OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
“This is an exciting time to study nuclear science and engineering: society’s 
interest in, and need for, a clean energy source such as nuclear energy is at a 20-year 
high. The applications of other nuclear technologies in medicine and industry have 
rocused attention on the value of a strong nuclear science and engineering program.” 
(Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering of the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology) 
“New scientific paradigms are pushing the frontier in all areas of the natural, 
social, and human sciences. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are now 
universally recognized as the drivers of national economic development, and key 
contributors to poverty reduction, disease prevention and environmental conservation.” 
(UNESCO Science Policy) 
Science and technology is one of the driving forces of societal progress. Nuclear 
technologies in medicine, industry, energy, agriculture and other fields have generated 
billions for the United States and have created millions of jobs. Neighboring countries 
such as the Republic of Korea and Taiwan have learned, in a short span of time, to 
capitalize on new nuclear-based technologies to stimulate economic growth. 
It is notable that the Philippines, through the efforts of the Philippine Nuclear 
Research Institute (PNRI) and its collaborators have made advances in nuclear-based 
technologies with agriculture and the environment sectors as the major beneficiaries. 
However, we have a long way to go to fully realize the potential of nuclear 
science and nuclear engineering such that its application will find its way in most of our 
industries leading to economic growth and better quality of life for all. 
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MIT reports that “the nuclear industry is experiencing a major resurgence world- 
wide, leading to high demand for nuclear engineers.” Hence, it is strategic for our country 
to develop a deep pool of nuclear scientists and engineers. This bill provides for 
scholarship grants aimed to encourage and motivate our youth to pursue a career in 
nuclear science and nuclear engineering. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDIES IN 
NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND NUCLEAR ENGINEERING 
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 known as the “Nuclear Science and 
Nuclear Engineering Scholarship Act of 2009.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration ofPolicy. - Science and technology are essential for 
national development and progress. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote the development of the country’s science and technology by promoting and 
enhancing the capabilities required in the areas of research, development, innovation as 
well as their utilization. As such, it shall provide for scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other 
forms of incentives to deserving science students and other specially-gifted citizens to 
enable them to pursue higher education or training in areas of science and technology. 
SECTION 3. DeJinition ofirerms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 
are defined: 
(I) “DOST” - Department of Science and Technology 
(2) Nuclear science - the study of the atomic nucleus 
(3) Nuclear engineering - the application of the breakdown of atomic nuclei 
and/or other sub-atomic physics, based on the principles of nuclear physics. It 
includes, but is not limited to, the interaction and maintenance of nuclear 
fission systems and components- 
specifically, nuclear reactors, nuclear 
power plants, and/or nuclear weapons. The field may also include the study of 
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nuclear fusion, medical and other applications of (generally ionizing) 
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radiation, nuclear safety, heat/thermodynamics transport, nuclear fuel and/or 
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other related (e.g., waste disposal) technology, nuclear proliferation, and the 
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effect of radioactive waste or radioactivity in the environment 
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SECTION 4. In General. - A National Scholarship Program for Studies in 
Nuclear Science and Nuclear Engineering shall be created and spearheaded by the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in coordination with such government 
agencies and institutions involved in fostering the development of nuclear science and 
nuclear engineering in the country. 
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SECTION 5 .  Application. -An eligible undergraduate institution may receive a 
grant upon proper application to the Secretary of the DOST. The application shall include 
a cost effective proposal on how the scholarship grant shall be expended to attain the 
objective of fostering the development of nuclear science and nuclear engineering in the 
country including but not limited to proposed scholars willing and capable to undertake 
comprehensive training on nuclear science and technology as well as the institutions, 
locally or abroad, which will provide such training. 
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DOST. 
SECTION 6. Duration - The National Scholarship Program for Studies in 
Nuclear Science and Nuclear Engineering shall last for four years. Thereafter, the 
program shall be evaluated according to criteria and measures to be determined by the 
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SECTION 7. Report, - The DOST shall transmit a progress report to Congress 
every year for the duration of the program. 
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SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act, are hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
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SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 11. ESfectivily Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
Ictr 
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