Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.
9760
Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure seeks to strengthen the advanced manufacturing industry by upgrading
and  designating  the  Design,  Research  and  Extension  in  Additive  Manufacturing  (DR3AM)
Center at the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) as the center for threerdimensional
(3D) printing and advanced manufacturing in the country.
Additive  manufacturing,  also  known  as  3D  printing,  a  method  of  creating  a  three-
dimensional object layer-by-layer through a computer-aided design (CAD) model, continuously
gains considerable attention in the academic and research communities as well as in several
industries around the world.  Its innovative capacity to design, produce and simplify prototypes.
and  manufacture  high  quality  3D  prints  cost  cheaper  at  a  shorter  period  of time.    These
advancements in 3D printing constantly change how products are designed, manufactured, and
used by consumers worldwide.
In  2018,  the  Department  of Science  and  Technology  (DOST)  launched  two  new  3D
printing research laboratories: the Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (AMREL) and
the Additive Manufacturing Center (AMcen). The DOST established these facilities to aid the
Philippines   in   developing   its  advanced   manufacturing   industry  and   be  abreast  with  the
continuous worid's technological innovation.
AMREL,  presently referred to as the  DR3AM Center,  is the first 3D  printing  research
facility in the  Philippines equipped with the latest advanced manufacturing  machines.   It was
inaugurated in 2019 at the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and has, since then, been
used by BPSU faculty and students in conducting research for their theses on the applications
of 3D printing; development. testing and characterization of new 3D printing materials; sharing
of ideas between faculty and students; and rapid prototyping, tooling and manufacturing in the
3D printing industry.
Starting as a research laboratory in 2019, BPSu's DR3AM Center began its operation
in  2020.   To  date,  the  BPSU  has already  published  over 50 scientific articles  related  to  3D
printing and several utility models and industrial designs have been submit(ed to the Intellectual
Property Office.  The  DR3AM  Center also caters to  some  spare  parts  requirements of local
businesses and industries in the region.  Since 2019, several high schcol and college student
groups  have  already  utilized  the  existing  facilities  of the  DR3AM  Center  for their  research


projects. The DR3AM Center has also trained several faculty members of the BPSU and partner
government institutions and private entities on advanced manufacturing.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DR3AM Center produced over 3,000
personal  protective  equipment  (PPEs)  to  help  protect  our  healthcare  workers  and  other
frontliners.  Through the various projects of DR3AM Center, the BPSU started the incorporation
of the additive manufacturing subject in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science degree in
Industrial  Engineering,  a  first  in  the  country.    In  2021,  the  DR3AM  Center also  hosted  the
International Forum on Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials as well as the National
Symposium on Makerspaces and 3D Printing Facilities.
As an important component of higher education, research centers play an indispensable
role in facilitating the advancement of technology, promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration,
and the development of transdisciplinary research programs.  The operation of BPSU's DR3AM
Center  as  the  center  for  additive  manufacturing  or  3D  printing,  advanced  materials  and
advanced  manufacturing  will  spur  interest  in  the  advanced  manufacturing  research  and
development   towards   the   fulfillment   of   BPSU's   mission   of   expanding   the   advanced
manufacturing industry for the benefit of the country.
Thus, to catalyze and achieve the full potential of the DR3AM Center as the center for
additive manufacturing or 3D printing, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing, it is
crucial that the center be strengthened with the most important elements: structure, facilities,
human resources, skills development programs, and financial support.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.-
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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi[INo.    9?§0
Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia
1                                                                                              AN ACT
2       STRENGTHENING THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY BY UPGRADING AND
3       DEslGNATING THE DR3AM CENTER OF THE BATAAN PENiNsuLA STATE UNlvERslrv
4       AS     THE     CENTER     FOR     RESEARCH     AND     DEVELOPMENT     ON     ADVANCED
5       MANUFACTURING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
6
7       Be  it enacted  by the  Senate  and  House  of Representatives Of the  Philippines  in  Congress
8       assembled:
9
10                     SECTION 1.  Short Ti.I/e. -This Act shall be known as the "DR3AM centerAc{."
11                    SEC.  2.    Oec/araffon  of Po/i.cy.  -Section   10,  Article  XIV  of  the  Constitution
12      prow.ides that "Science and technology are essential for national development and progress.
\3       The  State  shall  give  priority  to  research  and  development,  invention,  innovation,  and  their
14       utilization;  and  to  science  and technology education,  training,  and  services.    It shall  support
\5       indigenous,  appropriate,  and  self-reliant  scientific  and  technological  capabilities,  and  their
\6       application to the country's productive systems and national life."
17                  Towards this end, the state shall promote and strengthen the development and
18      growth  of local  innovative  ventures,  upscale  research  and  development facilities  of
19       higher educational institutions, enhance literacy and skills of the academe's scientific
20      workforce, faculty and students, build up its collaboration with the business sector, and
21      spearhead the development and growth of the advanced manufacturing industry.
22                    SEC. 3.  Defini.f7-on of Terms. -As used in this Act:
23                     (a)     Add/.fr.ve manufacfun.ng refers to the  industrial  production  name for 3D  printing,
3


I       which is the process of transmitting to a three-dimensional printer the digital design that guides
2       the fabrication of a threerdimensional solid product, by depositing materials layer by layer rather
3       than cutting away from a large block of existing material as in most traditional manufacturing,
4       thereby enabling the cost-effective production of complex structures;
5                    (b)     Advanced  manuracfun.ng  refers  to  the   use  of  innovative  technologies  and
6       processes in manufacturing existing products and the production of new products enabled by
7       advanced  technologies  which  includes  automation,  additive  manufacturing,  and  robotics,  to
8       improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing advanced materials; and
9                    (c)     Advanced  maten.a/s  refer  to  a   range  of  advanced   polymers,   nanoparticles,
10       ceramics, and graphene composites used in 3D printing which enable traditional and advanced
11        electronic applications while taking advantage of the design and fabrication flexibility of additive
12       manufacturing systems.
13                    SEC.  4.    30  Prinli.ng  Center.  -The  Design,  Research  and  Extension  in  Additive
14       Manufacturing (DR3AM) Center of the Bataan peninsula state university (BPSU), hereinafter
15       referred  to  as  the  Center,  is  upgraded  and  designated  as  the  center  for  research  and
16       development  on  additive  manufacturing,  advanced  materials,  and  advanced  manufacturing.
17      The  Center  shall  be  an  independent  agency  attached  to  the  Department  of  Science  &
18       Technology (DOST).  The center shall have its own budget separate from the DOST.
19                    SEC.  5.   Powers ar)d Funclforis. -The Center shall  have the following powers and
20       functions:
21                      (a)      Identify  and  prioritize  research  and  development  projects  that  maximize  and
22       develop the competency in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing of the country;
23                     (b)      Solve    societal    problems    and    develop    technologies    using    3D    Printing
24       Technologies;
25                    (c)      Secure  the  latest  and  state®f-the-art  facilities  for  the  development,  design,
26       analysis, and production of new and innovative advanced materials and technologies for rapid
27       prototyping, and industrial and commercial applications;
28                     (d)     Conduct appropriate training courses on 3D printing and advanced manufacturing
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I       for the faculty, students, and scientific workforce of BPsu and other educational institutions;
2                    (e)     Spearhead  3D-themed  activities,  competitions,  events,  and  conventions where
3       international experts are invited to bring in new 3D printing ideas and technologies, broaden the
4       knowledge of the faculty and students of educational institutions and further develop theirideas
5       on advanced manufacturing;
6                    (f)      Strengthen   the   academe-industry   partnerships   in   advanced   manufacturing
7       research  and  development  by  encouraging  local  and  foreign  investors  to  support  or jointly
8       venture in potentially viable 3D printing enterprises, start-ups or business ideas;
9                     (g)      Produce advanced materials products for commercialization using 3D printing and
10       advanced manufacturing technologies towards providing incomei)enerating services to private
11        enterprises;
12                      (h)         Establish   local   and   foreign   linkages   in   3D   printing   researoh   and   policy
13       development;
14                     (i)          Establish DR3AM Laboraton.es in various parts of the country;
15                     a)          Serve as the repository of all 3D printing-related researches. studies, and data
16       generated  by the Center and other academic,  public, and private groups, organizations, and
17        institutions;
18                     (k)         Propose and allocate its annual budgetary resources while optimizing resource
19       generation and utilization; and
20                     (I)          Receive  and   manage  grants,  aid,   donations,  contributions,   or  any  kind  of
21       assistance  for achieving  its  objectives,  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of the
22       DOST.   The amounts received and the souroes of grants, aid, donations, contribution, or any
23       kind of assistance received shall be published on its website for purposes of transparency.
24                    SEC.  6.   Board of D/+ectors. -The Center shall  be  administered  by the  Board  of
25       Directors which is composed ofa chairperson, a vice-Chairperson and nine (9) members.  The
26      Secretary  of  Science  and  Technology  and  the  President  of  the  Bataan  Peninsula  State
27       University shall be the ex offic/.o chairperson and vice-Chairperson of the Board, respectively.
5


I                     The  Secretary  of  the  Department  of  Trade  and  Industry,  Director  General  of  the
2       Technical  Education  and  Skills  Development Authority,  Chairperson  of the  Commission  on
3       HigherEducation, two (2) representatives from the BPsu faculty, researchers and staff relevant
4       to the advanced manufacturing industry to be selected by the chairperson from among the list
5       of   nominees   submitted   by   BPSU   shall   be   ex   offic/.a   members.   In   addition,   two   (2)
6       representatives  from  the  faculties  of  private  higher  educational  institutions  relevant  to  the
7       advanced manufacturing industry, to be appointed by the president of the philippines and two
8       (2)    representatives   from    nonngovernmental    or   advocacy   organizations   on   advanced
9       manufacturing to be selected by the chairperson from among the list of nominees submitted by
10       the noni7ovemmental or advocacy organizations on advanced manufacturing,  likewise to be
11       appointed by the president of the philippines for a term offour (4) years, as members.
12                     The  Board  shall  promulgate  its  rules  relative to  meetings,  quorum  requirements  and
13       compensation or allowances of the members of the Board.
14                     SEC. 7.  Funcfi-ons. -The Board shall perform the following functions:
15                     (a)     Provide the general direction and priorities of the center in accordance with this
16        Act;
17                    (b)     Formulate policies, programs and projects for the development of the advanced
18       manufacturing industry;
19                     (c)     Evaluate  the  implementation,  efficiency and  effectiveness  of the  programs  and
20      projectsofthe center;
21                     (d)     Approve the annual budget of the center and laboratories;
22                     (e)     Establish DR3AM Laboratories in other parts of the country;
23                     (f)      Approve  the  organizational  structure  of  the  center  and  laboratories  including
24       position classification and compensation of employees in coordination with the Department of
25       Budgetand Management;
26                    (g)     Approve the appointment of consultants, officers,  and employees of the center
27       and laboratories;
28                     (h)     Monitor  and  review  the  programs  and  projects  undertaken  by  the  executive
6


I       director to implement and enforce research and policy direction and priorities;
2                     (i)      Assist the Executive Director in generating resources and obtaining logistical and
3       financial support for the programs and projects of the center and laboratories; and
4                     0)      Assign  additional  powers,  functions,  and  duties  of  the  Executive  Director  in
5       accordance with the objectives of this Act.
6                   SEC. 8.   Ongani.zafi.one/ Structure. -The center's research and policy direction and
7       priorities shall be determined by the Board and implemented by an Executive Director appointed
8       in accordance with section 9 of this Act.   Within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of this Act,
9       the Executive Director shall draw the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the center
10       to be approved by the Board.   In carrying out its functions, the center shall be supported by a
11       pool of experts and researchers on advanced manufacturing and related sectors from various
12       public and private universities across the country, and other technical staff.
13                    SEC.  9.   E]recufive Di+eefor. -The Center is headed  by an  Executive Director who
14       shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of four (4) years subject to
15       reappointment,  a  Filipino  citizen,  at  least  thirty-five  (35)  years  of  age,  a  degree  holder  in
16       computer  engineering,  mechanical  engineering,  applied  mathematics,  computer  science  or
17       related field of studies,  possess executive and  management experience of at least ten  (10)
18       years, and considerable knowledge on the advanced manufacturing industry.
19                    SEC.10.  Funcfi.ons of the Elrecufive D/.rector. -The Executive Director shall:
20                     (a)      Implement  and  enforce  research  and  policy  direction  and  priorities,  policies,
21       decisions, orders, rules, and regulations determined by the Board;
22                    (b)     Oversee   the   day-torday   operations   of  the   Center,   provide   technical   and
23       administrative support to the Board, and assist the Board in the performance of its tasks;
24                     (c)      Exercise    administrative    and    supervisory    functions    over    the     planning,
25       implementation, and evaluation of the policies, programs, and projects of the center including
26       laboratories as may be established pursuant to this Act;
27                    (d)      Recommend to the Board the organizational structure of the center including the
28       position  classification  and  compensation  of  employees;  qualification  and  appointment  of
7


I       consultants, officers, and employees of the center and laboratories; and overall budget of the
2       Center;
3                     (e)      Submit to the Board regular reports on the center, to include annual reports on
4       operations, status of programs and projects, and the financial condition of the center;
5                    (f)       Apprise regularly the Board on the programs and projects of the center;
6                    (g)      Execute contracts,  incur obligations, acquire and dispose of assets, and deliver
7       documents on behalf of the center, including negotiated or consultancy contracts for personnel
8       and for the Center's pool of researchers within the  limits of the authority determined  by the
9       Board;
10                     (h)      Generate and obtain logistical and financial support for the programs and projects
11       of laboratories with the assistance of the Board; and
12                    (i)       Exercise  and  perform  such  other  powers,  functions,  and  duties  as  may  be
13       authorized or assigned by the Board in accordance with this Act.
14                   SEC.   11.      Sate«i-fe  3D  frinli.ng  Laboralon-es.  -DR3AM   Laboratories   may  be
15       established  by  the  Board.    The  DR3AM  Laboratory  shall  be  headed  by  a  Manager  to  be
16       appointed  by the  Board from a list of pre-screened and qualified applicants submitted by the
17       Executive Director based on criteria approved by the Board.
18                    SEC.12.   Functions Of the Directors Of DR3AM Laboratories. -Subi\ect to the
19       policies of the DR3AM center, the Managers of subsequent DR3AM Laboratories shall perform
20       the following functions:
21                     (a)     Administer  the  policies,  programs  and  projects  of  the  DR3AM  Center  in  the
22       DR3AM Laboratory;
23                     (b)      Recommend the creation of divisions and sections including the staffing pattern in
24       the DR3AM Laboratory;
25                     (c)      Prepare the budget of the DR3AM Laboratory;
26                     (d)     Approve the expenditures of the DR3AM Laboratory;
27                     (e)     Recommend   to   the   Executive   Director   the   appointment   of   personnel   or
2 8       consultants;
8


I                     (f)       Recommend  policies,  programs  and  projects  to  the  Executive  Director  of the
2       DR3AMcenter;and
3                     (g)     Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Executive Director of the
4       DR3AM center.
5                   SEC.13.  Coordination of the DR3AM center with DR3AM Lalboratories -The Board
6       shall, through the Executive Director, coordinate,  monitor and evaluate the implementation of
7       the  programs in the DR3AM Laboratories.
8                    SEC.14.   Donali.ons and Grants. -All donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or
9       gifts, in cash or in kind, shall be received and used directly and exclusively for the benefit of the
10       advanced manufacturing industry.
11                     SEC.15.  Appropri.afi.ons. -The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
12       Act shall be charged against the current budget of the Department of science and Technology.
13       Thereafter, the funds necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included
14       in the annual General Appropriations Act.
I S                    SEC.16.   Implementing Rules and Regulations. -With.in s.irty {60) days from the
16       effectivity of this Act, the secretary of science and Technology shall,  in coordination with the
17       designated  members  of the  Board,  promulgate the  necessary  rules and  regulations for the
18       effective implementation of this Act.
19                     SEC.17.    Separabi.//.fy C/ause. -If any section  or provision  of this Act is  declared
20       unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions which are not affected shall remain
21        in full force and effect.
22                    SEC.18.  Repea/ing c/ause. -All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules,
23       and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are
24       hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
25                     SEC.19.  Effecf7-y7.fy. -This Act shall fake effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
26       the offici.a/ Gaze#e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
2 7                    Approved ,
28
9