of lit? ^ '■;
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
24 FEB-7 P3 34
S. No.
SENATE
2541
RECEIVED BV,
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP 
GRANTEES OF AGRICULTURE, GEOLOGY, AND METEOROLOGY PROGRAMS, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7687, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP OF 1994"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Agriculture plays a significant roie in the Philippine economy. The Phiiippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the contribution of agriculture, forestry, and 
fishing sector in our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 was 8.9 percent1. 
Unfortunately, this marks the lowest contribution to our GDP over the past five years2. 
Aithough this sector has continuousiy contributed to our GDP, the same is at risk 
primarily because of our location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, exposing us to the risks 
of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons, which 
result to substantial damages.
Given the significance of agriculture and fisheries, geology, and meteorology to 
our national interests, it is extremely unfortunate that we have a low number of 
enrollees in programs related to these fields.
1 Statists. (2023, June 20). GDP share of agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector Philippines 2016-2022. 
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1265742/philippines-gdp-share-of-agriculture-forestry-and-fishing- 
sector/#;~;text=The%20contribution%20of%20the%20agriculture,has%20remained%20below%2011%20perce 
nt.
2 Rivera, D. (2023, June 19). Agriculture sector remains lowest GDP contributor. Philstar.com. 
https://www.philstar.eom/business/2023/06/20/2275068/agriculture-sector-remains-lowest-gdp-contributor


It is essential to our nationai interest to estabiish and maintain scientific 
communities and organization speciaiizing in food production and geosciences. It thus 
behooves our government to escaiate our efforts to promote education and entry into 
the said fields. One way to encourage more enrollees in programs related to these 
fields is through the provision of additionai financial assistance. The grant of financial 
assistance shaii be subject to the availability of funds, purchasing power of the peso, 
and the rate of financiai assistance given under the other government scholarship 
programs.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 2541
,, •. \ 
ilil-
ol t»r Ji'--T
24 FEB-7 P3 34
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
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AN ACT
EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP 
GRANTEES OF AGRICULTURE, GEOLOGY, AND METEOROLOGY PROGRAMS, 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7687, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE "SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP OF 1994"
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 "Expanded Benefits of 
Science and Technology Scholarship Grantees of Agriculture, Geology, and 
Meteorology Programs Act."
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SEC. 2. Section 7-A is hereby inserted after Section 7 of Republic Act No. 7687,
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otherwise known as the "Science and Technology Act of 1994" to read as follows:
Section 7, Assistance to Grantees. - The grantee of the 
scholarship program under this Act is entitled to financial assistance 
which may include tuition and other school fees, outright grant for 
prescribed textbooks and essential school supplies, outright grant 
for prescribed military science and physical education uniform, 
transportation expenses and monthly living allowance: Provided, 
however. That in the granting of financial assistance, the availability 
of funds, purchasing power of the peso and rate of financial 
assistance given under other government scholarship programs 
must be considered.


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SECTION 7-A. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO SCIENCE AND
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TECHNOLOGY 
SCHOLARSHIP GRANTEES ENROLLED IN
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AGRICULTURE, GEOLOGY, AND METEOROLOGY PROGRAMS. - IN
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ADDITION TO THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND OUTRIGHT
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GRANTS THAT ARE ENTITLED TO GRANTEES OF THE SCIENCE
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AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP, GRANTEES ENROLLED IN THE
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AGRICULTURE, GEOLOGY, AND METEOROLOGY PROGRAMS ARE
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ENTITLED TO AN ADDITIONAL MONTHLY STIPEND. THE AMOUNT
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OF STIPEND SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE
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FAMILY INCOME OF GRANTEE AND THE FINANCIAL
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REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE UNDERTAKEN.
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SEC. 3. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act shali be declared
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unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in
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full force and effect.
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SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders and
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issuances, proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof
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that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended,
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accordingly.
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SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,