Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNo.__2483

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 -x«x- 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 preschool teachers have little
experience with simple science activities.

The purpose of this Act is to provide preschool teachers with training programs,
directed toward the use of age-appropriate science activities, in order to increase their
students’ 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.

In view of the aforementioned, urgent approval of this bill is sincerely sought.

ie be fee
MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO.

Representative, 1st District
City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__2483

INTRODUCED BY: REP. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
TO ESTABLISH A SCIENCE START GRANT PROGRAM

Be it enacted by the Senate and 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.”

SEC. 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 organizations to enable such
organizations to support model programs that provide instruction of science
activities to children enrolled in preschool 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.

SEC. 3. Evaluation and Report. - The Secretary shall evaluate, and report to Congress
every two (2) years, beginning two (2) years after the date of enactment of this Act,
regarding the activities assisted under this program.

SEC. 4. Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions 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.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. — Should any provision of this Act be declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the validity or constitutionality of the other provisions shall not be
affected thereby,


SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, letters of instructions, resolutions,
orders, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,