Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

i. no4293

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVES DIVINA GRACE C. YU and
LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Research and development is the prime mover of all economic growth and
development. This was proven by developed countries having been sustained the
development of technology generating companies. Though the Philippines have
experienced economic growth, this was confined to urban areas and has still to
trickle down to the countryside to be enjoyed by all. This economic growth must be
driven further and sustained by the technologies generated locally in order to create
atmosphere conducive to developing businesses in the countryside.

We opt to be technology user rather than technology generator. As proven by
economic status, technology generating economies enjoy the fruit of their research
than technology user often than not exploited by technology generating economies.

We must not remain as technology user. We have to go forward and strengthen
our research and development efforts and generate technologies that will benefit our
countrymen in the countryside. We must develop and upgrade our research
manpower capabilities and equip our researchers with sophisticated laboratory
equipment, generate technologies and catch up with economic powers.

Pursuant to this foresight, this bill seeks to establish a Research and
Development Office in JH Cerilles State College particularly in the Campuses in Mati,
San Miguel and Dumingag wherein the positions of the research personnel are
regular non-teaching position. A Research and Development Office will be created
with seven (7) permanent plantilla positions headed by the Director of Research with
Supervising position. They will focus in conducting research rather than be a regular
faculty member and a researcher at the same time. Along with the Research Director,
a staffing pattern will be determined by the SUCs, DBM and the Civil Service
Commission.

More importantly, this bill seeks to address the manpower gaps needed to
drive the country’s economy and beyond. The growth and development in research
and development equate with the number of manpower conducting research. The
absence of full-time researchers in the SCUs coupled with limited funds to upgrade


laboratory equipment and manpower capabilities has stagnated the growth in the
countryside where development is due.

In 2009 alone, there are only 180 Researchers, Scientist and Engineers (RSE)
per million of population in our country with a meager budget of 0.11% of GDP
Expenditures on Research and Development (GERD). Currently, there is already 270
RSE per million of population with still meager budget of 0.2% of GERD. With hard
work, by 2022 the country strived to have a 300 RSE per million of population and
a budget of 0.5% GERD. With right foresight and beyond, the country counts for at
least 380 RSE per million of population and a budget of 1% GERD. (Source S&T
Innovation and Value Creation: Joel S. Marciano, Jr. PhD., Acting ASTI Director).

‘The Office of the Research and Development will have to coordinate and seek
alliances with other SUCs, DOST, DA and other research conducting agencies to
determine researchable areas and conduct the priority and harmonized research
agenda.

At the end, the goal is countryside development through the adoption of
technological development to the benefit of our countrymen in the countryside
extolling inclusive growth and development through harmonious establishment of
businesses and technology base enterprises.

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

DIVINA‘G!

1st District, Zam! del Sur 2 lel Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTA’
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HB. No._4293

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVES DIVINA GRACE C. YU and
LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR.

AN ACT FAST TRACKING COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT BY STRENGTHENING
THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN JH CERILLES STATE COLLEGE IN
THE CAMPUSES OF MATI, SAN MIGUEL AND DUMINGAG, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Title - This act shall be known as the “Research and Development
Office Act of 2019.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the duty and policy of the state to give
priority to Science and Technology to enhance the countrywide development;

Pursuant to this policy, the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are
mandated to carry out Research and Development (R&D) to fast track countryside
development. Through the establishment of permanent Research and Development
Office, the conduct of Research and Development will be enhanced and eventually
countryside development will be fast track through this Act.

Section 3. Research and Development Office (R&D Office). The Research and
Development Office will be permanently established in JH Cerilles State College with
permanent personnel and with following functions as determined by the President of
SUCs:

a.) Identify and implement research and development priority areas according
to Harmonized National R&D Agenda.

b.) Implement DOST identified R&D program such as Science for Change and
others.

c.) Strengthen Intellectual Property Rights

d.) Develop institutional linkages with other R&D Offices

Section 4. Research and Development Director (R&D Director). The Research
and Development Office will be headed by the R&D Director with permanent position
and with a salary grade of twenty-four (SG 24). The R&D Director shall have the
following duties and responsibilities:

1. Formulate R&D plans, programs and projects designed to fast track the
conduct of R&D for the countryside development

2. Implement and monitor the conduct of R&D projects

3. Conduct in-house R&D evaluation and review of proposals


Strengthen Intellectual Property Rights

Develop linkages and network with other R&D institution

Develop package of technologies generated out of the researches

. Conduct field trials/ technology piloting to verify R&D results

Present to fora/funding agencies results of R&D

Develop R&D information dissemination materials

10. Transfer to clients matured R&D technologies

11. Perform other related function as maybe assigned by higher authorities

Section 5. Qualification of the R&D Director. The SUCs in consultation with
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission
(CSC) shall formulate the necessary qualification standards commensurate to the
salary grade twenty-four (SG 24). The current R&D Director designated and
functioning as such will be given preference in the selection of the R&D Director.

Section 6. Remuneration and other benefits of the R&D Director. The
remuneration of the R&D Director shall be equivalent to that of the same Salary of
Grade twenty-four (SG 24) in the government service and shall be entitled to
reimbursable representation and transportation allowance commensurate to his
office and other benefits as prescribe by law.

Section 7. Staff of the R&D Office. There shall be a minimum of six (6)
technical staff of the R&D Office in addition to the R&D Director and in addition of
one non-technical officer. The SUCs shall determine the level of these positions,
provided that prescribed qualifications shall be in accordance with civil service laws
and regulations.

Section 8. Appropriations. The funds necessary for the continuous and

effective operation of the various offices established under this act shall be included
in the appropriations of the SUCs in the General Appropriations Act.

All fees and services rendered by the R&D Office shall be aligned with the
Technology Transfer Act.

Cerans

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the SCUs and other relevant government agencies, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of
this Act.

Section 10. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared
‘unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this
Act.

Section 11. Repealing Clause. This Act repeals or modifies accordingly
pertinent provisions, regulations, executive order, proclamation, or other issuance
or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modify
accordingly.

Section 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation
in the Philippines.

Approved,