THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SEP -7 
A9 :a4 
ne 
SEN 
S.B. No. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Science and technology constitutes a vital tool for national 
economic development. 
Studies have shown a positive relationship 
between economic development and scientific and technological 
capability. 
In an era of rapid scientific and technological development, the 
State should provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally 
competitive. 
One mechanism is to create a science and technology 
educational program that will propel our country to be at par with our 
ASEAN neighbors. 
A study conducted by UNESCO on public expenditures in 
education indicates that South Africa spends 5.12% of its Gross National 
Product (GNP) a year compared to the Philippines’ 1.78%. Among ASEAN 
countries, we have the least allocation in S&T education. 
Another comparative study is the latest result of the “Third 
International Mathematics and Science Study” (TMSS). In Mathematics, 
we ranked 3gth out of 42 countries while we ranked 41St in science with 
the same number of participating countries. 
Based on the “World Competitiveness Scoreboard,” the Philippines 
has slipped one notch in our ranking in 1996 compared to the previous 
year. This alarming because we rare aiming to be a newly industrializing 
country (NIC) by the turn of the century. If we want to attain NIChood, 
we must design a program/curriculum that will improve the standard of 
education and produce quality science and technology graduates. 
The educational system has deteriorated as a result of years of 
neglect. It may not be long before current and future graduates of local 
educational Institutions are seen to be inferior compared with those of 
neighboring countries such as Malaysia where the education system is 
improving rapidly. 
To meet the demands of the time, we must start improving our 
S&T educational system. We must increase infrastructure support and 
build/upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public 
elementary and secondary schools. We must also provide venue and 
materials for student’s direct/hand-on experiences in S&T learning. 
Finally, we must make provision for operation, repair, maintenance and 
upgrading of acquired laboratory equipment. 


In view thereof, the early passage of this Bill is earnestly sought. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S.B. No. SEN?i?k 
8 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING FULLY EQUIPPED SC€ENCE LABORATORIES IN EVERY 
PUREIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled 
SECTION 1. '€&le - This Act shall be known as the "Science 
Laboratory for Basic Education Act of 2004." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared to be the 
policy of the State to give priority to scientific and technological efforts 
vital to national development. 
Furthermore, it has been proven that 
industrialization can be achieved if schools adopt modem methods of 
teaching science and technology during the early stages of education. 
Furthermore, the Constitution provides that the right of teachers 
to professional advancement should be enhanced. With this mandate, 
quality education shall be ensured. 
One of the fastest way for the country to achieve NIChood is 
through globally competitive Science and Technology Manpower. 
SIEG. 3. 
Objectives - This Act aims to attain the following 
objectives within the period of five (5) years. 
1. 
2. 
3. 
To improve the quality of science and technology education in the 
country. 
To provide basic and advance S&T education in elementary and in 
high school, respectively in preparation for higher education; 
To teach- the students the effective use and operation of modern 
laborat- 
equipment and facility related to science and technology; 
and 
To train %T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so 
&at they will be more effective in demonstrating their uses. 
4. 
SEXL 4. Funding Source - 
In addition to the funds to be 
pr-ed 
by the Legislature, this Act shall receive funding support from 
tfre &lowing: 


a. Twenty percent (20%) share from the gross proceeds of travel 
tax collections over and above the share of the National 
Government therefrom; 
b. Twenty percent (20%) share form the net income of the 
Philippine Games and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) over 
and above the franchise tax and the corporate income tax 
therefrom. 
SEC. 5. Incentives - Incentives shall be given to the following: 
a. Tax Incentives shall be given to private entitles engaging in S 
and T development; 
b. Private 
schools 
who 
shall 
import 
laboratory 
equipment/facilities for the exclusive use in their school shall 
be given a twenty (20%) tax deduction from the total revenue 
obligations; 
c. Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory 
equipment needed in public schools shall be given a three 
percent (3%) tax incentive/deduction from the importation of 
raw materials. 
SEC. 6. Proposed System - This Act shall provide the following: 
1. Construction of laboratory buildings; 
2. Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities; 
3. Continuous development and updating of 
standards for 
facilities; 
4. Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions 
in promoting science and technology education; 
5. Strengthen the coordination between the Regional Science and 
Technology Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of 
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) Regional Offices in 
monitoring/utilization of laboratory equipment; 
6. Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and 
maintenance of the laboratory facilities; 
7. Create required laboratory technician positions at least for 
every elementary and secondary schools for operation, repair 
and maintenance of laboratory equipment (or alternative 
scheme of maintenance) and facilities; 
8. Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology 
equipment; 
9. The number of laboratory rooms/facilities per school shall be 
determined by science and technology experts of DOST and 
ISMED; 
10.The building, plans and design shall be drawn and approved by 
POST-SEI. 
SEC. 7. Disposition of Funds - The Fund shall be utilized for 
the construction of school laboratories including equipment/facilities 
and the creation of required positions of a technician in every public 
elementary and high’schools throughout the country. 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the 
Science and Education Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional 
offices of DECS and the RSTCs shall implement the program. 
The 


abovementioned offices shall aIso monitor 
the utilization 
and 
maintenance of the equipment. 
SEC. 8. Implemept 
- - The implementation of the activities 
of this Act shall be undertaken by SEI in coordination with the RSTCs 
and DECS Regional Offices. 
The initial implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in every 
electoral district to be funded and spearheaded by the Congressman who 
has jurisdiction of the district therein. 
The maximum number of pupil/students in every laboratory class 
must not exceed fifty (50) and there must be at least one laboratory room 
for every forty five pupil/students. 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause - If for any reason, any provision of 
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions 
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 10. 
Repealing Clause - 
All laws, decrees, orders or 
regulations or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. Eff+ivity 
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a 
national newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,