Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL‘No.5782

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was created by the virtue of
Executive Order No. 128 series of 1987 to afford significant direction, governance
and management of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the
results are focused and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social
benefits for the country.

It has been Thirty-Three (33) years in the field of science, technology and
innovation is constantly evolving to provide the present and future needs of the
country.

This House Bill seeks to foster the local scientific and technological efforts that
address national and local problems and positively contribute to the overall
national development, to expand the improvement of local capability in science
and technology to achieve technological self-reliance in designated areas that are
vital to national growth.

Thus, the early pgésage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MIC! ‘L'L. ROMERO Ph.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO, _5762

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DOST), 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. TITLE - This act shall be known as the “DOST
Modernization Act of 2019”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby a declared
policy of the state to provide proficient and economical science and technology
community with a social integrity.

The state shall formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects
for the development of science and technology and for the promotion of scientific
and technological activities for both the public and private sectors, and to ensure
that the results of scientific and technological activities are realistic and applied

to accelerate economic and social development.


The DOST shall continually review the status and needs of science and
technology in the context of the country’s developmental goals.

The state shall expand the functions and responsibilities of the DOST

correspondingly to include the following:

+ Pursue the declared state policy of supporting local
scientific and technological effort;

* Develop local capability to achieve technological self-
reliance; and

+ Encourage greater private sector participation in research
and development

SECTION 3. PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION -The modernization
program under this Act shall be implemented for an initial period of two (2)

years:

Provided, that payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred
under this Act may extend beyond this period:

Provided, further, That DOST shall continue to modernize and constantly
update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best global practices.

SECTION 4. DOST MODERNIZATION FUND- There is hereby
provided the DOST Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the DOST
Modernization Program.

The DOST Modernization Fund shall be administered by the
Secretary of the DOST in accordance with existing government

budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Provided, that there is approval of the National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA) and subsequently the Department
of Finance (DOF).


SECTION 5. PROGRESS REPORT - The Secretary of the DOST shall
prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the DOST
Modernization Program which shall be submitted, to the President of the republic
and to the Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of the
Senate and the House of Representatives.

SECTION 6. APPROPRIATIONS - The amount necessary to carry
out the implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the current
fiscal year appropriations of the DOST.

Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of the
modernization program, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act (GAA).

SECTION 7. TRANSITORY PROVISION- Existing industries,
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - The
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other

sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.


SECTION 11. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,