"i 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
{ 
J& -5 
;7 ,,? :' i: 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution states that: 
Article XIV, 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 XIV, 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.* 
* This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
First Regular Session 
1 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
3 !&L -5 [ ’ L ! ” ‘ ’  
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- 
school programs. 
(B) Priority. - In awarding grants under this Section, the Secretary shall give priority to 
applicants that demonstrate the ability to: 
(I) 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 (l), 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 
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(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 heId 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. 
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Approved, 
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