Amending RA No. 8292 (Inclusion and Representation of Non-academic Personnel in the Sucs Boards)

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 17 P4:01 SENATE REC S. No. — Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION AND REPRESENTATION OF NON-ACADEMIC AND NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL IN THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF ALL STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8292, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "HIGHER EDUCATION MODERNIZATION ACT OF 1997" EXPLANATORY NOTE The essence of higher education lies not only in the academic pursuits but also in the multifaceted roles played by non-academic and non-teaching personnel within the academic community. This bill recognizes the indispensable contributions of these personnel and seeks to afford them proper representation in the decision-making processes in the governing boards of state universities and colleges (SUCs). Non-academic and non-teaching personnel, comprising administrative staff, maintenance personnel, librarians, and various support staff, are integral components of the academic ecosystem. Their roles extend beyond the traditional boundaries of academia, encompassing crucial functions that contribute directly to the efficient and effective functioning of our state universities and colleges. One of the primary functions of SUCs is to provide quality higher education to a diverse and dynamic student body. Achieving this mandate requires a holistic approach that considers the input of all stakeholders, including those whose roles may not be directly linked to the academic curriculum but are vital for the overall success

of the institution. From managing administrative affairs to maintaining campus facilities, these personnel play a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to learning, research, and community engagement. The governing boards of SUCs make decisions that impact the entire institution, ranging from budgetary allocations to strategic planning. It is imperative that the voices of all stakeholders be represented in these decisions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive perspective that reflects the diverse nature of the academic community. By affording non-academic and non-teaching personnel a seat at the table, we acknowledge the importance of their expertise and experiences in shaping the policies that govern the entire university or college. Moreover, inclusion in governing boards not only empowers non-academic and non-teaching personnel but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the institution's mission. It promotes a collaborative and synergistic approach to university governance, where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to a shared vision of academic excellence and institutional advancement. In conclusion, this bill aims to strengthen the democratic governance of our state universities and colleges by recognizing the indispensable role played by non- academic and non-teaching personnel. Their inclusion in the decision-making processes of SUCs is not just a matter of representation but a fundamental step towards creating a more inclusive, responsive, and effective higher education system. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 17 P4:01 SENATE RECE VED E" S. No. — Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION AND REPRESENTATION OF NON-ACADEMIC AND NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL IN THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF ALL STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8292, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "HIGHER EDUCATION MODERNIZATION ACT OF 1997" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the "Higher

Education Modernization Act of 1997" is hereby amended to read as follows: "SEC. 3. The Governing Boards; Manner of Appointment. - (a) Composition. - The governing body of state universities and colleges is hereby vested in the Board of Regents for universities and in the Board of Trustees for colleges, which shall be [composed of the following] CHAIRED AND CO-CHAIRED, RESPECTIVELY, BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE AND WITH THE FOLLOWING AS MEMBERS: i. [Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Chairman; ii. President of the university or college, Vice Chairman;

iii. Chairman of the Concessional Committees on Education and Culture] CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER, TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION OF THE SENATE; II. CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; [iv.] III. Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) where the main campus of the university or college is located; [v.] IV. Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in case of science and technological UNIVERSITIES OR colleges; or the Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in case of agricultural UNIVERSITIES OR colleges; or the Secretary OR MINISTER of Education for an Autonomous Region. In lieu of such representation, the commanding generals of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy shall sit as members of the Board of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, respectively; [vi.] V. President of the FEDERATION OF faculty associations; [vii] VI. President of the supreme student council or the student representative elected by the FEDERATION OF student councils: Provided, That in the absence of a student council president or student representative elected by the student council, the university or college shall schedule one (1) week for the campaign and election of a student representative; VII. PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF NON-ACADEMIC AND NON- TEACHING PERSONNEL ASSOCIATIONS FOR MULTICAMPUS UNIVERSITIES OR THE ASSOCIATION OF NON-ACADEMIC AND NON-

TEACHING PERSONNEL FOR A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE WITH A SINGLE CAMPUS ONLY; vili. President of the alumni association of the institution concerned; and ix. Two (2) prominent citizens who have distinguished themselves in their professions or fields of specialization chosen from among a list of at least five (5) persons qualified in the city or the province where the school is located, as recommended by the search committee constituted by the President in consultation with the [Chairman] CHAIRPERSON of the CHED based on the normal standards and qualifications for the position. The faculty and the student council shall be represented by the president of their respective federations in multi-campus universities and colleges. THE NON-ACADEMIC AND NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL SHALL BE REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERATION IN THE CASE OF MULTI-CAMPUS UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES OR BY THE ASSOCIATION IN THE CASE OF UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES WITH A SINGLE CAMPUS ONLY. The private sector representatives shall be appointed by the Board of Regents OR Trustees upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. (b) Term of Office. - The presidents of the faculty, NONS ACADEMIC AND NON- TEACHING PERSONNEL, [and] alumni associations and the student regents or trustees shall sit in the board until the expiration of their term of office in such capacities. XXX"

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or

parts thereof, which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,