FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —}
First Regular Session )

introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and.
Representative Maximo 8. Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and Technology is a vital tool for national economic
development. Studies have shown a positive relationship between economic
development and scientific and technological capability.

In an era of rapid scientific and technological development, the State
should provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally competitive.
One mechanism is to create a science and technology educational program
that will propel our country to be at par with our Asian neighbors.

To meet the demands of the times, we must start improving our
Science and Technology educational system. We must increase infrastructure
support to build and upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all
public elementary and secondary schools. We must also provide venue and
materials for students’ direct and hands-on experiences in Science and
Technology learning. Finally, we must make provisions for repair,
maintenance and upgrading of acquired laboratory equipment.

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

ans jUEZ
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MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1673

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

- 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. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Science
Laboratory for Basic Education Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It 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 modern 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 modern
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. - in addition to the funds to be provided by
the
Legislature, this Act shall receive funding support from the following

a, Twenty percent (20%) share from the gross proceeds of travel tax
collections over and above the share of the National government
therefrom;

b. Twenty percent (20%) share from the net income of the Philippine
Games and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) over and above the
franchise tax and the corporate income tax therefrom

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 equipmentfacilities
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:

Construction of laboratory buildings;

Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities;

Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities

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.

10. The building, plans and design shall be drawn and approved by

DOST-SEI

PEN>


SEC. 7. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the
construction of school laboratories including equipment/acilities 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 DepEd

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 pupils/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,