The University of Puerto Rico: A Special Report (May 1971)

.1

M4ii0'-^

ae/f/6 ^^yac6

COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO

Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

May 1971

Governor Luis A. Ferré

Enrique Córdova

Jaime Benitez

Chairman

President of íhe Vniversity

Higher Educat'ion Council

Higher Education Council Enrique Córdova, Chairman José Trías Monge

Juan J. Jiménez Celestina Zalduondo Roberto Buso Roberto de Jesús

Andrés Salazar Luis Negrón Fernández Ramón Mellado

Rico, its municipalities, agencies and author-

"* * * all bonds issued by the government of Puerto Rico, or by its authority,

ities are exempt, as are other municipal

shall be exempt from taxation by the Gov-

bonds, from Federal income taxes. In addi-

ernment of the United States, or by the Government of Puerto Rico or of any poíitical or municipal subdivisión thereof, or by any State, Territory, or possession or by any county, municipality, or other municipal subdivisión of any State, Territory, or pos session of the United States, or by the District of Columbia."

Bonds of íhe Commonwealth of Puerto

tion, however, by Act of the Congress of the United States, all bonds issued by Puerto

Rican public bodies are further exempt

from taxes levied by any state or sub división thereof. This exemption is expressed in Public Law 600, 8lst Congress, as foliows:

The tower domínales ¡he main campas of ihe Vniversity of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. Botli the lowcr and il.s- sarrounding haildings

wiíh landscaped, arch-lined couriyurds rcfiecl the influent e of the Spanish heritage in architecturc.

The Universíty of Puerto Rico The University of Puerto Rico developed out of a Nor

cine were inaugurated in 1926. In 1931, the benefits

mal School opened in Fajardo in 1900, for the training

of the Hatch, Adams, Purnell and Smith-Lever Acts

of public school teachers. The school was transferred to Río Piedras on March 12, 1903 when the Normal School was incorporated by law into the University

were extended to Puerto Rico, providing funds for the

Agricultural Extensión Service and the Agricultural Experimental Station. The School of Social Work was

of Puerto Rico.

established in 1934. In 1935, the benefits of the Bank-

The extensión of the benefits of the Morrill-Nelson

Act, which qualifies institutions for payments to Land Grant Colleges, to Puerto Rico in 1908 helped to make possible the University's growth. In 1910, the College

head-Jones Act providing for Land Grant College payments relative to research were extended to Puerto Rico by the Congress of the United States.

The University was reorganized in 1942 to provide

In

for a more eíficient administration of its educational

1911, the College of Agriciilture and Mechanical Arts was opened in Mayaguez, and in 1913 the School of Law and the College of Pharmacy initiated their pro-

facilities and in 1943 the College of Liberal Arts in

grams. In 1925, the oíd Normal School officially be-

eral Studies program was inaugurated. The Mayaguez campus was placed under the authority of a ViceChancellor and reorganized into the Schools of Agri-

of Liberal Arts was esíablished at Río Piedras.

came the College of Education. The College of Busi

ness Administration and the School of Tropical Medi

T/ie University of Puerto Rico, foiinded in 1900 as a Normal School to ¡rain teachers,

/loii' has more than 42,000 students.

Río Piedras was divided into the Faculties of Humani-

ties. Social Sciences and Natural Sciences and a Gen

culture, Engineering, and Science, each under a sep

Public Administration were established in Río Piedras

At Río Piedras, Bachelor Degrees are granted in thirty-two subjects and Master and Doctor Degrees in nineteen subjects. Gradúate Certificates and Diplomas in three fields, as well as an LLB Degree, are also

in 1945. A División of General Studies was founded

granted.

árate deán.

The Faculty of General Studies and the School of

in Mayaguez in 1946. The School of Medicine was inaugurated in 1950 and the School of Dentistry in 1957.

The establishment of the Puerto Rico Nuclear Center

in 1957 marked another phase in the growth of the University. In 1959 the School of Sciences and the División of General Studies became the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on the Mayaguez Campus. In 1962

the first 2-year Regional College was established in Humacao. Subsequently, Regional Colleges were es tablished in Arecibo, Cayey and Ponce. Another Re gional College is under construction in Bayamon and will enroll students in August 1971.

At Mayaguez, there are six fields in which Under-

graduate Certificates and Diplomas are awarded. There are nineteen subjects in which Bachelor Degrees are awarded, and three of these are sub-divided into special-

ized Degrees. Eight subjects lead to Master Degrees, with Engineering divided into four types of Degrees.

Medical Sciences grants a wide range of specialized degrees on all three leveis, Undergraduate and Gradúate Certificates, and First Professional Degrees in Medicine and in Dental Medicine.

The Regional Colleges and Cayey grant Bachelor Degrees and various associate degrees.

The School of Planning was established at the Río Piedras Campus in 1965 and the School of Architec-

Enrollment

ture in 1966.

Total enrollment for the 1970-71 academic year was 42,516. Charts on the inside back cover of this Special

In 1970 the Regional College of Cayey became a four year college and is known as the "Cayey Univer sity College".

Administration

The governing board of the University is the Higher Education Councii, composed of the Secretary of Public Education and eight members who represent

Report show the trend in student enrollment in recent academic years.

Since 1940 the University has conferred 73,901 degrees, certificates and diplomas.

The following are estimates of enrollment for future years, prepared by the Office of Planning for the Uni

Rico, with the advice and consent of the Senate of

versity, based upon projections of population growth for Puerto Rico and estimates of high school graduates from public and prívate schools, expansión on existing

Puerto Rico.

campuses and availability of new Regional College

the public interest in higher learning. The Councii members are appointed by the Govemor of Puerto

The Councii appoints the President of the University.

The current President, Jaime Benitez, was Chancellor

of the University from 1942 to 1966, when he became

Campases. A substantial portion of the growth results from the projected opening of various new Regional Colleges.

President.

Río

Medical

Piedras

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

1971-72 1972-73 1973-74 1974-75 1984-85

RcKlonal

Mayaguez Cayey* Sciences Colleges**

Total

26.500 9.000 2.200 1.555 5.580 44.835 26,000 9.800 2.700 1.850 8.495 48.845 25,332 10.300 3.200 2.145 13.373 54.350 25,000 10,900 3.500 2.440 18.160 60.000 27,500 19,000 6.000 4.000 43.500 100,000

Plant Valuation

The physical plant of the University was carried on its

'Cayey

(Oponed 1967 as a Regional College and changed to a

books at $84,237,737 as of June 30, 1970.

four year University Col-

„

lego in 1970) (Oponed 1962) (Opened 1967)

Campusos

At present the University of Puerto Rico is composed of four University campusos located at Río Piedras (Metropolitan San Juan), Cayey, Mayaguez, and Med ical Sciences in San Juan; and three Regional Colleges located at Humacao, Arecibo. and Ponce.

•;

(Opened 1970)

■ Metropolitan No. 1 (Bayamon) (F.st. to he opened August .. Í97I)to he opened 1972) ■ Metropolitan No. 2 (Carolina) (F.st.

•■••■Mayaguez-Aguadilla ^ <San Juan)

• Ouayama

(F.st. to he opened 1973) (Est. to he opened 1973) 'Est. he opened opened 1978) 1976) (Est. to to be

Indian arlifacls, Speiiiish armar, ond a painting by a noted artist— all are handsomely displayed in the Puerto Ricati Room of thc

Miiseiiin of Anthropology, Hislory and Arl.

Commonwealth Support of the University Under said Act No. 2 this percentagc increased from

The University has enjoyed substantial financial support from thc Legislature of the Commonwealth of

7.8% in 1968 to 9.0% in 1971 and is to remain at

Puerto Rico.

9% unless changed by the Legislature.

Prior to 1966, appropriations were

granted largely in responsc to special requests. Under Act No. 2, approvcd January 20, 1966, in order to

The following tabulation shows the amounts received

enable the University to plan its future programs and

from the Commonwealth, excluding grants for research and other such programs, in each of the last ten fiscal

rcquirements Ihcre was allocated to the University for cach fiscal year a fixed percentagc of thc averagc

years. See the insidc back cover of this Special Report for charts showing the distribution of Commonwealth

total amount of annual revcnucs collected under thc two preccding fiscal years.

support.

Fiscal Year

Ending

General

Restricted

June 30

Fund

Appropríations(2)

1961

....

$ 11,589.968

$ 7.021.289

1962

... .

13,876,261

5,174.941

19,051.202

1963

.. . .

15.036,889

22,905.364

16.805,981

7.868,475 8,603,373

25.409.354

. . ..

18.519,950

9.012.512

27.532.462

1966

20,288.179

9.522,917

29.811.096

1967

26,582.270(1)

7,470,826

34,053.096

1964 1965

.

Total

$ 18.611,257

1968

. .. .

28,891.171(1)

8.534,818

37.425,989

1969

....

9,658.709

46,468,221

1970

....

36.809,512(1) 45,994,290(1)

"$234.394.471"

11,428,292

57.422.582

$84,296.152

$318,690,623

(1) Inc-luck's íiiiUHinls received under ihe provisions of Aci No. 2. approvcd .liimiary 20. 1066.

(2) For schülarship. Agriculiural Experiinenial Siation and Agricuilural Extensión Service purposes.

n A functional ramp leac/s to ¡he School of General Siudles in Río Piedras.

Capital Improvement Program

Since 1967 the University has been engaged in an extensive capital improvement program involving the acquisition and construction of buildings, structures and facilities of a capital nature and enlargements, improvements and additions to existing facilities. As of February 5, 1971, the Capital Improvement Pro

of Cayey and the Regional Colleges, classrooms, lee-

gram, as authorized by the Council, was estimated to

through June 30, 1970 totalled $30,566,813, of which

the Medical Sciences campus, a new $21,000,000 med ical science building, and (4) at the University College ture halls, laboratories and student centers.

Expenditures for the Capital Improvement Program

cost $110,979,171. The major projects in the Capital

$4,355,451 was provided by direct Federal grants and

Improvement Program include (1) at the Río Piedras campus, three dormitories, four academic buildings

approximately $26,200,000 was borrowed by the

and a student center, (2) at the Mayaguez campus, two dormitories and four academic buildings, (3) at

Development Bank for Puerto Rico, as shown in the following table:

University undcr a line of credit with the Government

Fiscal Year Endíng June 30 Campus

1968

Río Piedras Mayacuez Medical Sciences

$ 4,174,49!

164.521

4.^8,976

Cayey

16.037

Regional Colleges Central Administration

1969

1970

Total

$15.172.090

$ 7.641.031 777,377

$ 3.356.568 1.200.716

2.I42.6I4

692.988 66,958

9.472.755

10.604.719

462.080

545.075

121,934

1,481,932

1,857.193

57.790

8,527

178,805

245,122

$16,152,856

$30.566.813

$ 2,158,430

$ 4,355,451

$13,994,426

$26,211,362

Total

Direct Federal Grant

$

512,400

$ 9,,308,815 $ l,684,621

Borrowing

$ 4,592,742

$ 7,,624,194

Expenditures for the Capital Improvement Program

sity to be provided by direct Federal grants and ap proximately $64,000,000 will be borrowed initially

from July 1, 1970 through June 30, 1975 have been scheduled to total approximately $80,400,000 of which approximately $16,400,000 is estimated by the Univer-

under a line of credit and subsequently fundad by the issuance of additional bonds on a parity with the bonds offered in 1971.

Fiscal Year Ending June 30

Campus

1971

Río Piedras

1973

1974

Grand Total 1975

Total

(1968-1975)

. $ 2,850,000

$ 4,250,000

$ 7,850,000

$ 6,800,000

$ 3,973,492

$25,723,492

$ 40,895,582

4,500,000 8,000,000 800,000 3,600,000 200,000

6,300,000 3,724.532 300,000

5,900,000

2,200,000

2,290,789

500,000

590,025

7,000,000

5,000,000

3,431,409

21,190,789 11,724,532 2,190,025 19,031,409 552,111

23.333,403 22,329.251 2,735,100 20,888,602 797,233

$80,412,358 16,442,748

$110,979,171

$63.969,610

$ 90,180,972

Mayaguez Medical Sciences

Cayey Regional Colleges Central Administration ..

Total

Direct Federal Grant ....

Borrowing

1972

352,1 1 1

—

—

—

—

$19,250,000

$13,021,434

4,497,242

$21,926,643 5,532,105

4,860,069

1,553,332

$15,452,758

$16,394,538

$14,389,931

$11,468,102

$19,950,000

a

—

—

—

—

$ 6,264,281 —

S 6,264,281

20.798,199

\

A new 21-siory (lonniíory for men rises ai the main eanipus in Rio Piedras

New Residence Facilities

Río Piedras University Campus

Under its compact with the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico exercises virtually the same control over its internal affairs, and with the same

general procedure as do the fifty federated States over

A 21-story dormitory to house 436 men students, estimated to cost $3,139,000, is under construction and is expected to be ready for occupancy for the fall

tionship to the Federal Government. In brief, residents

térra ot 1971.

of Puerto Rico do not vote in the national elections and

theirs. It differs from the States primarily in its rela-

are represented in Congress only by a Resident ComConstruction is expected to start in February 1972, with corapletion scheduled for December 1973, on a dormitory to house 350 women students, at an esti mated cost of $2,600,000.

Construction is expected to start in August 1972, with corapletion scheduled for January 1974, on additional dormitory facilities to house 436 men students, which were approved by the Council in 1969 at an estimated cost of $2,500,000, The construction cost

is now being reviewed by the Council and will probably exceed the 1969 estímate.

missioner who has a volee but no vote in the House of

Representativos. On the other hand. Federal taxes do not apply in Puerto Rico except by mutual consent, such as social security taxes. No Federal income tax is collected from Puerto Rican residents on income earned in Puerto Rico and Federal excise taxes collect

ed on exported Puerto Rican producís, such as rum and tobáceo, are returned to the Commonwealth Trea-

sury. This relationship with the Federal Government is defined through the médium of a compact entered into by Congress and the people of Puerto Rico.

Mayaguez University Campus

Government HIstory

A 9-story dormitory to house 426 men students, esti mated to cost $2,654,000, is under construction, and

the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. The Con

is expected to be ready for occupancy by June 1972.

Construction is expected to start by the latter part of 1971 on a 9-story airconditioned dormitory, esti

Puerto Rico came under United States sovereignty by gress of the United States provided for a civil govern ment for the island in 1900. It provided for a Governor, a Cabinet, a Senate and a Supreme Court

mated to cost $3,554,000, to house 446 men students

Judiciary, all appointed by the President of the United States; only a House of Delegates was electcd by the

with corapletion scheduled for July 1973.

People of Puerto Rico.

Medical Sciences University Campus

The Council has authorized the preparation of plans for a 9-story dormitory to house 250 students at the new Medical Sciences Campus in Río Piedras, esti mated to cost $2,250,000, with construction estimated

to be started early in 1972 and completion scheduled for January 1974.

Over succeeding years strong feeling devcloped for a more autonomous form of government and in favor of United States citizenship. The original Act was superseded in 1917 by the Organic Act or Jones Act, which granted United States citizenship to Puerto Ricans, as well as unrestricted suflírage for local purposes. It also provided that members of both Senate and House were to be elected by the People, but the Executive and Judicial branches remained

under control of

Washington through appointment by the President.

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is the fourth largest of the islands in the Caribbean area. It is about 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, having an area of 3,423 square miles and a

population of 2,712,000 according to 1970 census figures. The topography is characterized by a fertile coasta! plain rising to interior mountains which run mostly from east to west. San Juan, Capital of Puerto Rico, lies some 1,690 miles southwest of New York,

314 hours by jet plañe, and 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, 214 hours by jet plañe.

In 1946 the President for the first time appointed a Puerto Rican as Governor. In 1947 the Jones Act was

amended to permit Puerto Ricans to elect their Gov ernor, who was empowered to appoint his Cabinet and members of the Supreme Court.

The next advance toward complete local government occurred in 1950 when, in accordance with the wishes

of the People of Puerto Rico, the 81 st Congress enacted

Public Law 600, approved July 3, 1950. This law, which is "in the nature of a compact," became effective upon its acceptance by the electorate of Puerto Rico. It

A new structure for Physics, Gcology, and the Marine Scienccs is located at the Mayagnez campas.

New dormitory complexes for men at the Mayagnez campas ta be completed in 1972 and 1973 will provide living accommodations for a total of more than 850 stadenis.

r

Tlie arciiitecí's render'mg for the

Universily's new Compiiier Center.

The new Studeni Cenier for the Mayaguez ca/npus

-si.-írx¿?e-

An arcltiled's niodel oj¡he juluie

/Regional College at Arecibo.

...'H

m

¿.i

An archiiect's stiidy for new Physical Education facililies for the Rio Piedras campus.

Expanded Engineering School facililies for the Mayaguez campas of ihe Vniversiiy.

f}. •; -45^^

Éíkm

m

>

.

IMIII

/•

■

-3

Wr':' éy" *'•"

W'*

íJERIkÍ -v^^'-E^UEx

The new regional college ai Humacao shows an original clesign approach.

Lecíure Hall at the Cayey College.

■l-Anlí.li

V ''Iv j»** » " f

-

provides that those sections of the Organic Act which define the political, economic and fiscal relationship

substantial use of public corporations or agencies which are largely autonomous in providing specific services.

between Puerto Rico and the United States shall remain

Each is headed by an executive director or president who reports to a board of directors appointed by the

in ful! forcé and shall be thereafter known as the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act. It also authorized the

People of Puerto Rico to draft and approve their own constitution. The Constitution was drafted by a freely elected constitutional convention, overwhelmingly approved in a special referendum, and approved by Congress and the President. It became effective on July 25, 1952.

Governor.

Among the departments is the Department of State, whose Secretary becomes acting Governor or succeeds to the governorship in the absence or death of the elected Governor. Other departments include those of Treasury, Justice, Education, Public Works, Public Health, Commerce, Labor, Agriculture and Social Services. All activities of the departments are financed

The Commonwealth Government

out of the

The Constitution recognizes and assures a separation of powers as in the Federal Constitution, and those of the States. Both the Governor and the bicameral legis-

Treasury, in accordance with an annual budget prepared under the direction of the Governor and

lature are subject to regular election every four years.

The Legislature operates under standard parliamentary and legislative rules. Writs of error and appeals from judgments of the District Court of the United States for Puerto Rico may be taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and to the Supreme Court of the United States and writs of error and

appeals from judgments of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico may be taken to the Supreme Court of the United States, in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as from other Federal and State courts.

Governmental responsibilities assumed by the Com monwealth are greater than those normally assumed by a State. Municipalities which combine both rural and urban areas are the only local political subdivisions and

are comparable to counties. The only units of govern ment with the right to levy ad valorem taxes are the Commonwealth Government and the municipalities.

There is, therefore, no other overlapping taxation or bonded indebtedness payable from taxes. The Com monwealth Government assumes responsibility for a

number of important functions performed by local governments in the Continental United States. Among

these are pólice and fire protection, education, major road and highway construction, and public health and welfare programs. In addition, the Commonwealth Government supervises municipal fiscal affairs.

General Fund of the

Commonwealth

approved by the Legislature. The staff agencies of the Office of the Governor comprise the Bureau of the Budget, the Planning Board and the Office of Personnel.

Among the public corporations are the Water Resources Authority which provides essentially all electric power on the island, the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority which provides all water and sewage services, the Ports Authority responsible for seaport and airport facilities and the Highway Authority which is charged with building all major road and highway constructions, all of whose borrowings are secured by revenues produced by the entities, or by gasoline and diesel oil taxes in the case of the Highway Authority. The Government Development Bank and the Industrial Development Company likewise are autonomous agencies which, after receiving substantial capital contributions from the Treasury, have subsequently augmented their funds by borrowing on their own credit.

Among other public corporations are the Urban Renewal and Housing Corporation and the Public Buildings Authority, which provide housing facilities for persons of low and médium incomes and office space for government departments and agencies. Bonds of each are guaranteed by the Commonwealth govern ment, but they are expected to be self-supporting through receipts of mortgage payments or rentáis in the case of low and middle income housing, and from lease

payments from government departments or agencies in the latter case.

árate departments responsible for major activities, each headed by a secretary who as a group form the Gov-

The University of Puerto Rico has been constituted as an organic system of higher education, composed of various units, with corporate powers, responsibilities and functions. Act No. 2, approved January 2, 1966, assigned to the University, commencing in 1968, a sum equivalent to 7.8% of the average total revenues

ernor's cabinet and who are appointed by the Governor

colleeted under the laws of Puerto Rico and covered

subject to Senate approval. Puerto Rico has also made

into the Treasury of Puerto Rico in the two fiscal years

Administration of Government

The operation of the executive branch of the govern ment is similar to that in state governments, with sep

11

immediately preceding. The 7.8% is to increase annually by .45% up to a máximum of 9% for fiscal 1971.

Polltical Background

In 1938 a political party emerged in Puerto Rico which was to emphasize economic development. From 1940 until the elections in November, 1968, as the Popular Democratic Party, it was in control of the government and was instrumental in establishing the present Commonwealth political relationship.

Since 1948 there have been two major thrusts in political life in Puerto Rico towards cióse association with the United States and a minor and al-

Governor Luis A. Ferré, a prominent and highly successful industrialist, and a leading philanthropist, was the candidate in 1968 of the New Progressive Party which he organized in 1967 after leaving the Statehood Republican Party. He campaigned on the basis of a need for change and for more effective government through new leadership. Political status did not receive emphasis. He received 45.0% of the vote compared

with 41.8% by the candidate of the Popular Demo cratic Party. In the Legislature, the New Progressive Party gained control of the House of Representatives,

although the Popular Democratic Party retained control of the Senate, thus definitely establishing a two party system.

most negligible one in favor of independence. The

trends are illustrated in the following data on election results by parties in recent years.

1952

1956

1960

1964

1968

Commonwealth

Popular

actually voted.

Democratic

Party Peoples Party

64.8% 62.5% 62.4% 59.4% 41.8% — — — — 10.0%

Second, in order to reduce pressure from special interests, Puerto Rican law limits political contributions

Statehood

Statehood Republican Party

Three factors pertaining to elections in Puerto Rico are woríhy of mention. There is strong public interest in government affairs and a high degree of voter partlcipation. In the 1968 elections, 79.3% of those registered

12.9% 25.0% 34.3% 34.6%

New Progressive Party — Socialíst Party 3.3%

— —

Independence Party .... 19.0% 12.5% Christian Action Party . — —

— —

— —

3.3% —

2.7% 3.3%

0.2%

45.0% —

3.0% —

from any one person or corporation to $300 in any election year and $100 annually in non-election years.

Yet, recognizing the need for funds to bring issues to the attention of, and to inform voters, each recognized

political party receives a contribution from the Com-

The Gradnate Scfiool of Social Studics at the Río Piedras campas.

A rc'ceutly-coinpleled addition ío the Library on the Río Piedras campas.

monwealth Treasury. This contribution is according to a formula based primarily on the party's percentage of votes cast in the most recent election.

And third, Puerto Rican law provides that if a minority party receives a substantial vote, but fails to elcct candidates to the Legislature, then, under certain circumstances that body is increased in size by formula to assure minority representation. The Municipal Law (Act No. 142, approved July 21, 1960) also assures

minority representations in the Municipal Assemblies

In response, Congress approved a bilí in 1964 providing for the establishment of a United States-Puerto

Rico Commission to study all factors. It consisted of three persons appointed by the President of the United States, two each selected by the Senate and the Housc of Representatives, and six appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico. The Commission concluded that the

people of Puerto Rico should be consulted with regard to the status they preferred and, in December, 1966, the Puerto Rican Legislature passed an act providing for the plebiscite.

since at least three mcmbers of each of these bodies

have to be elected from the minority parties.

This plebiscite, held July 23, 1967, strongly rcaffirmed the overwhelming desire of the Puerto Rican

1967 Plebiscite

United States. Of the over 700,000 ballots cast (66.3

In 1962 the Legislature of Puerto Rico petitioned the

percent of all registered voters) 99.4 percent were for either Commonwealth or Statehood and only 0.6 percent for Indepcndencc. A tabulation of the actual

people to maintain permanent and cióse ties with the

Congress of the United States requesting a plebiscite by the voters of Puerto Rico through whicli an expres-

sion of preferencc coiild be demonstrated for either a continuation of the cxisting commonwealth relationship with the United States, or the attainment of Federated Statehood in the United States, or the establishment of Puerto Rico as an independent country.

results is shown below: 425.132 (60.4%)

Commonwealth

274,312 (39.0%)

Statehood

4,248( 0.6%)

Independence

Political stability, one of the prime requisitas of a sound, attractive investment climate, is outstandingly demonstrated in Puerto Rico. Only a declining minority party favors independence. Both major parties hold

The Commonwealth Government's program of industrialization has aided the economy to shift from a base that was principally agricultural to greater diversi fication between industry and agriculture. Concurrently,

mainíenance of permanent ties with the United States as

with the expansión in net agricultural income from

a basic principie, and difFer only as to the form which that futura political relationship should take.

$149 million in fiscal 1950 to $184 million in fiscal

1970, manufacturing income increased from $89 mil lion to $953 million in 1970.

Expansión and Diversification of the Economy

Economic growth in Puerto Rico has been very rapid.

Gross product has increased more than 6 times over its 1950 level and has nearly tripled during the past ten years. In the year ended June 30, 1970 gross prod uct totalled $4,607 million representing an increase of 11.7% over the prior year.

Puerto Rican manufacturing has become increasingly diversified during the last two decades. In fiscal 1940

the manufacture of sugar products accounted for 35% of manufacturing income, while in 1967 only 4.5% of manufacturing income resulted from this industry.

Net income has increased from $1,355 million in 1960 to $3,821 million in 1970. Income, measured in

Manufacturing income is now generally derived from the production of new types of manufacíured products, principally for shipment to the United States. Such shipments amounted to only $33 million in 1950. By

current prices, has shown an average increase during

1970 they had reached a total of $1,215 million.

the last five years of about 10.6% compounded annually. Per capita net income is now $1,427 comparcd to $582 in 1960.

Studenís work to complete their assígnments ¡n the Library of the Arecibo Regional College.

- . rillílLi--

b .ui'",I iríij.''LiJ-'.

M: . 11"

--f¿¿

Underiying Puerto Rico's growing and changing economy there has been a steady expansión in invest-

A laboratory facility ai the Ponce Regional Colíege.

ment. Average gross fixed domestic investment during the last five consecutive fiscal years, 1966-70, ran at a rata of 27% of gross product. It has increased from $112 million in 1950 to $1,404 million in 1970. In-

flowing long-term U. S. capital rose from $31 million in postwar 1947 to an estimated $774 million in 1970.

The Puerto Rican people have benefited greatly from

the economic expansión achieved since 1950. Life ex-

peclancy has increased from 61 to 70 years and the deaíh rate has declinad from 10.5 per thousand to 6.5 per thousand at present, which ís now about the same

as the U. S. average. The birth rate has declined from 39.5 per thousand in 1950 to 24.9 per thousand in 1970.

Great progress has been achieved over the years in education at all levels. Institutions of higher learning have expanded rapidly. University and college enrollment, which was only 12,000 in 1950, reached 57,000 students in 1970. It is significant that the Common-

wealth Government has in recent years directed approximately 50% of its expenditures to education and health.

Water sports and competitions are held in the Olympic sn-imming pool. The University has a comprchensivc and rounded sports program.

STATISTICAL DATA CONCERNING THE ECONOMY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO Fiscal Years Ending June 30

1950

1960

1955

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

2,218,000 2,240,000 2,350,000 2,626,000 2,686,000 2,713,000 2,735,200 2,777,000 2,712,000

Population

Gross product—$ millions

755

1,142

1,681

2,748

3,050

3,358

3,740

4,093

4,607

Net income—$ millions ..

614

960

1,353

2,314

2,538

2,779

3,076

3,403

3,759

Exports—$ millions

235

353

622

974

1,155

1,321

1,449

1,496

1,736

Exports by new factoriest —$ millions

33

132

380

640

804

926

1,012

1,092

1,216

Bank debits—$ millions ..

319

418

835

1,661

1,893

1,841

1,715

2,123

2,548

Bank loans—$ millions ....

128

217

450

1,010

1,210

1,220

1,362

1,670

2,041

270

323

562

1,207

1,349

1,556

1,830

2,216

2,561

51

77

152

298

304

346

407

486

553

28

32

63

127

141

162

186

220

250

14

21

32

40

44

48

49

53

58

4,066

Bank deposits (including

governmental)—$

mil

lions

Private savings accounts— $ millions

Income tax collections—$ millions

Property tax collectionst —$ millions

Assessed valuation* (real & personal property)— 459

982

1,643

2,503

2,828

3,150

3,448

3,851

Average family income—$

1,500

2,194

2,836

4,143

4,486

4,679

5,178

5,391

5,848

Motor vehicles—number..

61,000

105,000

180,000

319,000

380,000

421,000

470,000

538,000

614,000

431,000

529,000

567,000

618,000

631,000

652,000

659,000

669,000

672,000

36

55

132

226

240

228

262

268

$ millions

Enrollment in public day schools Estimated valué of build-

ing permits issued — $ millions

N.A.

Electricity generated§ — millions hours

of

kilowatt-

Hydro

199

253

200

163

238

194

127

258

220

Thermal

340

710

1,822

3,656

4,192

4,847

5,644

6.397

7,320

• As of January 1 of preceding fiscal year.

t Promoted by the Economic Development Administration. Does not include exports of other new factories. t Commonwealth and Municipal. § Inciudes purchased power.

N.A. Not Available.

Note: Figures shown above are subject to revisión from year to year.

Source: Puerto Rico Planning Board. Data for 1965-70 subject to revisión.

16

Total Appropriations to the University by the Commonwealth Legislatura

Dlstrlbution of Legislativa Appropriations

Commonwealth Appropriations

RĂ­o Piedras

Mayaguez

in millions

in millions

in millions

$30-

$15-

24-

12-

1845-

12-

30-

1965-66

15-

66-67

67-68

68-69

69-70

70-71

1965-66

66-67

67-68

Cayey University Coiiege

Medical Sciences

in millions

m millions

68-69

69-70

70-71

68-69

69-70 70-71

$7.50-

1961*

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

6.04,5-

'Fiscal year ending June 30

3.0-

..lll

1.5-

0-

1965-66

66-67

67-68

68-69

69-70 70-71

1965-66

66-67

67-68

Enrollment-University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Rio Piedras in thousands

Total EnroĂ­lment in tliousands

in thousands 10-

30-

o -

20-

1965-66

10-

66-67

67-

69

69-70

70-71

1965-66

66-57

67-68

Cayey University College

Medical Sciences

in thousands

in thousands

68-69

69-70

-69

69-70

70-71

5-

1965-66

66-67

67-68

68-69

69-70

1.2-

70-71 3-

9-

2-

6-

3-

I I 1965-56

66-67

0-

67

-69

69-70

70-71

1965-66

66-67

67-

70-71

University Land ¡n Academic Use Cuerdas*

1,038 1,000-

101.5

^inpfocess"

936.5

acquisition

of

572

500-

^ o-

•

. j-' ——

1966-67

1970-71

'One Cuerda is .97 of an Acre.

Major Permanent Improvements in míllions

Value of Projects ín Design Siage Valué of Projects under Construction Valué of Completed Projects $50-

40-

30-

20-

10-

0-

.

1966-67

L 67-68

68-69

69-70

70-71

ptVitNT Q

ร J

AC ASTRA PER ASPELA

1311 Ponce de Leรณn Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00908 / 45 Wall Street, New York, N. Y. 10005