FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENAJI; 
S.B. No. 1148 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
"Take not the road less traveled. 
Rather, make new roads. 
Blaze new trails. 
Find new routes to your dreams. 
We may not know how far we can go. 
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But if we are brave, defiant searchers of excellence, we will go far. 
Explore possibilities that others may get a similar chance." 
- from the valedictory speech of Mikaela Fudolig, who at 16, graduated Summa Cum 
Laude, with a degree in BS Physics, University of the Philippines, Class of 2007 
This legislation is intended to promote excellence. And to encourage young 
people to follow the academic disposition of Mikaela Fudolig and to pursue interests in 
educational areas and courses considered as unattractive and difficult but highly 
required in the years to come. 
Education makes a country. The degree of literacy of every nation is an insignia 
of its advancement. Education is the most potent weapon to empower people and win 
the battle of societal decay. 
Against the backdrop that the Philippines lacks professionals with specialized 
background in engineering, sciences, technology, biotechnology and cutting-edge 
courses and that by 2010, the demand for capable people with distinct knowledge is 
greater when this legislation is submitted. Its significant points as follows: 
a) It creates a program for excellence in science and technology courses that 
includes mechatronics engineering, physics, metallurgical and mining sciences, 
biotechnology, plant science and other cutting-edge courses; 
b) It establishes a Seven-Year Special Scholarship Fund that would pole vault S&T 
education and will be accessible to young talented Filipinos to support their 
education; 
c) It encourages young people to patriotically serve the government in exchange for 
the scholarships given to them. The same would redound to the country's S & T, 
pedagogy and to the bureaucracy as a whole, as it will be manned by competent 
and highly specialized young people. 
Early recognition of this bill is earnestly sought. 
VIL AR 


FIFiEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENJ\Tf; .. 
S.B. No. 1148 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
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AN ACT PROMOTING ADVANCED SCIENCE AND CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY 
EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES, CREATING A SPECIAL FUND THEREFOR AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. It is a declared'policy of the State that science and technology are 
essential for national development and that the State shall give priority to S & T 
education, training and services. Considering the dearth and need for Filipinos learned 
in advanced science and cutting edge S & T knowledge, a robust program with ready 
funds and direction must be undertaken. For the purpose, scholarships, grants-in-aid 
and other forms of incentives shall be provided to deserving science students, young 
scientists, and specially gifted young Filipinos. 
SECTION 2. A Special Pn;)gram on Advanced Science and Cutting Edge 
Technology is hereby created. The program shall be a scholarship program specifically 
to support education in advanced science and cutting edge comes including but not 
limited to such areas as biochemistry; mechatronics engineering; metallurgical and 
mining science; physics; engineering; and plant science. 
The Special Program on Advanced Science and Cutting Edge Technology is a 
ten-year program. It shall be managed and implemented by the Department of Science 
and Technology in cooperation with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the 
Development Bank of the Philippines. 
The program shall endeavour to attract the most capable and highly qualified 
high school graduates and graduate students. The beneficiaries of the Program shall be 
required to render at least eighteen (18) months of government service, either in line 
agencies or in pedagogy and research in state universities and colleges (SUCs) or 
public secondary institutions. 
SECTION 3. The amount of one hundred million pesos (Php 100,000,000.00) 
shall be appropriated annually for the next seven (7) years and it shall be sourced from 
the earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The scholarships shall be implemented 
the school year after this Act is adopted. 
SECTION 4. The DOST in consultation and coordination with concerned 
stakeholders and various agencies shall promulgate within thirty (30) days from the 
effectivity of this Act the relevant implementing rules and regulations. Necessarily, the 
IRR must contain the following: 
a) Competitiveness and merit should be the premier considerations in the selection 
of the scholars; 


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b) Massive information dissemination must be undertaken to attract the most 
number of applicants; 
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c) Transparency must be observed in the entire implementation of the program; 
Initially, the DOST must specify the ten-most needed advanced science and 
cutting edge technology courses; 
d) The scholarship shall cover tuition and miscellaneous expenses and reasonable 
allowance that cover medical insurance and subsistence/living assistance. 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations which 
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or 
repealed accordingly. 
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVITY -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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