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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._1100

Introduced by Representative Ron P. Salo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recognized the need
to spur the country's global competitiveness. They have been attuned in formulating
and adopting a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan to promote,
assist, and undertake appropriate scientific and technological research and
development in areas identified as vital to the country's development. In view of this,
there is a need to improve and empower the Filipinos in the rural areas in order for
them to maximize their potential and capitalize on the opportunities provided by the
government.

This bill seeks to fast-track the transfer of relevant and appropriate
technologies and services to the rural areas particularly in the enhancement and
development of technology-based livelihood enterprises in the countryside in order to
bridge the gap between the highly-urbanized cities and provinces by strengthening
the provincial science and technology centers in the country.

This proposal seeks to upgrade the existing Provincial Science and
Technology Centers of the DOST, which are the principal instruments of technology
transfer and development of technology-based enterprises of the government in the
rural areas. The passage of this bill will accelerate the progress in the provinces to
become competitive and be at par with the highly-urbanized cities in the country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is urgently sought.

RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Partylist

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1160

Introduced by Representatives Ron P. Salo

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE PROVINCIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
CENTER INTO PROVINCIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICE
IN EVERY PROVINCE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title— This Act shall be known as the “Provincial Science and
Technology Office.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.— It is the policy and duty of the State to fast
track the transfer of relevant and appropriate technologies and services to the rural
areas particularly in the enhancement and development of technology-based
livelihood enterprises in the countryside.

Pursuant to this policy, the Provincial Science and Technology Centers of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will act as the principal instruments
of technology transfer and development of technology-based enterprises of the
government in the rural areas to be converted to Provincial Science and Technology
Office through this Act.

SEC. 3. Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs)—The
Provincial Science and Technology offices will have the following functions, as
determined by the DOST Secretary:

a) Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology (S&T) in the
provinces;

b) Implement DOST programs and projects on technology promotion and
transfer, S&T human resource development, S&T promotion and information
dissemination, delivery of technical and consultancy services, and such other
areas of concern that will benefit the people in the provinces;

©) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments
both local government units, academe and non-governmental offices for the

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effective implementation of science and technology programs in the
provinces;

SEC. 4. Provincial S&T Directors. — The present heads of the PSTOs with

the designation of provincial science and technology officer and the position title of
senior research specialist, with salary grade of nineteen (SG 19) shall be upgraded
to the rank of provincial science and technology directors in each province with a
salary grade of twenty-six (SG 26) under the DOST; Provided, further, that the
Provincial Science and Technology Director shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:

a)

b)

°)

qd)

e)

9)

h)

Formulate the provincial S&T plan, programs, and projects designed to
promote science and culture among the people in the province, consistent
with and supportive to the regional and national development S&T plans;

Implement and monitor the technology promotion, transfer and
commercialization of projects of the DOST in the provinces;

Promote the adoption of the appropriate technologies by micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve operational efficiency and increase
productivity to hamess the results of scientific researchers and innovations to
produce new and competitive products;

Disseminate S&T related information and R&D results through the conduct of
trainings, symposia and/or other similar fora;

Maintain effective liaison with the public and private academic institutions
and other government agencies engaged in scientific and technological
research, education, and training;

Coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and academic institutions
for the promotion of scholarship programs aimed to attract the science-
oriented students to pursue basic and applied sciences in order to broaden
the S&T human resource in the province;

Coordinate with the DOST regional office and its regional development
council for the promotion all S&T activities;

Coordinate with the public and private organizations in the implementation of
human resource and institutional development programs in the province;

Represent DOST in the inter-agency meetings, conferences, and other
coordinative activities in the province;

Responsible for the overall supervision and fiscal management of services
and operations of the PSTO;

Ensure that the quality of operational management system is in accordance
with the ISO quality management standards;

Enter into lawful contracts, memoranda of agreement and other instruments
including the right to sue and be sued; and

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m) When applicable, designate from existing faculty and staff of the universi
nominated by the head of the institution, the personnel of the offi
Provided, however, That he may designate others who possess the
necessary professional and/or technical qualifications and aptitude to work
efficiently with the various sectors of the community.

n) Authorize to enter into agreements with the heads of the colleges or
universities designated as offices, which may include matters of reporting
and payment of honoraria to members of their faculty and staff.

©) Perform other related functions as may be assigned by the higher
authorities.

SEC. 5. Qualifications of the Provincial S&T Director. —The DOST in
consultation with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Civil
Service Commission (CSC) shall formulate the necessary qualification standards
and eligibility requirements commensurate to the upgraded position of the Provincial
Science and Technology Director at salary grade twenty-six (SG 26). The current
head of the PSTO holding the position for more than twenty (20) years, shall
automatically be included in the selection for Provincial Science and Technology
Director position: Provided, That the incumbent has met and complied with all the
requirements.

SEC. 6. Remuneration and other Benefits of the Provincial Director.
The remuneration of the Provincial Science and Technology Director shall be
equivalent to that of the same salary grade twenty-six (26) in the government service
and shall be entitled to reimbursable representation and transportation allowance
commensurate to his office and other benefits as prescribed by law.

SEC. 7. Staff of the Provincial Science and Technology Office. — The
PSTOs shall have at least five (5) plantilla positions. In cases, when there is a need
for additional staff, such shall be determined by the Provincial Director based on the
population of the province. The DOST shall determine the level of these positions,
provided that prescribed qualifications shall be in accordance with existing Civil
Service laws and regulations.

SEC. 8. Use of Funds.— All fees and charges collected as a result of S&T
services rendered by the PSTOs is not only limited to metrological work, testing and
calibration services but shall be used by the PSTOs in the enhancement of PSTOs
capabilities, development of human resource and in the maintenance of their
equipment and facilities.

SEC.9. Appropriations. —The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be included in the budget of the DOST under the Annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. —The DOST, in
consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days from
effectivityof this Act.

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SEC. 11. Separability Clause. — \f any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SEC. 12.Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which
are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13.Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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