SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 1783 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution states that: 
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OCT -3 1'5:22 
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. 
Alticle 14, Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national 
development and progress. 
The State shall give priority to... science and 
technology education, training and services. 
If our country is to be globally competitive in the 21 st 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, III order to develop 
educationally at a normal rate. However, these children have very limited opportunities to be 
exposed to science activities, as most pre-school teachers have little experience with simple 
science activities. 
The purpose of this Act is to provide pre-school teachers with training programs, directed 
toward the use of age-appropriate science activities, in order to increase their student's 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. • 
• This bill was originallY filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 


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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 1783 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A SCIENCE START GRANT PROGRAM 
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OCT -3 P5 :23 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Science Start Grant Program 
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Act." 
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SECTION 2. Model Science Start Programs for the Introduction of Science in Early 
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Childhood Education. 
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(A) 
Grants Authorized. - The Secretary of Education may award grants, to be known 
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as Science Start Grants, to public pre-schools to support model programs that provide instruction 
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on science activities to children enrolled in pre-school programs. 
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(B) 
Priority. - In awarding grants under this Section, the Secretary shall give priority 
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to applicants that demonstrate the ability to: 
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(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
Provide teacher training programs that involve participants in hands-on 
activities similar to activities that are intended for students; 
Attract broad teacher participation; 
Use experienced teachers as instructors; 
Provide the materials required by the activities described in paragraph (1), 
but not commonly found in classrooms; and 
Provide for periodic follow-up activities conducted, at minimum, during a 
six (6)-month period. 
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SECTION 3. Evaluation and Report. - The Secretary shall report to the Congress every 
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two (2) years, beginning two (2) years after the date of enactment of this Act, regarding the 
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activities assisted under this program. 
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SECTION 4. Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions of this Act, such sum as 
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may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
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Thereafter, the sum necessary for the continuous operation of the program shall be included in 
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the annual appropriation of the Department of Education. 
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SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with the provisions ofthis Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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