SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.
House Bill No. 6842

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and Technology is 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 Asian neighbors.

To meet the demands of the times, we must start improving our Science and
Technology educational system. We must increase infrastructure support to build and
upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public elementary and
secondary schools. We must also provide venue and materials for students’ direct
and hands-on experiences in Science and Technology learning. Finally, we must
make provisions for repair, maintenance and upgrading of acquired laboratory
‘equipment.

In view hereof, the early passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS __)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No.

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FULLY-EQUIPPED SCIENCE
LABORATORIES IN EVERY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Science Laboratory for Basic
Education Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the state to give
priority to scientific and technological efforts vital to national development. 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.

SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act aims to attain the following objectives within the
period of five (5) years.
1. To improve the quality of science and technology education in the country;
2. To provide basic and advance S&T education in high school, respectively
in preparation for higher education;
3. To teach the students the effective use and operation of modem laboratory
‘equipment and facility related to science and technology; and
4. To train S&T teachers the use of modem laboratory equipment so that they
will be more effective in demonstrating their uses.

SEC. 4. Funding Source. - in addition to the funds to be provided by the Legislature,
this Act shall receive funding support from the following:
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 from 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 entities engaging in S&T
development;

b. __ Private schools who shall import laboratory equipment/facilities for the
exclusive use in their school shall be given a twenty percent (20%) tax
deduction from the total revenue obligations;


c. Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory quement
needed in public schools shall be given a three percent (3%)
incentive/deduction from the importation of raw materials.

SEC. 6. Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following:

Construction of laboratory buildings;

Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities;

Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities

Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in

promoting science and technology.

Strengthen the coordination between the regional Science and

Technology Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of

Education, regional offices in monitoring / utilization of laboratory

equipment;

6. Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and
maintenance of the laboratory facilities equipment;

7. Create required laboratory technician positions at least tor every
elementary and secondary schools for operation, repair and
maintenance of the laboratory equipment (or alternative scheme of
maintenance) and facilities;

8. Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology;

9. The number of laboratory roomsffacilities 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
DOST-SEl.

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SEC. 7. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the construction of
school laboratories including equipmentfacilities 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
Education Institute (SE!) in coordination with the regional offices of DepEd and the
RSTCs shall implement the program. The above-mentioned offices shall also monitor
the utilization and maintenance of the equipment

SEC. 8. Implementation. - The implementation of the activities of this Act shall be
undertaken by SEI in coordination with the RSTCs and DepEd 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 pupils/students in every laboratory class must not
exceed fifty (50) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty- five
(45) pupils/students.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional; the remaining provision 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. Effectivity .- 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,