shall serve as the first President of the PNU with a term of four years, which is the same term proposed for the PNU President.

Sec. 40. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is

6 declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 41. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, including R.A. Nos. 7168

and 9647, executive orders, presidential decrees, administrative orders, rules and regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 42. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the IRR, this

Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 16 Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,