RECEIVED

OATE: 9 2018

IME.

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session
3060
HOUSE BILL NO.”
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
(DOST), DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND REPEALING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO.
128 SERIES OF 1987, AS AMENDED APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE LEONARDO L, BABASA, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and Technology are essential for national development and progress (Article XIV, Section
10),

As such the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was created by virtue of Executive
Order No. 128 s. 1987 to provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and
technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of
maximum economic and social benefits for the people. It has been three (3) decades and the field
of science, technology and innovation (STI) is always and ever evolving to address the present and
future needs of the country.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identified
countries who have significantly invested in STI by looking at Gross Domestic Expenditure on
Research & Development (GERD) as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As reported
by UNESCO, Israel ranked 1* in this category with 4.3% followed by South Korea (4.2%),
Switzerland (3.4%), Sweden (3.3%) and Japan (3.1%), respectively. While the Philippines is only
at 0.14%, still below our ASEAN neighbors like Thailand (0.78%) and Vietnam (0.44%).

‘The developments within these countries are significantly felt and felt and a dramatic rise in the
citizen's income and economic well being are achieved

As point of comparison, the table below summarizes how the Philippines par with some of its
ASEAN neighbors with regards to Research and Development (R&D) as reported by UNESCO.


COUNTRY | R&D R&D | Number _of | Percentage of | Percentage of
Spending as | spending in | researchers | Male | Female |
% of GDP PPPS per million | Researchers | Researchers |
ee 3 inhabitants _ -
Philippines 01% $886,534.6k 187 50% 50% _
Thailand 0.5% $5,138 5M 964 4% | __ 4
Malaysia 13% $9,728.7M 2,029 51% | 49% ‘|
Singapore 2.2% $10,069.0M 6,729 | 70% 30% |
Indonesia 0.1% $2,130.3M 89 69% 31% |

Other significant factor affecting the low level of innovation are : weak STI human capital, weak
linkages in STI ecosystem, difficulty in increasing employment opportunities and retaining human
capital, absence of a vibrant intellectual property culture, restrictive regulations in implementing
R7D programs, and inadequate STI infrastructure

This proposed measure is aimed at strengthening the DOST as a premiere science body capable of
effecting significant contributions in the country’s efforts to achieve the STI goals set in
Ambisyon 2040 which envisions “to triple real per capita incomes, and eradicate hunger and
poverty by 2040, if not sooner.”

Thus, I am enjoining my colleagues earnestly for the immediate passage of this Bill

tH
D BABASA, JR.
Zamboanga del Sur

\visualisations/research-and-development-spendiny



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3060

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR.

SK

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY (DOST),
DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND REPEALING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 128
SERIES OF 1987, AS AMENDED APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

CHAPTER I
INSTITUTIONALIZATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ARTICLE L
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “The Department of Science and
Technology Act of 2019.

Sec, 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall give priority to science, technology and
innovation, as a catalyst for national development and progress that shall foster nationalism,
improve Filipino society, promote total human liberation and development. '

To this end, it is recognized that the formulation of policies and plans supported by scientific
and technology studies is a vital process that calls for the participation of the public and private
sectors at the national and sub-national levels. The formulation and adoption of these policies
and plans need to be coordinated and implemented by an independent science and technology
agency, to be headed by the President, to ensure the consistency of policies, plans and programs
for national development and the sustainable use of the nation's resources.

Sec. 3. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ~ There is hereby established a
department that shall provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and
technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of
maximum economic and social benefits for the people."

The DOST shall consist of the following entities, organized under existing laws:


(a)

(b)
(©)
(d)
©

DOST Central Office (DOST-CO) with Regional Offices and Provincial Science and
Technology Offices (PSTOs) formerly known as Provincial Centers for Science and
Technology, as created in Republic Act 6959"

Sectoral Planning Councils

Collegial and Scientific Bodies

Science and Technology Service Institutes

Research and Development Institutes,

‘The powers and functions of each shall be discussed in separate Sections within this Act.

Sec. 4

q)

(2)

G3)

(4)
(3)
(6)
(a)
(8)

(9)
(10)

Powers and Functions — The DOST shall have the following powers and functions"

Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan including
specific goals, policies, plans, programs and projects based on the recommendation of
the Inter-Council Review Board and, upon approval by the President, monitor and
coordinate its funding and implementation by all government agencies and
instrumentalities;

Promote, assist, and where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological research
and development in those areas which are determined to be vital to the country’s
development and offer optimum returns for the resources employed;

Promote the development of indigenous technology and adaptation and innovation of
suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake technology development up
to the commercial stage, preferably in joint venture with the private sector or with
public agencies;

Undertake design and engineering work to complement its research and development
functions;

Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake the transfer of the results of scientific
and technological research and development, to their end-users;

Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake technological services needed by
agriculture, industry, transport, and the general public;

Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and technology
for use by both the public and private sectors;

Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for
strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in the relevant disciplines
through manpower training, and through infrastructure and institution building and
rationalization, in both the public and private sectors;

Promote public consciousness in science and technology:

Undertake policy research, technology assessment studies, feasibility studies and
technical studies.

ARTICLE IL.
THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BOARD

Sec. 5. Composition of the Science and Technology Board (S&T Board). — The S&T Board
shall be composed of the:

a)

Q)

‘The President of the Philippines, who shall be the Chairperson of the S&T Board.
Whenever the President is unable to attend a meeting of the Board, the Vice-
Chairperson shall act as Chairperson;

The Secretary of DOST, who shall be the Vice-Chairperson;


(3) The Secretary of Health;

(4) The Secretary of Interior and Local Government;

(5) The Secretary of Trade and Industry:

(6) The Secretary of Public Works and Highways;

(7) The Secretary of Agriculture;

(8) The Secretary of National Defense;

(9) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education;

(10) The Secretary of Information, Communications and Technology;

(11) The Secretary of National Economic and Development Authority; and
(12) The Secretary of Budget and Management; and

Other Heads of Government Agencies may be invited to be part of the Board but as non-voting
member.

‘The presence of at least six voting members shall constitute a quorum.

Sec, 6, Meetings. - The S&T Board shall meet at least once every quarter. The presence of six
(6) voting members shall constitute a quorum, provided that in all cases the Secretary of DOST
shall be present

A special meeting of the S&T Board may be convened by the President to address urgent
concerns, or emergencies, such as natural disasters, calamities, or other extraordinary
circumstances which would affect the economy and national development.

All decisions of the S&T Board shall require the concurrence of at least a majority of the voting
members present at a meeting at which there is a quorum.

‘The S&T shall maintain and preserve a complete record of the proceedings and deliberations
of the DOST Board, including the recordings and transcripts, either in their original form, or
in any secured digital format. The Planning and Evaluation Services (PES) shall provide
secretariat function.

Sec. 7. Withdrawal of Persons Having a Personal Interest - In addition to the requirements of
Republic Act No. 6713, or any existing laws, a member of the S&T Board with personal or
pecuniary interest in any matter in the agenda of the Board shall disclose his interest to the
Board and shall withdraw from the meeting when the matter is taken up. The decision taken on
the matter shall be made public. The minutes shall reflect the disclosure made and the recusal
of the member concerned from the meeting.

Sec. 8. Exercise of Authority. — In the exercise of authority, the S&T Board shall:

(1) Recommend the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies;

(2) Recommend rules and regulations necessary for the effective discharge of the powers
and functions vested upon the DOST;

(3) Ensure, together with the Department of Budget and Management and other relevant
government oversight agencies, that the annual and multi-year appropriations for
programs and projects are aligned with the development strategies;

(4) Approve or confirm projects, programs and plans as required under existing laws,
orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances; and


(5) Direct the reorganization, or establishment of inter-agency committees under the S&T
Board, including the modification of its membership, structures, powers and functions.

Sec. 9. Inter-Agency Committees. - Inter-agency committees shall be created to serve as
advisory bodies to the S&T Board. It shall submit recommendations on matters involving their
concerns to the Board for approval.

The Board shall designate the respective Chairpersons of these Committees, including the
Secretariat, unless otherwise specifically provided herein.

The Board may create other inter-agency committees, or modify existing ones, in respect to
their structures, compositions, powers, and functions.

The inter-agency committees may create sub-committees, whenever appropriate, for the
purpose of dispensing with any of its respective functions.

‘The composition of the inter-agency committees shall be without prejudice to the participation
of representatives of other government agencies or bodies, or of authorized representatives of
major organizations of local government officials, civil society organizations, non-government
organizations, people's organizations, the academe, or other private organizations as may be
considered desirable by the committee in its deliberations.

Sec. 10. DOST Executive Committee (ExeCom) and DOST Management Committee
(ManCom) *- There shall be a DOST Executive Committee composed of the Secretaries and
all the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, that shall lead in and ensure in the
implementation of existing S&T laws as such it shall issue guidelines, rules and regulations
regarding this matter.

Further, there shall have a DOST Management Committee composed of the Secretary, all the
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries including the Regional Directors, Heads of
Attached Agencies and DOST-CO Service Directors. It shall ensure among others the delivery
of smooth and harmonized frontline services

‘The Management Division shall serve as the Secretariat. Science & Technology Information
Institute (STI) shall provide photo, audio, visual and all other forms of documentation as
needed during ExeCom and ManCom Meetings

Meetings may be held anywhere in the Philippines as deemed necessary to be hosted by the
appropriate Regional Office.

It shall ensure among others the delivery of smooth and harmonized frontline services.

ARTICLE UL
‘THE SECRETARY AND OFFICES OF THE DOST

Sec. 11. Organization, Composition, Starting, and Compensation. - The DOST shall determine
its organizational structure, composition and staffing, as well as the responsibilities and
functions of each office therein as identified in Section 3 according to applicable laws. It shall
establish a human resource management system, in accordance with Civil Service rules, which


shall govern the selection, hiring, appointment, transfer, promotion, or dismissal of all
personnel with the aim of establishing integrity, professionalism and excellence at all levels.

It shall adopt a position classification and compensation structure based on job evaluation
studies, talent retention strategies, and wage surveys, that shall thereafter be subjected to the
approval of the DOST The salaries and other remuneration of officials and permanent
employees of DOST shall at least be one salary grade higher than the standard provided under
Republic Act No. 6758 and shall be entitled to “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers,
Researchers, and other S&T Personnel in the Government,” as amended.

Sec. 12. Organization of DOST. — The DOST shall consist of the Office of the Secretary, the
Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, which shall be located within the

premises of the DOST Central Office; unless allowed by the Secretary be situated in a different
city or municipality for a valid cause.

Likewise, the DOST shall have Regional Offices, corresponding to the number of Regions in
the Philippines. Provincial Science and Technology Office shall be established within and
grouped with their corresponding Region. However, for National Capital Region (NCR) there
shall be Cluster Area for Science and Technology Offices (CASTOs) namelyvi

(a) CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, Navotas)

(b) MUNTAPARLAS (Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Parafiaque, Las Pifias)
(c) PAMAMARISAN (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan)

(d) PAMAMAZON (Pasay, Makati, Manila, Quezon City)

In any event that there will conversion, merger and/or abolition of local government units, the
Secretary shall have the power to reconstitute Regional Offices, PSTOs and CASTOs in
coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Sec. 13. Office of the Secretary of DOST, — The Office of the Secretary of DOST shall consist
of the Secretary, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit Service, Legislative
Liaison Office, Administrative Legal Service, Planning and Evaluation Service and Financial
and Management Service; other offices may be created as deemed necessary by the Secretary.

Sec. 14. Functions of the Secretary of DOST. — The Secretary of the Department of Science
and Technology shall have but not limited to the following functions:

(1) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the DOST,

(2) _ Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient, and economical operations
of the DOST, in accordance with the programs of the government,

(3) Promulgate rules, regulations, and other issuances as necessary in carrying out the
DOST’s mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects;

(4) _ Establish effective linkages with regional and provincial planning and development
offices;

(5) Advise the President, on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders, and
the formulation of regulatory and legislative proposals, pertaining to matters of national
economic and social development;

(6) Promulgate such rules and regulations, and exercise such other powers as may be
required to implement the objectives of this Act;


(7) Acquire personal property including but not limited to vehicle, equipment, and other
movables and real property for science, technology, innovation and extension services
such as but not limited to climate and weather forecasting and monitoring, disaster and
hazard mapping, post-disaster research and development as an exemption to existing
procurement law to immediately attend to S&T needs of the country.

(8) Exercise the power of eminent domain for science, technology and innovation,

(9) Perform such other tasks as may be provided by law or assigned by the President of the
Philippines.

Sec. 15. Term of Office of the Secretary. - The Secretary of the Department of Science and
Technology shall be appointed by the President who shall serve until the expiration of the
President's term unless sooner terminated.

‘The Secretary may be re-appointed or extended beyond his or her term, upon the discretion of
the newly elected President of the Philippines.

Sec. 16. Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by
Undersecretaries for:

(a) Scientific and Technical Services

(b) Research and Development

(c) Regional Operations

(d) Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change

and Assistant Secretaries for
(a) Finance and Legal Affairs
(b) International Cooperation
(c) Administration
(d) Legislative Affairs

The undersecretaries and assistant secretaries shall be appointed by the President, upon
recommendation by the Secretary.

The Secretary shall have the flexibility to determine the respective assignments of the
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, depending on the Secretary's strategic directions
and/or on emerging development trends affecting the country’s economy.

‘The number of Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries may be increased upon passage of
subsequent laws or as determined by the President of the Philippines.

Sec. 17. Services and Offices. - The DOST shall have the following services and offices:

(1) Planning and Evaluation Service, which shall be responsible for providing the DOST with
efficient and effective services relating to planning, programs and project monitoring and
development;

(2) Financial and Management Service, which shall be responsible for providing the DOST
with efficient and effective staff advice and assistance on budgetary, financial, and
management improvement matters;


(3) Administrative Service, which shall be responsible for providing the DOST with efficient
and effective services relating to personnel, information, records, supplies, equipment
collection, disbursement, security and custodial work, and all other related functions.

(4) Legal Service, which shall be responsible for providing the DOST with efficient and
effective legal services which shall include but not limited to the following:

a) Provide legal advice to the Department on the interpretation of laws, rules affecting
the operations of the Department. This shall include the preparation and/or review of
Department issuances.

b) Prepare review, review and interpret contracts and instruments to which the
Department is a party;

(5) Internal Audit Service which assists the management in achieving efficient and effective
fiscal administration and performance of its affairs and functions;

(6) Gender and Development (GAD) Service, pursuant to Republic Act 9710 or the “Magna
Carta Law for Women” Act shall ensure gender mainstreaming in the Department in
compliance with RA 9710, other policy issuances and guidelines set by the Philippine
Commission on Women in the pursuit of a gender-responsive DOST

(7) Department Legislative Liaison Service (DLLS) formerly referred as the Department
Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) shall be the lead in shepherding STI priority
legislations of the Department.

(8) Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Office, which shall be responsible for the implementation
of Republic Act 11035 or the “Balik Scientist Act” The Secretary shall delegated the
day-to-day operation to appropriate Undersecretary or Assistant Secretary the BSP Office.

(9) National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) Office created under
Executive Order No. 430 on 15 October 1990, and further strengthened with the issuance
of Executive Order No. 514 on 17 March 2006, which shall develop biosafety policies in
the country and set scientific, technical and procedural standards on actions by agencies
and other sectors to promote biosafety in the Philippines, among others.

(10) International Cooperation Office ICO) formerly referred as the International
Technology Cooperation Unit, shall be in charge in fostering international collaboration
and linkages with other States and other foreign institutions and entities, among others.
ICO shall also be in charge in the deployment of STI attaches in other countries.

(11). Philippine Health Research Ethics Office (PHREO), the Philippine Health Research
Ethics Board (PHREB) created under DOST Special Order No. 091 s. 2006 as provided
in Section 12 of Republic Act 10532 or the “Philippine National Health Research System
Act of 2013,” shall ensure adherence to the universal principles for the protection of
human participants in research.

PHREO shall be an independent division within the PCHRD. The Budget needed shall be
included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of PCHRD. PHREO shall be headed
by a Director I, who shall also serve as the Deputy Director of PCHRD.


‘The Secretary shall create of additional offices or modify of existing staffs relative to their
structures, compositions, powers, and functions. Each service office shall be headed by a
Director II assisted by one Deputy Director (Director I).

Incumbent Service Director shall continue to hold their existing salary grade. Provided, that
once the incumbent Service Director resigns, retires, transfers, abandons post, is removed
from office or is incapacitated to function due to his physical condition or as an administrative

or legal sanction, the new appointed director or deputy director shall have the salary grade for
Director II or Director I, respectively.

Sec. 18. DOST Regional Offices (ROs) ™’. — The DOST is hereby authorized to establish,

operate and maintain a Regional Office, whenever appropriate, in each of the administrative

regions of the country, to be headed by a Regional Director (RD) or (Director IV) and supported

by an Assistant Regional Director (ARD) (salary grade of a Director III) who shall report to,

and subject to the supervision of, the Undersecretary for Regional Operations. A Regional

Office shall have, within its administrative region, the following functions:

(a) Implement laws, rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of the Authority;

(b) Provide efficient and effective service to the people:

(c) Coordinate with regional offices of other ministries, offices and agencies in the
administrative region,

(d) Coordinate with local government units; and

(ec) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or as designated by the Secretary
or the President.

‘There shall be at least a minimum of 4 Divisions within each RO:
(a) Finance, Planning and Administrative Division
(b) Research Development and Management Division
(c) Research Information, Utilization, Communication Division
(d) Legal Division

Each RO shall have jurisdiction over that PSTOs and / or CASTOs within the territory of the
said region. In cases of reclassification, conversion and/or abolition of local government units,
the concerned RO shall inform the Undersecretary for Regional Operations and shall ensure
the smooth transition of the PSTOs and/or CASTOs.

The existing Provincial Centers for Science and Technology under RA 6959 shall be headed
by a Director II. The current Senior Science Research Specialist, who heads the Center shall
be qualified for the Director II position, subject to existing Civil Service Laws and issuances

The PSTO/CASTO shall be tasked with the following:

a) Planning and execution of province specifically science, technology and innovation-
related programs

b) Coordinate with local government units, provincial government, provincial offices of
other national agencies to support programs with intensive input of science,
technology and innovation

c) Perform other science, technology, innovation and research-related functions as maybe
authorized by law and by the Department.

d) Serve as the legislative — advocacy and dissemination arm of the Department with
national and local policymakers, chief executives, among others.


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Sec. 19. Attached Agencies. - The agencies attached to the DOST as of the effectivity of this
Act shall continue to be attached in the performance of their respective functions, pursuant to
the pertinent provisions of Executive Order No, 128 s. 1987, their respective charters or
enabling laws, unless otherwise provided.

The attached agencies of the DOST shall be the following”:

(a) Sectoral Planning Councils responsible for: formulating policies, plans, programs, projects
and strategies for S&T development; for programming and allocating funds; for monitoring
of research and development projects; and for generating external funds

(1) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCAARRD)

(2) Philippine Council for Health Research & Development (PCHRD)
(3) Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research &
Development (PCIEERD)

(b) Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) concerned with basic and applied researches
on various fields.
(1) Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)
(2) Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)
(3) Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI)
(4) Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)
(5) Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)
(6) Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
(7) Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI)

(c) S&T Service Institutes rendering science and technology-related services:
(1) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and —Astronomical_Services
Administration (PAG-ASA)
(2) Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
(3) Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System
(4) Science Education Institute (SEI)
(5) Science and Technology Information Institute (STII)
(6) Technology Application and Promotion Institute

Provided, that PSHS as provided in Republic Act 8496, as amended, shall ensure the existing
administrative regions in the Philippines shall have at least one campus. In any event there
would be merger or consolidation of administrative regions, there shall be as many campuses,
as those of the merged or consolidated regions. The determination as to which would be the

main and/or satellite campuses shall be resolved by the PSHS Board subject to the approval of
the Secretary.

PSHS together with SEI shall coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) or Local
Government Unit (LGU) to ensure the quality of Science Teaching at the Secondary Level.

PSHS shall recommend to the Secretary the need for an establishment of a Philippine Science
University (PSU) to address the need for critical mass of scientists, engineers, and other S&T
personnel. Upon determination of the Secretary, the establishment of the PSU shall be included
in the general appropriations of the following years.


(d) Collegial bodies with mandated functions of assistance, recognition, advisory and
establishment of international linkages
(1) National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
(2) National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)

‘The DOST, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), shall have such
offices and representatives in other countries in places where its presence is considered
necessary, subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines. The Assistant Secretary
for International Cooperation shall lead in the establishment of such offices.

‘Sec. 21. Department Legislative Liaison Service (DLLS)— The DOST - DLLS shall mirror the
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) to monitor the priority Legislations of the

President and of the Department and responsible for communicating the same to the Legislative
Branch,

As such, there shall be two (2) divisions within the DLLS: (1) Congressional Affairs Division,
which shall be composed of two (2) main sections: (a) DLLS for the House of Representatives
(HRep); (b) DLLS for the Senate. The role of each division is to perform legislative liaison
within and among the members, committees of both Houses of Congresses. The DL
HRep shall hire additional staff as appropriate.

for

(2) Policy and Legislative Research Division (PLRD) shall be in charge of the drafting and or
consolidation of Department position papers and in crafting S&T legislations as recommended
by the Secretary. There shall be three (3) sections within the division namely: (a) Technical
Writing Section; (b) International Legislative Research Section; and (c) Legislative Advocacy,
Monitoring and Evaluation Section; housed within the DOST

Every three (3) years, the DLLS shall organize a legislative liaison forum organized by the
PLRD to orient, disseminate, among others, the priority legislative agenda of the
Administration and various S&T priority bills under the Philippine Development Plan and to
inculcate the importance among the DOST the legislative measure and promote awareness.

ARTICLE IV.
RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM

Sec. 22. Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program - The Department of Science and Technology- Central
Office Grants-In-Aid Program (DOST-CO GIA) shall support S&'T activities in the form of
financial grants to programs and projects that are evaluated either by the Sectoral Council
concerned, NRCP or the appropriate DOST institutions/authorities concerned),

‘The Undersecretary for Research and Development through the Special Projects Division shall
promulgate rules and regulations regarding this program.

Provided, that programs and projects under the GIA including the purchase of necessary
supplies, materials and equipment necessary to carry out the said programs and projects shall
be exempted from existing procurement law and its succeeding amendments,


Provided further, that the research proponent must able to provide three (3) price quotations
from bonafide suppliers duly recognized by and registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR), in case the materials and equipment are to be imported from a Foreign Country, the
proponent must secure certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DT!) that such

supplies, materials, vehicle or equipment are not produced nor imported by local manufacturer
or local distributor.

There shall be a special lane under the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure timely and
appropriate procedure with regards to importation of DOST-GIA supplies, materials and
equipment.

Sec. 23. Harmonized S&T Research Agenda - The S&T Board shall ensure that their agencies
actively contribute in the implementation of the Harmonized S&T Research Agenda as
provided in the Philippine Development Plan to ensure that the results of S&T endeavors are
geared towards and are utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefit for the
people. The HNRDA shall be in line with the DOST’s mandate of providing central direction,
leadership and coordination of the scientific and technological efforts in the country.

The Undersecretary for Research and Development shall be in-charge in the consultations,
consolidation, documentation and other secretariat functions.

‘The term research agenda shall also include programs, plans and actions.

He shall coordinate with other DOST offices and attached agencies in coming up with the
Harmonized S&T Research Agenda.

Sec. 24. Knowledge Management. ~ The DOST ~ Central Office Records (DOST-CO) Section
shall be strengthened to ensure repository of data and information, publications, researches and
their utilization and other information. As such, the Record Sections shall be transformed into
a division and shall provide library, documentation control and archive services.

The DOST-CO together with the Information Technology Division (ITD) shall create an

integrated knowledge management system wherein all DOST offices and attached agencies
shall be connected.

Other DOST offices and attached agencies shall develop their own knowledge management
systems provided that it shall be integrated with the DOST-CO Records Management System.

SEC. 25. National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTIW) ~ By virtue of
Presidential Proclamation No. 2214 s. 1982 as amended by Presidential Proclamation No. 169
s. 1993, the National Science and Technology Week celebration shall be renamed as National
Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTIW) shall be held every third (3") week of
July of each year. The Secretary may hold the said event earlier but not later than the 3" week

of July,

Further, the NSTIW shall be mirrored and held in at least one in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
to be spearheaded by the Undersecretary of Regional Operations to be assisted by the
concerned Regional Director.

NSTW shall also be held in other States where the Philippines has diplomatic ties.

u


SEC. 26. Recognition for Outstanding Scientists, Engineers, Innovators and Government STI
personnel, - In addition to the conferment of a “National Scientist” for outstanding scientists,
engineers, innovators and Government STI personnel as provided by Presidential Decree No.
1003-A s. 1976, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) shall create a
recognition program for Government STI personnel for rendering at least three (3) years of
service reckoned from the date of entry in the Government as a regular STI personnel regardless
of employment status and afterwards at interval of three (3) years of years

‘The NAST shall include in their annual budget cash incentives for each awardees and other
incentives that are provided for by law.

Likewise, the entitlement of benefits under the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers,
Researchers, and other S&T Personnel in the Government” shall be transitioned to NAST
within five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act.

NAST may propose additional budget to establish the necessary office including the hiring of
staff for this purpose.

ARTICLE V.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION

SEC. 27. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting on the Implementation of Plans and Programs
— the Planning and Evaluation Services (PES) shall be in-charge in the collection, collation,
aggregation, analysis, interpretation, presentation including laymanizing of data results as
required by the Secretary and other relevant government agencies.

For this purpose, the PES shall submit the recommended number of plantilla personne! to
ensure timely and accurate data subject to the approval of the President upon recommendation
by the Secretary.

CHAPTER Il
TRANSITORY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 28. Transitory Provision. — The powers and functions, applicable funds and
appropriations, records, files, equipment, facilities, supplies, property, and personnel of the
current DOST Secretariat are hereby transferred to the new DOST.

‘The present career officials and employees of the current DOST Secretariat shall enjoy security
of tenure and be absorbed by the new DOST, in accordance with its staffing pattern and
selection process as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6656, unless they are separated from
service by virtue of the reorganization resulting from this Act, or opt and are qualified to retire
from service,

The affected officials and employees shall be entitled to a separation package in accordance
with existing laws; provided that there are no pending complaints or cases filed before any law
enforcement agencies, court or quasi-judicial tribunal,


Unless absolutely required, no officer or employee shall be separated from service as a result
of any reorganization or consolidation under the provisions of this Act. In addition, those who

desire and are qualified to retire shall be entitled to all the benefits provided under existing
laws.

Current officials and employees of the DOST shall continue to draw their salaries, benefits, and
other emoluments until such time, but not later than one (1) year from the effectivity of this
‘Act, that the corresponding funds from the National Government shall have been appropriated
and released to the DOST

SEC, 29. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. — The DOST shall, by virtue of this Act, be
subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the current DOST, and all its
liabilities that pertain to its pertinent funds and appropriations, records, files, equipment,
facilities, supplies, property, and personnel, including unexpended portions of its members”
respective salaries,

SEC. 30. Funding. — The amount needed to carry out the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged on the current year's budget of DOST and its attached agencies.

‘Thereafter, the necessary budget for the continued operation and maintenance of the DOST
and its attached agencies shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA)

SEC. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within two hundred seventy (270) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOST shall promulgate the rules and regulations, as well
as the issuances, necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the provisions of this Act

The DOST Regional Offices together with its PCST shall host the conduct of nationwide public

consultations. Other relevant expenses shall be shouldered by the remaining DOST entities as
determined by the Secretary.

These implementing rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
completion of their publication in one (1) newspaper of general circulation.

SEC. 32. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, ordinances, rules,
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of
this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, and/ or modified accordingly.

SEC. 33. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect ten (10) working days after completion of
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

13


"987 Constitution

SECTION 17. The State shall give prorty to education, science and technology, ats, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

‘SECTION 10. Science and technology are essential for national development and progress, The State shall give prio to research and
development, invention, innovation, and their ullzaion; and to science and technology education, taining, and serves. It shall suppor

indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capable, and their application tothe county's productive systems
‘and national ite.

“Ropublic ActNo. 6853 July 31, 1990,
‘AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROVINCIAL CENTERS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ALL PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
"AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

1960ira 6968 4
SEC. 5, Powore and Functions. To accomplish ts mandala, the Authorty shall have the folowing powers and functions:
[a Formulate and adopt @ comprehensive National Science and Technology Pian including specific goals polices, plans, programs and
jrojects based on the recommendation of the inter-Counci Review Board and, upon approval bythe President, monitor and coordinate ts
funding and implementation by all government agencies and instrumentaities
Promote, assist, and where appropiate, undertake scientific and technological research and development in those areas which are
determined to be vital to the country’s development and offer optimum retums forthe resources employed:
Promote the development of indigenous technology and adaptation and innovation of suitable imported technology, and inthis regard,
‘undertake technology development up tothe commercial stage, preferably in joint venture with the private sector or with public agencies;
Undertake design and engineering work to complement its research and development functions;
‘e Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake the transfer ofthe results of scientific and technological research and development,
their end-users
Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake technological services needed by agriculture, industry, anspor, and the general public
‘Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and technology for use by both the public and private sectors;
Develop and implement, together with other entities concemed, programs for strengthening sientfic and technological capablties In the
relevant dscpines through manpower training, an through infrastucture and institution bulding and rationalization, in both the pubic and
private sectors;
Promote public consciousness in science and
| Undertake policy research, technology assessment studies, feasibly studies and technical sts

‘ SEC. 31 Regional Of The Authority is hrebyauhozd io esabish, operate and maktan a Regional Ofc, whenever appropriate,
in each ofthe administrative region ofthe county to be headed by a Regional Director who shall report to, and subject to the supervision
Of, the Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations. A Regional Office shall have, within its administrative region, the fllowing
functions:

Implement laws, ues, reguatons, poles, plans, programs and projects ofthe Author,

] Provide ecient ad effective service to the people;

© Coordinate wth regional offees of other ministries, offoxs and agencies inthe administrative region;
{6} Coordinate wih focal goverment unt; and

{e] Perform such other functions as may be provided by aw.

14