Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 187

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 6959, provided for the establishment of Provincial Science and Technology
Centers, which are extensions of the thirteen regional offices of the Department of Science and
Technology. They are responsible for the dissemination of transfer technologies and provision for
technological support services for the development of small and medium enterprises in the rural
areas,

This measure seeks to improve and strengthen the Provincial Science and Technology Centers by
converting them to Provincial Science and Technological Offices which shall be headed by
Provincial Science and Technology Directors with a salary grade of twenty-six (SG 26). This
measure also provides that Provincial S&T Offices shall have a minimum of six (6) technical staff
and one non-technical officer, in addition to the Provincial Science and Technology Director. This
amendment effectively allows PTSOs to perform their mandate to provide science and technology
innovations in the rural areas to create sustainable sources of livelihood within communities.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City's Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

RI IYRA S. TAMBUNTIN'
id District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7167

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
UPGRADING THE POSITION OF THE PROVINCIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
OFFICER INTO THE PROVINCIAL SCIENCE DIRECTOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6959, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 "Provincial Science and Technology
Officers Act".

‘SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to fast track the transfer of relevant
and appropriate technologies and services to the rural areas particularly in the enhancement and
development of technology-based livelihood enterprises in the countryside.

Pursuant to this policy, the Provincial Centers of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) which are the principal instruments of technology transfer and development of
technology-based enterprises of the government in the rural areas are upgraded through this Act.

SEC. 3. Provincial Science and Technology Officers. ~ The position of Office of the Provincial
Science and Technology Officers (PSTOs) headed by a Senior Science Research Specialist shall
be upgraded to the rank of Provincial Science and Technology Directors in each province under
the DOST with a Salary Grade of twenty-six (26). The Provincial Science and Technology Director
shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Formulate the Provincial S&T plan, programs, and projects designed to promote science
and consciousness among the people in the province;

(b) Implement and monitor the technology promotion and commercialization projects under
the Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the DOST
in the provinces;

(©) Promote the adoption of the appropriate technologies by micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) to improve operational efficiency and increase productivity and to


harness the results of scientific researchers and innovations to produce new and
competitive products;

(d) Disseminate S&T related information and Research and Development (R&D) results
through the conduct of trainings;

(e) Maintain effective liaison with the public and private academic institutions and other
government agencies engaged in scientific and technological research, education, and
training:

(P) Coordinate with local government units and academic institutions for the promotion of
scholarship programs aimed to attract the science-oriented students to pursue basic and
applied sciences in order to broaden the S&T manpower-base in the province;

(g) Coordinate with the public and private organizations in the implementation of manpower
and institutional development programs in the province:

(h) Act as focal person for the inter-agency meetings, conferences, and other coordinative
activities in the province; Responsible for the over-all supervision of services and
operations of the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC);

() Ensure that the quality management system is properly implemented and maintained in
accordance with ISO 9001-2008 standard in all aspects of operations of the PSTC; and

(j) Perform other related functions as may be assigned by higher authorities from time to
time.

SEC. 4, Qualifications of the Provincial Science and Technology Director. — The DOST
in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management and Civil Service Commission
shall formulate the necessary qualification standards commensurate to the upgraded position of
the Provincial Science and Technology Director at Salary Grade twenty-six (26). The current PSTO
holding the position for more than twenty (20) years. shall have preference in the selection for
Provincial Science and Technology Director position.

SEC. 5. Remuneration and other Benefits of the Provincial Science and Technology
Director. — The remuneration of the Provincial Science and Technology Director shall be
equivalent to that of the same Salary Grade twenty- six (26) in the government service and shall
be entitled to reimbursable representation and transportation allowance commensurate to his
office and other benefits as prescribed by law.

‘SEC. 6. Staff of the Provincial Science and Technology Office. — There shall be a minimum
of six (6) technical staff of the Provincial Science and Technology Office in addition to the
Provincial Science and Technology Director and in addition of one non-technical officer. The DOST
shall determine the level of these positions: Provided, That prescribed qualifications shall be in
accordance with civil service laws and regulations.

SEC 7. Appropriations. - The funds necessary for the continuous and effective operation of
the various offices established under this Act shall be included in the appropriations of the DOST
in the annual General Appropriations Act.

All fees and charges collected as a result of S&T services rendered by the PSTOs such as, but not
limited to, metrological work and calibration services shall be used by the PSTOs in the
enhancement of their capabilities and in the maintenance of their equipment and facilities.



SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity
of this Act. The DOST, and other relevant government agencies, shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. — Should any provision herein be declared unconstitutional, the
same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - This Act repeals or modifies accordingly pertinent provisions of
Sections 2, 3, and 4 of Republic Act No. 6959 and any law. decree. order, rule, and regulation,
executive order, proclamation, or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,