Republic Act No. 7977

The Tabango Vocational School in the Municipality of Tabango, Province of Leyte, is hereby converted into a college, its name changed, to be known as the Marcelino R. Veloso National Polytechnic College.

In addition to its present secondary and post-secondary curricular offerings, the Marcelino R. Veloso National Polytechnic College herein established shall offer undergraduate courses in the fields of industrial education and technology, engineering, mining, arts and sciences, three-year technician courses in trade, agriculture, forestry and fishery, and such short-term occupational courses as may be necessary to meet the national and regional needs for trained manpower.

It shall grant proficiency certificates in non-degree courses and diplomas to degree courses offered.

The entry qualification of high school graduates desiring to enroll in its courses shall be based on an open-door policy, but limited to the actual capacity of the College for maximum efficiency in terms of quality graduates, efficient use of facilities, and reduction of waste material resources.

There shall be a career service program to assist students in the pursuit of their career choice.

Veloso National Polytechnic College shall be headed by a college superintendent, who shall be appointed by the chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education. The powers and duties of the college superintendent shall be the same as those vested in and exercised by other superintendents of existing government colleges.

All its school personnel shall be covered by the civil service law and rules.

The chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education shall take the necessary steps for the immediate operation of the Marcelino R. Veloso National Polytechnic College and the implementation of the other provisions of this Act.

All assets, buildings, equipment, facilities and funds of the Tabango Vocational School, as well as its records, liabilities and all its present personnel, are hereby transferred to and absorbed by the Marcelino R. Veloso National Polytechnic College.

The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Tabango Vocational School. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Lapsed into law on April 14, 1995 without the President's signature, pursuant to Sec. 27(1), Article VI of the Constitution.