Integrating the Bicol University-Gubat Extension Campus in Gubat, Sorsogon as Regular Branch of Bicol University in Legaspi City

December 20, 2009

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9860

AN ACT INTEGRATING THE BICOL UNIVERSITY-GUBAT EXTENSION CAMPUS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUBAT, PROVINCE OF SORSOGON AS A REGULAR BRANCH OF THE BICOL UNIVERSITY IN LEGASPI CITY, PROVINCE OF ALBAY, DEFINING ITS OBJECTIVES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

SECTION 1. Integration. — The Bicol University-Gubat Extension Campus in the Municipality of Gubat, Province of Sorsogon, is hereby integrated as a regular branch of the Bicol University (BU) located in Legaspi City, Province of Albay. It shall be known as the Bicol University-Gubat Campus. EScHDA

SECTION 2. Objectives. — The Bicol University-Gubat Campus shall provide quality and affordable higher education to the people. It shall develop and provide relevant technology and academic programs that will hasten the socioeconomic development of the Province of Sorsogon.

SECTION 3. Curricular Offerings. — The Bicol University-Gubat Campus shall continue to offer the same courses being offered prior to its integration with the Bicol University, namely: Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, BS in Computer Science, BS in Food Technology and Diploma in Agricultural Technology. It shall also offer courses in forestry, fishery and other relevant courses within its areas of specialization and according to its capabilities as the Board of Regents of the Bicol University may deem necessary to carry out its objectives, particularly to meet the needs of the Province of Sorsogon. ETDaIC

SECTION 4. Administration. — The administration of the Bicol University-Gubat Campus shall be vested in the Board of Regents of the said university, hereinafter referred to as the Board, in accordance with Republic Act No. 5521, otherwise known as the "Charter of the Bicol University".

The Board of the Bicol University shall have the full authority to determine the organizational structure, academic, research and extension programs, the qualifications and number of academic personnel, enrollment and such other matters related to the administration and operation of the Bicol University-Gubat Campus.

SECTION 5. Campus Site. — The Municipality of Gubat, Province of Sorsogon shall identify the proposed campus site to be incorporated to the Bicol University as its Gubat Campus.

This parcel of land to be occupied by the Bicol University-Gubat Campus is hereby declared to be property of the Bicol University, and shall be titled under that name: Provided, That should the Bicol University cease to exist or be abolished, or should said parcel of land aforementioned be no longer needed by the University, the same shall revert to the Municipality of Gubat.

SECTION 6. Implementation. — The Board of the Bicol University is hereby authorized to formulate rules, regulations and guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act, not later than the opening of the next school year following the approval of this Act.

SECTION 7. Filing of Report. — Within three (3) months after the integration of the Gubat Extension Campus with the Bicol University, the Board of the Bicol University shall file with the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and with both Houses of Congress a detailed report on the actions it has taken pursuant hereto. ECaITc

SECTION 8. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's funding provided by the Municipality of Gubat. The Municipality of Gubat shall continue to provide assistance to the Bicol University corresponding to the funding given to the BU-Gubat Extension Program before the same is integrated into the Bicol University until such time that the full funding requirement of the BU-Gubat Extension Campus is included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. IaHDcT

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved: December 20, 2009