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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 947

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FULLY EQUIPPED SCIENCE
LABORATORIES IN EVERY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and technology hold the key to our country’s progress. Nations that lead in
innovation are also those that lead in economic growth, education, and global
competitiveness. If we want to prepare the next generation of Filipinos to build a stronger
future, we must start by giving them the tools to learn and explore.

Right now, many public elementary and secondary schools lack even the most basic
science laboratories. Students are taught theories, but they do not have the chance to test,
observe, and experience scientific principles firsthand. This gap holds them back. It limits
their understanding and stifles their curiosity. It tells them that science is something read in
books, not something they can do with their own hands.

This bill seeks to change that. It requires the creation of fully-equipped science
laboratories in every public elementary and secondary school across the country. These labs
will give students a chance to experiment, to discover, and to imagine. They will serve as
spaces where young minds can light up, where lessons come alive, and where future

scientists, engineers, and inventors are born.


More than just building rooms, this measure includes support for maintenance, repair,
and upgrading of equipment. It recognizes that real learning needs real investment. It calls on

the government to prioritize science education not only in policy but in practice.

The future of the Philippines will be shaped by how well we educate our children
today. If we want to compete with our Asian neighbors and thrive in a rapidly changing

world, we must act now.

In view thereof, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


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

'WENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 947

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FULLY EQUIPPED SCIENCE
LABORATORIES IN EVERY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 "Fully-Equipped Science
Laboratories for Basic Education Act".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - \t is hereby declared a policy of the state to give
priority to scientific and technological efforts vital to national development. It has been
proven that industrialization can be achieved if schools adopt modem methods of teaching
science and technology during the early stages of education.

Furthermore, the Constitution provides that the right of teachers to professional
advancement should be enhanced. With this mandate, quality education shall be ensured.

SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act aims to attain the following objectives within the
period of five (5) years.

(1) To improve the quality of science and technology education in the country;

(2) To provide basic and advance S&T education in high school, respectively in
preparation for higher education;

(3) To teach the students the effective use and operation of moder laboratory equipment
and facility related to science and technology; and,


(4) To train S&T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so that they will be
more effective in demonstrating their uses.

SEC. 4. Funding Source. - Twenty percent (20%) of PAGCOR’s annual net income,
after the deduction of mandatory remittances and other statutory contributions, shall be
allocated for the purposes of this Act. Provided, That PAGCOR, in coordination with the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Finance (DOF), shall
determine the feasible amount to be released each fiscal year, taking into account revenue
performance and overall fiscal priorities.

SEC. 5. Incentives. - Incentives shall be given to the following:

(a) Tax Incentives shall be given to private entities engaging in S&T development;

(b) Private schools who shall import laboratory equipmenvfacilities for the exclusive use
in their school shall be given a twenty percent (20%) tax deduction from the total
revenue obligations;

(c) Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory equipment needed in public
schools shall be given a three percent (3%) tax incentive/deduction from the
importation of raw materials.

SEC. 6. Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following:

(1) Construction of laboratory buildings;

(2) Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities;

(3) Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities;

(4) Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in promoting science
and technology;

(5) Strengthen the coordination between the Regional Science and Technology Teaching
Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of Education, Regional Offices in monitoring /
utilization of laboratory equipment;

(6) Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and maintenance of the
laboratory facilities equipment;

(7) Create required laboratory technician positions at least for every elementary and
secondary schools for operation, repair and maintenance of the laboratory equipment
(or alternative scheme of maintenance) and facilities;

(8) Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology;

(9) The number of laboratory rooms/facilities per school shall be determined by science
and technology experts of DOST and ISMED; and,

(10) The building, plans, and design shall be drawn and approved by DOST-SEI.

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dy Ensure student safety and well-being by requiring all laboratories to include
proper safety features, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and ventilation systems
where necessary, as well as safety training for both students and faculty.

SEC. 7. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the construction of
school laboratories including equipment / facilities and the creation of required positions of a
technician in every public elementary and high schools throughout the country.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Science Education
Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional offices of DepEd and the RSTCs shall
implement the program. The above-mentioned offices shall also monitor the utilization and
maintenance of the equipment.

SEC. 8. Implementation. - The implementation of the activities of this Act shall be
undertaken by SEI in coordination with the RSTCs and DECS Regional Offices.

The initial implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in every electoral district to
be funded and spearheaded by the Congressman who has jurisdiction of the district therein,

‘The maximum number of pupil/students in every laboratory class must not exceed
fifty (50) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty-five (45) pupils /
students.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional; the remaining provision not affected thereby shall continue to be
in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders or regulations or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general

circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,