WALK THE TALK, NOT TALK THEN WALK
MSU was created by R. A. 1387 in 1961 and authored by Sen. Domocao Alonto. Since then, it has grown into a multicampus academic institution - one of only two national universities, the other being UP.
Much has changed after 58 years. Enrollment has grown from hundreds in the 1960s to around 40,000+ now, academic degree offerings have expanded including postgraduate studies, infrastructure like buildings and labs have greatly improved despite feeble support from the national gov't except for a P 2B DAP funding in 2012/2013 and 200,000+ graduates have since passed through its halls.
As in most govt agencies, weaknesses or deficiencies in governance are inevitable, regardless of who's at the helm. Many of these are attributed to its unique character and vision or mission. Its original and, as some claim, main campus is in Marawi City, deep in Muslim Mindanao, and its principal mandate is cultural integration among the tripeople of MINSUPALA region.
It's inevitable that policies and academic parameters are adjusted or adapted in pursuit of this mission. Geopolitics too changed the social and cultural environment in Marawi. The demand for local self-governance and the rise of religious activism worldwide changed the political endgame. What used to be isn't what's now.
Recognizing all these plus the obvious inadequacies in its original charter, then Pres. Dick de Leon came up with a proposition to amend the MSU Charter through a stratplan workshop in 2007. Asking for my help, I enlisted the support of Sen. Pangilinan who agreed to file and pass the ChaCha bill together with UP's. Alas, RDL was replaced in 2008.
Undeterred, I goaded Pres. Mac to continue the ChaCha move. He later agreed but instead of a stratplan, he created a supercommittee instead chaired by ex Pres. Camar Umpa to draft the ChaCha due to urgency. Serious deliberations on proposals began in 2011 and took a year to finalize the draft. As PIW, then MSUAA Pres. Willy Adan designated me and just retired Manong Sarangani to represent the alumni association. Discussions, deliberations and debates were quite contentious as MSUAA insisted on a revised Charter insulating MSU from politics, giving campuses full autonomy and restoring the university to its intended academic reputation.
Major provisions approved due to MSUAA insistence and my batchmate Camar's support were among others:
1) The University President will be a System President
2) Marawi shall have its own Chancellor like UP Diliman.
3) The Board of Regents will be composed of 13 members instead of present 17, eliminating 3 Chancellor Regents and 3 appointive regents.
4) Two alumni regents, being the largest group, like before 1987.
5) Proxy voting not allowed
6) Full autonomy to the 8 campuses
7) The University President shall be elected by the BOR, not presently appointed by the President of the Phil
In 2013 when I became alumni Regent, I moved for BOR approval to amend the Charter. It was seconded by then Cong. Romy Romulo. Sen. Piano Cayetano, ex officio regent, filed the bill in the Senate in early 2014 while my cousin Cong. Rufus Rodriguez and several Mindanao Representarives sponsored it in the Lower House. A series of public hearings in Iligan and other cities were conducted. In 2015 my term ended, content that finally a revised charter will address concerns about MSU's direction.
It turned out that the bill passed 2nd Reading only and lapsed in 2016 when Congress adjourned. That's why when I returned as alumni Regent this year, the first alumni agenda I proposed in BOR is refiling of the ChaCha bill after resolution by the MSUAA National Board. CHED Chair de Vera has directed Pres. Macaayong to promptly organize a committee to follow this through in Congress before it adjourns in 2022. Cong. Rodriguez has consented to sponsor it again and I'll be requesting our Sen. Bato to sponsor it in the Senate. This time I'll closely monitor its passage since my term ends in December 2020.
It's becoming more urgent due to the free tuition act and the Marawi crisis which has affected Marawi's enrollment and considering that 4 campuses are under BARMM region.
Another outdated reference how MSU administers is its Code of Governance. First written in 1976 I think and revised in 1992 or 27 years ago. Twice Pres. Macaayong designated me to chair the Execom on his behalf and I often observe that faculty promotions, hiring policies and other important procedures are proposed or approved based on Code of Governance, prior BOR Resolutions or ISRP and other circulars WHICHEVER is 'convenient' or 'applicable'. There's no regularity of decisions. And there are instances when a decision is asked without any policy written.
That's why too the MSUAA 2nd agenda proposed and approved is the revision of the Code of Governance to correct these inadequacies.
I'm sorry this is quite more than a usual narrative. Let me just tell Msuans that we walk our talk and not simply talk and walk away. We've been addressing valid concerns and revising our Charter and Code of Governance is the initial and logical start. Of course we admit just as Msuans understand that there are no immediate and comprehensive solutions to difficult issues prevailing or expected in the future.
Perhaps you may go to your respective MSUAA chapter and submit suggestions or proposals. Or write direct to MSUAA National.
Thank you for your indulgence.