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

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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago -

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EXPLANATORY NOTE,

The Constitution states that:

Article 14, Section 2(1). The State shall establish and
support a complete, adequate and integrated system of education
relevant to the needs of the people and society,

Article 14, Section 10. Science and technology are essential

for national development and progress. The State shall give priority

to ~xxx- science and technology education, training and services.

If our country is to be globally competitive in the 21" century, we need to be one
of the best in the world in mathematics and science achievement. This will require a
comprehensive, age-appropriate science program for students starting in preschool,

Preschoolers need basic, age-appropriate science experiences, in order to develop
educationally at a normal rate. However, these children have very limited opportunities
to be exposed to science activities, as most pre-school teachers have little experience with
simple science activities.

‘The purpose of this Act is to provide pre-school teachers with training programs,
directed toward the use of age-appropriate science activities, in order to increase their
student’s interest in and familiarity with science. All students should have a basic
exposure to science activities, in order to attain our goal of becoming one of the best in

the world in mathematics and science achievement.”

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MIRIAM DEFHNSOR SANTI
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES

J 10 Wk 21 ACT
First Regular Session )

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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

AN ACT
TO ESTABLISH A SCIENCE START GRANT PROGRAM

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Science Start Grant Program

Act.”

SECTION 2. Model Science Start Programs for the Introduction of Science in Early
Childhood Education.

(A) Grants Authorized. ~ The Secretary of the Department of Education may award
grants, to be known as Science Start Grants, to organization to enable such organization to
support model programs that provide instruction of science activities to children enrolled in pre-
schoo! programs.

(B) Priority. — In awarding grants under this Section, the Secretary shall give priority to
applicants that demonstrate the ability to:

(1) Provide teacher training programs that involve participants in hands-on
activities similar to activities that are intended for students;

(2) Attract broad teacher participation;

(3) Use experienced teachers as instructors;

(4) Provide the materials required by the activities described in paragraph (1), but
not commonly found in classrooms, except that not more than 25 percent of
the funds awarded for each fiscal year to any organization for a model
program shall be used to carry out this paragraph; and

(5) Provide for periodic follow-up activities conducted, at minimum, during a 6-

month period.


SECTION 3. Evaluation and Report. — The’Secretary shall evaluate, and report to the
Congress every two (2) years, beginning two (2) years after the date of enactment of this Act,

regarding the activities assisted under this program.

SECTION 4. Appropriations. ~ To carry out the provision of this act, such sum as may
be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. Thereafter, the
sum necessary for the continuous operation of the program shall be included in the annual

appropriation of the Department of Education.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause — If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain

valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent

with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulations,

Approved,