Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Guezn City, Mevo Man RECEIVED
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

n
HOUSE BILLNO._ 483

Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to improve the capabilities of the Philippine educational system in
teaching science and mathematics.

The Philippines has one of the worst-performing education systems in the world based
on the findings of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted in 2022.
Filipino students continue to rank below the average of countries belonging to the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The 2022 findings showed no
statistically significant difference of Filipino students from 2018 results in science and
mathematics.

Given the essential role of science and mathematics in modem society, it is essential
that all the necessary measure be taken to improve how these subjects are taught in our schools.
‘This measure seeks to transform the current UP Institute for Science and Mathematics
Education Development (UP NISMED) into the National Institute for Science and
Mathematics Education (NISMED), with a mandate to train educators in the latest and most
effective methods of teaching science and mathematics.

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

JAIME ¥&. FI jNEDI
Refresentai
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

a
HOUSE BILL No._ 439

Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi

AN ACT
CREATING THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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 referred to as the "NISMED Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to strengthen programs in
science and mathematics education at the basic education levels as well as for teachers to attain
international competitiveness. To this end, the State shall focus teacher development on
meeting the demands of quality science education in a scientifically and technologically
oriented society, hasten the development of thinking skills among citizens, empower students
and teachers for global competitiveness, and promote a culture of science for the country.

SEC. 3. Creation of the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
Development (NISMED). — The current UP Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
Development (UP NISMED) shall be reorganized by the Board of Regents of the University
of the Philippines (BOR) into the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
(NISMED).

SEC. 4. Organization and Implementation. - The BOR shall have full authority to
determine the necessary implementing guidelines, procedures, programs, organizational
structure, and other matters related to the administration and operation of NISMED.

SEC. 5. Science and Mathematics Educator Training Program. — The NISMED shall
develop and provide a program for training teachers in science and mathematics in the
Philippines on the latest and most advanced methods of instruction in their respective fields.


SEC. 6. Training of Public School Teachers. ~ NISMED, in coordination with the
Department of Education (DepEd), shall organize training sessions in all schools division
offices to disseminate their knowledge to all science and mathematics teachers in the country.
Such training sessions will constitute part of the additional training required of science and
mathematics teachers, The cost of conducting these sessions shall be borne by both NISMED
and DepEd,

SEC. 7. Science and Mathematics Education Development Fund. ~ A Science and
Mathematics Education Fund, to be called the NISMED Fund, shall be established and
managed by NISMED. The income from such shall be utilized exclusively for research and
development of training programs for science and mathematics education for both teachers and
students, The fund shall come from:

(a) Aone-time lump sum appropriation from the national government in the amount of one
hundred million pesos (100,000,000); and
(b) An annual contribution of one percent (1%) from the travel tax fund.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations, ~ The University of the Philippines, in
consultation with the Department of Education, shall promulgate the rules and regulations for
the proper implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
‘Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the departments and agencies
concemed. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be deemed
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected there shall remain in force and
effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. ~ All Acts, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders and
Administrative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other such issuances or parts thereof which
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,