FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. 24.53 
Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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Recent surveys show that there is a decline in the academic performance of 
Filipino schoolchildren particularly in science and mathematics. The relevant reasons 
identified are: the teachers in the elementary levels are generalists and in high school, 
the trend is that more of the teachers who teach Physics, Chemistry, Biology and 
General Science are not qualified to teach the subject Thus, teachers, the key to 
students' learning, lack the content knowledge needed to teach these subjects 
effectively. 
Statistics show that 90% of physics teachers are not physics majors and 80% of 
chemistry teachers are not chemistry majors. Only 1.5% are mathematics and science 
majors among the prospective teachers enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Education 
(BSE). All these have resulted to the dismal performance of Filipino students against 
their international counterparts. 
Efforts to solve the problem were exerted by concerned agencies. Administrative 
Order No. 378 issued by President Fidel Ramos in 1998 implemented Project RISE or 
Rescue Initi'ative -in Science Education, a 5-year strategy program of the Department of 
Science and Technology (DOST) covering 180 hours of training for science and 
mathematics teachers at the public and 
private elementary, secondary and 
technical/vocational schools nationwide. The free formal training provided teachers with 
content knowledge and updated teaching strategies which they did not have as pre-
service education students. However, due to budgetary and time constraints, the 
program failed to improve science and mathematics education considering the recent 
performance evaluation. 
In line with the constitutional provision of providing quality edwcation and realizing 
the importance of science and mathematics in attaining industrialization and economic 
development, this proposed measure seeks to implement Program Rescue Initiative in 
Science and Mathematics Education Tor Teachers or RISMETs. This bill in effect, will 
revive project RISE. Under the proposed program, all teachers of science and 
mathematics are required to attend the comprehensive training. To ensure effective 
implementation of the Program, a National Steering Committee, a policy making body, 
shall be created. Program RISMETs will likewise serve as a career advancement for the 
concerned teachers. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this proposed measure is earnestly 
requested. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
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S_.B_. _2_4_5_3 __ ---'--____ 
"'_",,_'1 ,.tL .... 
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Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
AN ACT 
TO IMPROVE SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION BY 
INSTITUTIONALIZING RESCUE INITIATIVES IN SCIENCE AND 
MATHEMATICS EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS (RISMETs) PROGRAM, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 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 "Rescue Initiatives in 
Science and Mathematics Education for Teachers (RISMETs) Program Act of 2010". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
prioritize science and mathematics education and training, and promote quality 
education at all levels in the country, Towards this end, an enhanced training program in 
science and mathematics among our elementary, secondary, and post secondary 
technical/vocational 
teachers through 
the 
Rescue 
Initiatives 
in 
Science 
and 
Mathematics Education for Teachers (RISMETs) program is hereby institutionalized to 
help the country attain globalization and economic development. 
SEC. 3. The Program: Rescue Initiatives for Science and Mathematics 
Education for Teachers or RISMETs. - The program "Rescue Initiatives for Science 
and Mathematics Education for Teachers" (RISMETs) in public and private elementary, 
secondary and post-secondary technical/vocational schools nationwide is hereby 
institutionalized. It shall provide teachers, either majors or non-majors of science and 
mathematics who are already in the mainstream of the public and private school system 
with the content knowledge needed to become effective mathematics and science 
teachers. 
SEC. 4 . Eligibility to the Program. - The following teachers shall be eligible to 
the RISMETs: 
(a) Teachers of science and mathematics; and 
(b) Teachers who major in science and mathematics although assigned to teach 
o~her subjects. 
SEC. 5. Regional Training Centers. - Training centers for RISMETs shall be 
established within every region to ensure the effective implementation of the program. 
SEC. 6. Mobile Information Technology Classrooms. -
In order to 
revolutionize the strategies and methods of teaching science and mathematics through 
state-of-the-art technology, mobile information technology classrooms shall be brought 
to selected remote areas in the country, The classrooms shall provide interactive and 
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user friendly courseware using vehicles equipped with computers and audiovisual 
facilities with trained facilitators. 
SEC. 7. Scholarship Grants for Master of Science or Mathematics.-
Scholarship grants for master of science or mathematics shall be provided to qualified 
teachers. The Committee established under Section 7 shall formulate the guidelines for 
availing the grant. Provided, That, after availing the scholarship grant, the teacher shall 
serve as a trainor or facilitator under this Act. 
SEC. 8. National Steering Committee. - There is hereby created the National 
Steering Committee for an Enhanced Science and Mathematics Education Teachers 
Training Program, hereinafter referred to as the Committee, which shall act as the policy 
making body for the effective and continuing implementation of RISMETs. 
SEC. 9. Composition. - The Committee shall be composed of the Secretary of 
Science and Technology (DOST), as Chairman and Secretary of Education, (DepEd) as 
Co- Chairman, and the following, as members: 
a. Chairman, Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
b. Director General, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA); 
c. Representative, Presidential Management Staff (PMS); 
d. 
Director, Science Education Institute (SEI); and 
e. 
Representative, Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 
SEc. 10. Functions of the Committee. - The Committee shall have the 
following functions: 
1. Formulate guidelines for the training program for science and mathematics 
teachers 
at 
the 
elementary, 
secondary 
and 
postsecondary, 
technical/vocational of public and private schools nationwide; 
2. Oversee the effective and synchronized implementation of the program by 
concerned agencies; 
3. Formulate strategies for strengthening capabilities of training institutions such 
as but not limited to Regional Science Training Centers (RSTC) of DOST, 
Centers of Excelience(COE), and Centers of Development (COD) of CHED 
for the conduct of training programs; 
4. Devise and implement resource development scheme to ensure continued 
allocation of program funds; 
5. Assess overall progress of the teacher training program and review 
monitoring and evaluation results; 
6. Create sub-committees at the national and regional levels and appoint their 
respective chairpersons and members; 
7. Submit annual report to Congress; and 
8. Perform such other tasks for the effective implementation of this Act. 
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SEC. 11. Staff Support. - The Science Education Institute (SEI) shall provide the 
technical, secretariat and administrative support to the Committee. 
SEC.' 12. Funding. - For the initial implementation of this Act, there is hereby 
authorized to be created a Fund to be derived from the budget of the Department of 
Science ~nd Technology (DOST), Department of Education (DepED), Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA) not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, said funds shall be included in the 
annual budget of the aforementioned agencies. 
SEC. 13. Hiring of Experts/Specialists. - The Committee is hereby authorized 
to set aside a portion of its fund for the hiring of qualified consultants, experts and 
resource persons in the field of science and mathematics to effectively implement the 
program. 
SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOST in coordination 
with the DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall promulgate the rules and regulations to 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If any prnvision of this Act, or any part thereof 
be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby 
shall continue in full force and effect. 
SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, proclamations. 
Executive orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 17. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved, 
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