Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Explanatory Note 
Metrology, the scientific study of measurement, affects the country’s 
measurement capabilities, which in turn helps the government provide 
domestic and international confidence in products and services, reduces 
technical challenges to trade exports, and ensures the quality of imports. 
In 2022, the Department of Science and Technology have reported that 
the government has lost 10 billion pesos in revenue because of insufficient 
market surveillance and poor enforcement of penalties to regulate measuring 
instruments1. Our country’s current National Metrology division is limited as 
it is not designed structurally, neither does it have the mandate nor the 
capability, to carry out measurement functions needed for emerging 
technologies and industries for high-accuracy measurement data as used in 
sensor-based decisions and predictions, artificial intelligence, modeling of 
1 “Gov’t lost about 10B due to outdated metrology law”, 10 August 2022, https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-
resources/news/74-2022-news/.  
August 12, 2025
4:33 pm
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measuring instruments, and measurement-based research and development 
support.  
Given this, there is a need for bigger government support to modernize 
the country’s national measurement system to make it responsive to the 
needs of our local industries, at par with the international standards. A 
modernized national measurement system will significantly contribute to the 
development of scientific and technical knowledge necessary to national 
economic growth.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
JOSE MANUEL F. ALBA 
Representative, 1st District, Bukidnon 


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT INSTITUTE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National 
Measurement Institute of the Philippines (NMIPhil) Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to: 
(a) Develop the National Measurement System (NMS) to advance scientific
and technical progress in the national economy and ensure
measurement integrity in the Philippines while aligning with the
regional and international standards;
(b) Support the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) institutions, namely,
the National Standards Body, National Accreditation Body, and
National Metrology Institute, to uphold standards, accreditation, and
measurement accuracy to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine
products and services; and
(c) Promote the adoption of international standards and best practices in
metrology.
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SEC. 3. Establishment of the National Measurement Institute of the 
Philippines. – The National Metrology Division of the Industrial Technology 
Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-
ITDI) is hereby transformed as the country’s national metrology institute to 
be known as the National Measurement Institute of the Philippines (NMIPhil). 
The NMIPhil shall be attached to the DOST for policy, program coordination, 
and administrative supervision.  
 
The affected National Metrology Division Personnel undertaking 
relevant tasks shall be transferred to the NMIPhil, along with the records, 
properties, and corresponding appropriations. They shall continue to perform 
their respective duties and responsibilities in a holdover capacity so as not to 
hamper the regular operations. 
 
SEC. 4. Objectives of the Institute. – The objectives of the Institute are:  
 
(a) To adopt and establish metrological standards according to the 
international and regional standards; 
(b) To develop competencies and strengthen the implementation of legal 
metrological controls in the country; 
(c) To disseminate knowledge on measurement standards development; 
(d) To foster a metrology culture that will instill an appreciation of 
metrology; and 
(e) To provide the highest measurement accuracy in the country, necessary 
advice, and technical support for 
the 
government, 
industry, 
academe/research institutions, civil society organizations, commerce, 
and the public in measurement related issues.  
 
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Institute. – The Institute shall be 
responsible for maintaining and disseminating the national measurement 
standards of the country, and it shall: 
 
(a) Maintain and update the national measurement standards, ensuring 
compliance with international requirements to support the compliance 
of all metrology laboratories and standards; 
(b) Provide metrological traceability to the international system of units (SI) 
and allow non-SI units for measurements done in the country; 
(c) Facilitate international harmonization of measurements through 
participation in relevant metrological activities and collaborate with 
calibration laboratories and other metrological bodies for capacity 
building and protocol harmonization; 


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(d) Appoint designated institutes for specific tasks to hold and maintain 
specific measurement standards and provide services that are not 
covered by the national metrology institute; 
(e) Conduct or adopt a system of type evaluation/approval activities for 
regulated measuring instruments, including accepting capabilities from 
recognized international metrology institutes; 
(f) Enhance the country’s metrological human resources through 
education and capacity-building programs; 
(g) Represent the Philippines in international and regional metrology 
organizations and committees; 
(h) Levy fees and charges for products and services; 
(i) Support the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) activities related to 
metrology; 
(j) Promulgate internal policies, rules, and regulations and disseminate 
guidelines, as well as create programs/projects related to the National 
Measurement System; and 
(k) Serve as the Administrative Secretariat of the National Metrology Board 
(NMB), overseeing the adoption and implementation of its policies, 
guidelines, and activities. 
 
The NMB may assign additional powers and functions to the Institute: 
Provided, that it shall be in accordance with the objectives of the Institute as 
stated in this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. Organizational Structure. – The NMIPhil shall be headed by an 
Executive 
Director, 
to 
be 
appointed 
by 
the 
President 
upon 
the 
recommendation of the Secretary of the DOST, and shall receive the benefits, 
privileges, and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Executive Director IV. 
The Executive Director shall be responsible for promulgating and 
implementing policies, rules, and regulations and directing and controlling 
the activities of the NMIPhil.   
 
The Executive Director shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive 
Directors for scientific and industrial metrology, legal metrology, and quality 
management system, and finance, administration, who shall likewise be 
appointed by the President and shall receive the benefits, privileges and 
emoluments equivalent to the rank of Deputy Executive Director III.  
  
The Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Directors must be 
Filipino citizens of good moral character of proven integrity, with advanced 
degrees in metrology, physical sciences, engineering, or related fields of study, 
with at least five (5) years of related supervisory experience. 
   


4 
 
The Secretary of the DOST shall determine the organizational Structure 
and staffing pattern of the NMIPhil in accordance with the revised 
compensation and position classification system subject to the evaluation and 
approval of the Department of Budget and Management and in compliance 
with the civil service laws, rules and regulations, and other pertinent laws. 
 
SEC. 7. Main Office, Regional Metrology Laboratories, and Other Centers 
and Facilities. – The NMIPhil shall have its Main Office in New Clark City, 
Capas, Tarlac under the administration of the Bases Conversion and 
Development Authority (BCDA). A parcel of land shall be leased exclusively 
for the NMIPhil offices, laboratories and training center based on the terms 
and conditions agreed upon by the NMIPhil and BCDA, and in accordance 
with existing laws, rules and regulations.  
 
 A National Metrology Training Center under the NMIPhil will be 
established to undertake training on metrology for building the competence 
and capabilities of metrology-related entities and implementing legal 
metrological controls in the country. 
 
The NMIPhil shall work closely with the DOST in facilitating the human 
resource development and calibration standards of the DOST Regional 
Metrology Laboratories (RMLs), being the existing government regional 
providers of metrological services, to ensure their knowledge and capabilities 
align with the specific metrological requirements and needs of their specific 
regions.  
 
SEC. 8. Executive Board of the Institute. – The National Metrology Board 
(NMB) shall be the Executive Board of the Institute. It shall be the national 
authority 
responsible 
for 
harmonizing, 
delineating, 
overseeing, 
and 
coordinating the implementation of the regulation of measurements and 
measuring instruments in the country by National Regulatory Authorities 
(NRAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and their contracted public and 
private entities.  
  
In fulfilling its mandate, the NMB shall adhere and may create a 
technical working group/s to assist them to the attainment of the objectives 
of this Act and other mandated national policies and regulations related to 
metrology and pursue conformance with the relevant international and 
regional agreements and guidelines.  
 
SEC. 9. Composition and Meetings of the NMB. – The NMB shall be 
composed of the following: 
  


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(a) The DOST, with the DOST Secretary as Chair or an Undersecretary 
as alternate Chair; 
 
(b) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the DTI Secretary 
as vice-chair or the Undersecretary for Competitiveness and 
Innovation as alternate vice-chair; 
 
(c) The Department of Health (DOH), or his or her duly authorized 
representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(d) The Department of Energy (DOE), or his or her duly authorized 
representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(e) The Department of Agriculture (DA), or his or her duly authorized 
representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(f) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), or 
his or her duly authorized representative who must at least be a 
Director IV; 
 
(g) The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), or his or 
her duly authorized representative who must at least be a Director 
IV; 
 
(h) The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), or his or her 
duly authorized representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(i) The Department of Transportation (DOTr), or his or her duly 
authorized representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(j) The Department of Justice (DOJ), or his or her duly authorized 
representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(k) The Department of National Defense (DND), or his or her duly 
authorized representative who must at least be a Director IV; 
 
(l) The Director of the National Measurement Institute of the Philippines 
(NMIPhil); 
 
(m)  The President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines 
(ULAP) or his/her duly authorized representative; 
 
(n)  One (1) Representative each from the:  


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i. Manufacturing industry associations;  
ii. Associations of local manufacturers of measuring instruments;  
iii. Association of private calibration laboratories; and 
iv. Professional Metrology Association of National membership. 
  
The Representatives of the private sector shall serve for three (3) years, 
to be appointed by the Secretary of the DOST from nominees submitted by 
their respective organizations. 
  
The Board shall convene at least once a year. Special meetings may be 
convened upon the request of the Chair or majority of the members of the 
NMB. 
 
SEC. 10. Compensation and Other Benefits. – The NMB Chair and 
members, or his or her representatives, and members of the technical working 
group shall be entitled to per diems, allowances, and other reimbursable 
expenses for their attendance to regular and special meetings subject to 
pertinent laws, rules and regulations. 
  
SEC. 11. Powers and Functions of the NMB. – The NMB shall have the 
following additional powers and functions: 
 
(a)  Promulgate national policies and guidelines that will guarantee the 
adoption by all NRAs and LGUs of uniform regulation of 
measurements and measuring instruments throughout the country; 
 
(b) Oversee the implementation and application of regulation of 
measurements and measuring instruments by NRAs, LGUs, and 
other public and private entities contracted by them;  
 
(c) Harmonize and/or delineate the authority of NRAs and LGUs to 
regulate the importation, sale, and repair of measuring instruments, 
to 
implement 
regulation 
of 
measurements 
and 
measuring 
instruments, and to impose fees, charges, and fines, and, as 
necessary; 
 
(d) Call upon any government department, agency or instrumentality, 
LGUs, private sector organizations and entities, and non-government 
organizations 
to 
provide 
data, 
information, 
expertise, 
and 
recommendations in formulating and promulgating policies and 
guidelines for efficient and effective regulation of measurements and 
measuring instruments;  
 


7 
 
(e) Create technical working committees and perform other functions 
that may be necessary for the attainment of its mandates. 
 
SEC. 12. Human Resource Development Program. – The scholarship and 
financial assistance grants shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate 
studies in metrology and related fields, as well as for specialized training 
programs and studies patterned after the existing program of the DOST-
Science Education Institute related to science and technology field 
particularly on the determination of the applicable rates and administration 
of the scholarship and financial assistance, in coordination with the DOST, 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA), Higher Education Institutions (HEIS), and 
other entities providing support for metrology development in the country. 
Cooperation 
with 
international 
organizations 
on 
human 
resource 
development and capacity enhancement shall also be undertaken. 
 
SEC. 13. Capacity Enhancement Plan. – The DOST Secretary and the 
Director of the NMIPhil, in consultation with the Secretary of the DBM, shall 
formulate the NMIPhil Capacity Enhancement Plan. 
 
The plan, to be implemented within ten (10) years, shall indicate, among 
others: 
 
(a) The Objectives and Key Performance Indicators; 
 
(b) Requirements in terms of equipment, facilities and personnel, and 
the concomitant technical expertise necessary to attain the plan’s 
objectives; 
 
(c) The projects to be undertaken, which shall indicate the equipment 
and technology acquisitions, including major construction or 
upgrade of facility and; 
 
(d) The schedules and estimated cost of each project. 
 
Through its sectoral councils, the DOST shall be responsible for, among 
others, facilitating the development of the National Metrology Research and 
Development Roadmap and ensuring continuous fund support for its 
implementation. 
 
To fund the establishment of NMIPHIL, an amount of Three billion pesos 
(P3,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the share of the national government in 
the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. For 


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three (3) years from the start of the effectivity of this act, a minimum amount 
of One billion pesos (P 1,000,000,000.00) per year shall be released to the 
NMIPhil. The entire amount, including any interest income thereon, shall be 
used exclusively for the construction and purchase of facilities, equipment, 
information technology systems, and instruments for metrology research and 
development, 
calibration 
purposes, 
implementation 
of 
the 
resource 
development and capacity building program, and other activities outlined in 
the capacity enhancement plan. 
 
 
SEC. 14. Acquisition and Upgrading of Physical Resources and 
Operational Techniques. – To efficiently and effectively address the expanding 
measurement needs of society, industry, research institutions, and the 
academe, the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of-the-art instruments, 
equipment, facilities, and systems shall be immediately pursued and 
complemented with technical capability-building programs for NMIPhil 
personnel. 
 
SEC. 15. Loans, Grants, Bequests, and Donations, Whether from Local 
or Foreign Sources. – The Secretary of the DOST is authorized to solicit and 
manage loans, grants, bequests, and donations from local and foreign 
sources, including entering into loan agreements with foreign financial 
institutions, in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.  
 
SEC. 16. Multi-year Contracts and Other Contractual Arrangements. – 
The NMIPhil may enter into multi-year contracts or other contractual 
arrangements with suppliers and contractors in the implementation of the 
NMIPhil capacity enhancement plan and other programs and projects subject 
to the requirements and guidelines prescribed by the DBM and other 
pertinent laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 17. Public Information and Advocacy. – The NMIPhil, in 
collaboration with other concerned government agencies and stakeholders, 
shall engage in information campaigns and advocacy programs to increase 
the public’s awareness on metrology and instill greater appreciation of 
metrology by the public. 
 
SEC. 18. Education and Curriculum Development. – The NMIPhil, 
Department of Education, CHED, TESDA and other public and private 
agencies shall formulate the design and details of a curriculum on metrology 
and its inclusion in all levels of the Philippines’ education system.   
The NMIPhil will have a close collaboration with the public and private 
higher education institutions including state universities and college in 


9 
 
metrological research and development, including creating specialized 
subjects or courses related to metrology. 
 
SEC. 19. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriation of the DOST-ITDI. Thereafter, such amount shall be included 
in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
Fifty percent (50%) of the fees and charges collected as a result of the 
metrological work and calibration services shall be used by the Board, the 
NMIPhil and the DOST-RMLs in the enhancement of their capabilities and 
modernization of metrological and measurement standard activities. The 
remaining amount shall be remitted to the National Treasury. 
 
SEC 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) 
days from the start of the effectivity of this Act, the DOST, in consultation 
with the relevant national government departments and agencies, LGUs, the 
private sector, and other concerned organizations, shall issue the necessary 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act. 
 
SEC 21. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional, the other section or provisions hereof which 
are not hereby affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 22. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and 
regulations or portions thereof inconsistent with this Act, including Sections 
5, 6, and 18 of Republic Act No. 9236, are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
SEC 23. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers 
of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. 
 
Approved,