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

5983

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN and
HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Educators and economists agree in the assertion that science and technology is
a strong pillar and significant driver of economic development, educational
advancements and environmental protection, among others. It enables us to move
forward through technology and allows us to adapt to the changing times.

However, in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report, the Philippines fell from
its previous ranking of 56 in 2018 to 64, down by eight notches. The ranking system
takes into consideration eight 11 pillars. Two of these pillars are innovation capability
and ICT adoption, where the country recorded its biggest decline from 67th place last
year to 88th in 2019, In another study - the latest Global Innovation Index (GI) report
= the Philippines ranked poorly at 76th in the sub-category of Innovation Input,
attributed to a lack of scientists and engineers.

This affirms a sad reality in our country today: that the state of science and
technology and innovation in our country lag behind world standards. The United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) suggests a ratio
of 380 scientists per every million population, or ideally 19,000 scientists for our
country to bea significant force for research and development. Government data puts
the number at 189 scientists per million.

Now, more than ever, the country needs to enhance its science and technology
education to produce more scientists and engineers, and it needs to start at the
secondary level. Latest data shows that there are more than 50 science high schools all
over the country. We need to add more to this number.


In the Province of Basilan, we are in the process of enhancing and improving
our education system. The people need more education opportunities, specifically in
the field of science and technology. Basilan is only one of the few provinces with no
science high schools. With a population of 459,367 - 62% of which are attending school
- it is now time to establish a science high school within its jurisdiction and allow its
residents to be a significant force of change in nation-building. We believe a secondary
education focused primarily on science and technology can greatly benefit the people,
their families, their province and, ultimately, their country.

This bill aims to establish a Basilan Science High School to be situated in Isabela
City. The creation of the Basilan Science High School would greatly improve the
science and technology education of the people of Basilan and allow them to enjoy all
the benefits of a science high school without traveling to nearby provinces to get their
education.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

aA
, HATAMAN et IGCOPAN
Depitty Speaker Represent
Representative Anak Mindanao Party-List

Lone District of Basilan


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

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

5983
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF
ISABELA, PROVINCE OF BASILAN, TO BE KNOWN AS THE BASILAN
SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. There is hereby established, under the supervision of the
Department of Education, a science high school in Isabela City, Province of Basilan,
to be known as the Basilan Science High School.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Education shall immediately include in the
Department's program the operationalization of the Basilan Science High School, the
funding of which shalll be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Within one hundred twenty (120) days of the effectivity of this Act,
the Secretary of Education shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary
for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved