University Memorandum No. 41 series 2026

Comprehensive Policies on Zero Collection, Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Panel Defense

1. Zero Collection Policy

Legal Basis:

• Republic Act No. 5546 - Prohibits the sale of tickets and/or collection of contributions in any form whatsoever, whether voluntary or otherwise, from school children, students, and teachers of public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
• Presidential Decree No. 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) - States that no school shall receive or collect contributions of any kind or form, except those expressly provided by law, or voluntary contributions during national or local disasters for distribution to victims.

Policy Statement:

• Strictly prohibits any form of collection from students, teachers, or staff, whether voluntary or otherwise, across all departments, campuses, and offices of the University.
• This prohibition includes the collection of teaching personnel for panel defense.
• Any Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) resolution or similar initiative that seeks to authorize or justify collections shall not be considered valid under this policy. The University recognizes only those exceptions expressly provided by law, and no other resolutions or agreements shall override this directive.

2. Anti-Bullying Policy

Legal Basis:

• Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013) - Mandates schools to adopt policies that prevent and address bullying in all forms.

Policy Statement:

• Bullying-whether verbal, physical, social, or online—is strictly prohibited.

3. Sexual Harassment Policy

Legal Basis:

• Republic Act No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) - Declares sexual harassment unlawful in employment, education, and training environments.
• Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act, 2019) - Expands protection against gender-based harassment in public spaces, online, and educational institutions.

Policy Statement:

• Sexual harassment in any form is strictly forbidden.

4. Policy on the Collection of Teachers for Panel and Oral Defense of Undergraduate Students

Legal Basis:

• Covered under Republic Act No. 5546 and Presidential Decree No. 603, which prohibit collections from students and teachers.
• Supported by the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers (Board Resolution No. 435, s. 1997), which requires educators to uphold professionalism and integrity.

Policy Statement:

• Teachers selected for panel defense must be chosen based on expertise, impartiality, and availability.
• No financial collection or compensation from students is permitted for panel participation.
• The college deans and campus directors will oversee panel assignments to ensure fairness and academic integrity.

5. These policies are anchored on Republic Acts, Presidential Decrees, and DepEd regulations to safeguard integrity, fairness, and respect within the University. All members of the academic community are expected to comply fully. Non-compliance will be met with appropriate disciplinary action.

6. All college deans, campus directors, directors, and heads of offices are required to submit a monthly report to the office of the undersigned on the extent of implementation of the aforementioned policies to their respective colleges, campuses and offices/units.

7. All issuances not consistent with this memorandum are hereby superseded.

8. For wide dissemination and strict compliance.

(SGD) ENRIQUE G. BAKING, EDD
University President