NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2119
^§1 Senate
of tiie
23 may “3 PI :31
Rj-CEIVtDBV;
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE SCIENCE FOR CHANGE PROGRAM AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
The Science for Change Program is an existing program of the Department of 
Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippine government that aims to enhance 
scientific and technological capabilities for sustainable development. The program 
prioritizes research and development (R&D) activities that address societal challenges 
such as health, food security, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and 
energy.
The Science for Change Program was launched in 2018 as a response to the 
call for stronger science and technology capacities in the country. The program is 
anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, which highlights the 
importance of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for inclusive growth and 
development. The Science for Change program has four flagship programs, namely: 
Advanced Research and Development of Technologies (ARDENT), Innovation for 
Social Impact Partnership (ISIP), Collaborative Research and Development to 
Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE), and Climate Change Mitigation and 
Adaptation through Science and Technology-based Interventions (CLIMATE).
ARDENT aims to foster innovation-led economic growth by funding research 
projects in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and 
biotechnology. ISIP seeks to develop social enterprises that address societal problems 
while promoting economic development. CRADLE is designed to support industry- 
academe collaborations in R&D activities that will enhance the competitiveness of 
Philippine industries. Lastly, CLIMATE focuses on developing S&T-based solutions to 
climate change-related problems such as flooding, drought, and extreme weather 
events.
The Science for Change Program also has several enabling mechanisms that 
support its implementation. These include the Formulation of a National Research and 
Development Agenda, the Deployment of Research and Development Institutes, and 
the establishment of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging


Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). The PCIEERD is responsible for 
the management, planning, and implementation of the Science for Change Program.
While the Science for Change Program has made significant strides towards 
enhancing the Philippines' scientific and technological capabilities, there is a need for 
legislation to support its implementation. The proposed legislation should address the 
following concerns:
1. Funding: The Science for Change Program is heavily dependent on 
government funding, which may not be sustainable in the long run. A law 
providing incentives for private sector investments in R&D activities will help in 
diversifying funding sources for the program.
2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The Science for Change Program involves 
R&D activities that may lead to the creation of new technologies and inventions. 
A law that ensures the protection of IPRs will incentivize researchers and 
companies to invest in R&D activities.
3. Collaboration: The Science for Change Program aims to encourage 
collaboration between industry, academe, and government. A law that 
mandates the establishment of technology transfer offices in universities and 
research institutes will facilitate collaborations with the private sector.
4. Human Resource Development: The Science for Change Program requires a 
pipeline of skilled researchers and scientists. A law that provides scholarships, 
grants, and other incentives for students and researchers will help develop the 
human resource capacity necessary for the program.
This bill seeks to institutionalize the Science for Change program of the government 
to address the challenges and concerns for the successful accomplishment of the said 
program. This bill also expands the coverage of the Science for change program to 
help address the need of the Philippines, as follows:
Health sufficiency and responsiveness to Public Health Emergencies; 
Renewable Energy Systems and Bioenergy Technologies;
Functional Materials for alternative Energy Sources and Energy; 
Conversion and Storage;
Nuclear Science;
Biotechnology, nanotechnology and Genomics;
Climate and Environmental Sciences;
Nutrition and Food Security and Safety 
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Productivity;
Natural Resource management and Sustainable Development; 
Transport Solutions;
Industrial or Manufacturing or Mining Productivity;
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation;
Metrology, Calibration and Standards;
Technology Transfer or Commercialization;


• Nurturing of Culture of Science; and
New programs are also proposed to be included in the Science for Change, such as:
Defense and Security Research and Development 
Space Science and Technology 
ICT Development, Electronics and artificial intelligence 
Strengthening of Research and Development
Science and Technology for the Creative, Tourism and Services Industry 
New and Emerging Technologies
For this purpose, this bill also seeks to create a National Innovation Council and 
mandates the Department of Science and Technology to formulate a five-year plan for 
the successful implementation of the provisions proposed under this bill.
The Science for Change Program in the Philippines is a critical initiative that seeks 
to enhance scientific and technological capabilities for sustainable development. The 
program has made significant strides towards addressing societal challenges such as 
health, food security, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and energy. 
Thus, the need for a law to support its implementation is critical for its success. A law 
that supports the Science for Change Program will help create an innovation-led 
economy that addresses societal challenges while promoting economic growth and 
development.
In view hereof, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2119
Senate
Oi II'C JsK-tvemr^
23 MAY ”3 P1 31
RI^CEIVEDBt
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE SCIENCE FOR CHANGE PROGRAM AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assem bled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Science for Change
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Program
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution
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recognizes that "science and technology are essential for national development and
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progress." It declares that "the State shall give priority to research and development,
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invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education,
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invention, and service". Likewise, the State "shall support indigenous, appropriate,
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and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the
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country's productive systems and national life."
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Towards these ends and in pursuit of excellence in the field of science,
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technology and innovation (STI), the State needs to accelerate the development of
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STI in the country through a massive increase in investment, expansion of existing
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STI initiatives, creation of new programs, development of human resources in STI,
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and capacity building of research and development institutions.
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Sec. 3. Objectives. -The objectives of this Act are as follows:


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mean:
(a) To achieve a higher standard of science, technology and Innovation (STI) 
and contribute to the development of the economy and society;
(b) To improve the welfare of the nation by prescribing comprehensive and 
systematic policies for the promotion of STI; and
(c) To encourage innovation and creativity among Filipinos, and come up with 
products, technologies and solutions to pressing national problems, and 
gain a competitive edge In the field of research and development.
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
(a) Harmonized Nationai Research and Deveiopment Agenda (HNRDA) refers 
to an outcome-based agenda which identifies all the research and development 
(R&.D) programs and projects to be undertaken and funded by the government 
to support the attainment of the key result areas of the government's 
development objectives, particularly those that aim to reduce poverty and 
empower the poor and vulnerable; induce rapid, inclusive, and sustained 
economic growth; promote the integrity of the environment, and enhance the 
country's climate change adaptation and mitigation capability.
(b) High-tech equipment- refers to any equipment using the most advanced 
and developed machines and methods;
(c) Nationai Innovation Councii (NIC) - refers to the policy advisory body, 
established by virtue of Republic Act No. 11293, or the Philippine Innovation 
Act, mandated to formulate, develop, implement and monitor the country's 
innovation goals, priorities, and long-term national strategy;
(d) Pubiiciy-funded technoiogy- refers to any technology the development or 
generation of which was funded, in part or in full, using government money 
or resources;
(e) Research and Deveiopment (R&D) - refers to any systematic and creative 
work undertaken in the physical, natural, mathematical, and applied 
sciences by using methods in order increases the stock of knowledge in 
these fields to devise new applications;


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(f) Science - refers to the systematic way of acquiring knowledge through
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observation and experimentation;
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(g) Technology — refers to the practical application of science;
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{h) Innovation - refers to the creation of new ideas that results to the
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development of new or improved products, processes, or services which are
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then spread or transferred across the market;
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(i) Technology licensing - refers to a mode of technology transfer whereby a
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licensor such as a technology generator or technology or intellectual
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property owner, authorizes a licensee to use the technology under certain
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agreed terms and conditions.
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Sec. 5. Science for Change Program (S4CP) and Utilization Policy Framework.
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- The formulation of the S4CP is anchored on the HNRDA which shall be regularly
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updated based on the needs of the time.
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a) In order to achieve the objectives of this Act, the following science and
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technology (S&T) programs of the DOST shall be expanded:
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1) Health Self Sufficiency and Responsiveness to Public Health Emergencies
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2) Renewable Energy Systems & Bioenergy Technologies
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3) Functional Materials for Alternative Energy Sources and Energy
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4) Conversion and Storage
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5) Nuclear Science for Energy, Health, Agriculture and Industry
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6) Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, and Genomics
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7) Climate and Environment Sciences
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8) Nutrition and Food Security and Safety
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9) Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Productivity
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10) Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Development
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11) Transport Solutions
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12) Industrial or Manufacturing or Mining Productivity
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13) Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
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14) Science and Technology (Services for the Production Sector)
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15) Metrology, Calibration and Standards
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16) Technology Transfer or Commercialization


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17) Human Resource Development for Science Technology and Innovation
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18) Nurturing a Culture of Science
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b) The following new programs shall also be included in the Science for Change
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Program:
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1) Defense and Security Research and Development
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2) Space Science and Technology
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3) ICT Development, Electronics and Artificial Intelligence
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4) Strengthening of Research & Development and Science & Technology
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Services in the Regions through Infrastructure and Human Resource
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Development
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5) S&T for the Creative, Tourism, and Services Industry
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6) New and Emerging Technologies
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Sec. 7. Major Strategies of the Science for Change Program. -The S4CP shall
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focus on the Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and
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Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness which is composed of four
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(4) programs namely:
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a) Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER). The NICER Program
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shall be implemented to address the discrepancy in access to R&D funding
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among the regions. Through the programs, qualified higher education
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institutions (HEIs) in the regions shall be provided with grants so they can
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undertake quality research directed at promoting regional development with
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their existing capabilities and resources. A proposed NICER should be a unique
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and collaborative project between HEIs, and must be duly endorsed by the
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Regional Development Council (RDC).
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b.) R&D Leadership Program (RDLead). The RDLead program shall be
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implemented to help develop and strengthen further the research capabilities
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of the academe, research and development institutions (RDIs), and other
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government line agencies nationwide. To this end, RDLeaders who are local
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S&T experts with strong leadership and innovative policy proficiencies shall be
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engaged to train, direct, and support R&D goals. Academic institutions RDIs,


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and other agencies may engage the services of an RDLeader through a
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screening and evaluation process to be conducted by the National Research
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Council of the Philippines (NCRP) based on their respective needs and
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specifications. The NRCP shall be the implementing agency of the RDLead
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Program.
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c.) Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Economy (CRADLE) for RDIs
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and Industry. The CRADLE Program shall be implemented to promote
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technological advancement and innovation in local companies and to support
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the growth of the Philippine innovation ecosystem. Through the program, the
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academe or RDI in partnership with a Filipino company, shall undertake
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research and development to improve the company's products, processes, and
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services to become more competitive in their respective industries. To ensure
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that research outputs from the academe are commercially utilized by the
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market, beneficiary-companies under this program must provide at least twenty
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percent (20%) counterpart funding and commit to adopt the technology that
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shall be developed by their R&D Partner.
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d) Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry. The BIST
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Program shall be implemented by the DOST to provide financial assistance to
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Filipino private companies for the acquisition of strategic and relevant
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technologies so they can undertake their R&D activities. The financial
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assistance shall be used solely for the purchase of high tech equipment or to
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secure technology licensing or patent rights and shall be refunded to the DOST
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without interest.
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Sec. 7. Formulation and Submission of the Science for Change Program (S4CP)
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Rian. -The DOST shall formulate the five-year S4CP Plan in coordination with other
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relevant government agencies, including state universities and colleges, and
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representatives from the private sector undertaking R&D. The Secretary of DOST shall
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submit to the President, for approval, the Science for Change Program Plan within
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ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.


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A successor S4CPPIan shall be formulated and submitted to the President for
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approval at least three (3) months prior to the expiration of the existing S4CP Plan.
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Sec. 8. S4CP Program Management Office (PMO). -The Project Management
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Office for the Science for Change Program (PMO-S4CP) shall be created and placed
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under the supervisions of the Office of the Secretary of the DOST. The PMO shall
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ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Science for Change Programs.
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It shall perform coordinating and Secretariat functions and promote the various S4CP
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programs. The Secretary of the DOST shall formulate the staffing pattern of the PMO
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in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management and in accordance
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with rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.
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Sec. 9. The Harmonized National R&D Agenda -The DOST shall, in consultation
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with government research institutions and other agencies concerned, formulate a
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HNRDA and a program for technology adoption for the government in accordance with
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the priorities of the Philippine Development Plan. The proposed HNRDA shall be
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submitted to the National Innovation Council for approval. The DOST shall certify that
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all the publicly funded R&A projects form part of the HNRDA and included in our
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Harmonized National R&D Agenda under the annual General Appropriations Act."
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The DOST shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management, the
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Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate of the
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Philippines, either in printed form or by electronic document, a copy of the approved
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HNRDA. The Secretary of Science and Technology and the agency's web administrator
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or an equivalent officer shall ensure that the approved HNRDA is posted on the
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agency's website.
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Sec. 10. Mandatory Adoption of Pubiidy-Funded Technologies. - All publicly-
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funded and generated technologies whenever feasible and practicable shall be utilized
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by all government entities or instrumentalities. All national government agencies
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government -owned and-controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and
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local government units conducting science and technology development projects shall
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adopt publicly-funded technologies.


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Sec. 11. Science for Change Program Fund (S4CPF). - All donations,
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contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts, in case or in kind, for the S4CP shall be placed
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into a fund to be known as the Science for Change Program Fund: Provided, That,
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acceptance of grants, bequests, contributions, and donations from foreign
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governments shall be subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines, upon
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recommendation of the Secretary of the DOST and the Secretary of the Department
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of Foreign Affairs.
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Sec. 12. Appropriations. -The initial amount for the implementation of this Act
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shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST. Thereafter,
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such funds as may be required for the implementation of this Act shall be Included in
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the Annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 13. Annuai Report. - The DOST shall submit an annual report on the
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implementation of the S4CP to the Office of the President and to the Committee on
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Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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Sec. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within One hundred eighty
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(180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOST shall formulate rules and
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regulations for its effective implementation.
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Sec. 15. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held
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unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall
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continue to remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 16. 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.