Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 1079 __

Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to strengthen the advanced manufacturing industry by upgrading
and designating the Design, Research and Extension in Additive Manufacturing (DR3AM)
Center at the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) as the center for three-dimensional
(3D) printing and advanced manufacturing in the country.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, a method of creating a three-
dimensional object layer-by-layer through a computer-aided design (CAD) model, continuously
gains considerable attention in the academic and research communities as well as in several
industries around the world. Its innovative capacity to design, produce and simplify prototypes,
and manufacture high quality 3D prints cost cheaper at a shorter period of time. These
advancements in 3D printing constantly change how products are designed, manufactured, and
used by consumers worldwide.

In 2018, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched two new 3D
printing research laboratories: the Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (AMREL) and
the Additive Manufacturing Center (AMCen). The DOST established these facilities to aid the
Philippines in developing its advanced manufacturing industry and be abreast with the
continuous world's technological innovation.

‘AMREL, presently referred to as the DR3AM Center, is the first 3D printing research
facility in the Philippines equipped with the latest advanced manufacturing machines. It was
inaugurated in 2019 at the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and has, since then, been
used by BPSU faculty and students in conducting research for their theses on the applications
of 3D printing; development, testing and characterization of new 3D printing materials; sharing
of ideas between faculty and students; and rapid prototyping, tooling and manufacturing in the
3D printing industry.

Starting as a research laboratory in 2019, BPSU's DR3AM Center began its operation
in 2020. To date, the BPSU has already published over 50 scientific articles related to 3D
printing and several utility models and industrial designs have been submitted to the Intellectual
Property Office. The DR3AM Center also caters to some spare parts requirements of local
businesses and industries in the region. Since 2019, several high school and college student
groups have already utilized the existing facilities of the DR3AM Center for their research


projects. The DR3AM Center has also trained several faculty members of the BPSU and partner
government institutions and private entities on advanced manufacturing.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DR3AM Center produced over 3,000
personal protective equipment (PPEs) to help protect our healthcare workers and other
frontliners. Through the various projects of DR3AM Center, the BPSU started the incorporation
of the additive manufacturing subject in the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science degree in
Industrial Engineering, a first in the country. In 2021, the DR3AM Center also hosted the
Intemational Forum on Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials as well as the National
Symposium on Makerspaces and 3D Printing Facilities.

As an important component of higher education, research centers play an indispensable
role in facilitating the advancement of technology, promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration,
‘and the development of transdisciplinary research programs. The operation of BPSU's DR3AM
Center as the center for additive manufacturing or 3D printing, advanced materials and
advanced manufacturing will spur interest in the advanced manufacturing research and
development towards the fulfilment of BPSU's mission of expanding the advanced
manufacturing industry for the benefit of the country.

Thus, to catalyze and achieve the full potential of the DR3AM Center as the center for
additive manufacturing or 3D printing, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing, it is
crucial that the center be strengthened with the most important elements: structure, facilities,
human resources, skills development programs, and financial support.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly sought.



Sowrusanaevn—

20
21
22
23

Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No._ 1079 _

Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY BY UPGRADING AND
DESIGNATING THE DR3AM CENTER OF THE BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
AS THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 “DR3AM Center Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Section 10, Article XIV of the Constitution
provides that “Science and technology are essential for national development and progress.
The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their
utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and services. It shall support
indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their
application to the country's productive systems and national life.”

‘Towards this end, the State shall promote and strengthen the development and
growth of local innovative ventures, upscale research and development facilities of
higher educational institutions, enhance literacy and skills of the academe’s scientific
workforce, faculty and students, build up its collaboration with the business sector, and
spearhead the development and growth of the advanced manufacturing industry.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(2) Additive manufacturing refers to the industrial production name for 3D printing,

3


10
u
12
13
4
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
2
23
4
25
26
27
28

which is the process of transmitting to a three-dimensional printer the digital design that guides
the fabrication of a three-dimensional solid product, by depositing materials layer by layer rather
than cutting away from a large block of existing material as in most traditional manufacturing,
thereby enabling the cost-effective production of complex structures;

(b) Advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies and
processes in manufacturing existing products and the production of new products enabled by
advanced technologies which includes automation, additive manufacturing, and robotics, to
improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing advanced materials; and

(©) Advanced materials refer to a range of advanced polymers, nanoparticles,
ceramics, and graphene composites used in 3D printing which enable traditional and advanced
electronic applications while taking advantage of the design and fabrication flexibility of additive
manufacturing systems.

SEC. 4. 3D Printing Center. - The Design, Research and Extension in Additive
Manufacturing (DR3AM) Center of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), hereinafter
referred to as the Center, is upgraded and designated as the center for research and
development on additive manufacturing, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing.
The Center shall be an independent agency attached to the Department of Science &
Technology (DOST). The Center shall have its own budget separate from the DOST.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. - The Center shall have the following powers and
functions:

(@) Identify and prioritize research and development projects that maximize and
develop the competency in 3D printing and advanced manufacturing of the country;

(b) Solve societal problems and develop technologies using 3D Printing
Technologies;

(©) Secure the latest and state-of-the-art facilities for the development, design,
analysis, and production of new and innovative advanced materials and technologies for rapid
prototyping, and industrial and commercial applications;

(d) Conduct appropriate training courses on 3D printing and advanced manufacturing


10
WW

12
1B

14
15

16
7
18
19
20
21

22
23
24
25
26
27

for the faculty, students, and scientific workforce of BPSU and other educational institutions;

(€) Spearhead 3D-themed activities, competitions, events, and conventions where
international experts are invited to bring in new 3D printing ideas and technologies, broaden the
knowledge of the faculty and students of educational institutions and further develop theirideas
on advanced manufacturing;

() Strengthen the academe-industry partnerships in advanced manufacturing
research and development by encouraging local and foreign investors to support or jointly
venture in potentially viable 3D printing enterprises, start-ups or business ideas;

(9) Produce advanced materials products for commercialization using 3D printing and
advanced manufacturing technologies towards providing income-generating services to private
enterprises;

(h) Establish local and foreign linkages in 3D printing research and policy
development;

() Establish DR3AM Laboratories in various parts of the country;

(@) Serve as the repository of all 3D printing-related researches, studies, and data
generated by the Center and other academic, public, and private groups, organizations, and
institutions;

(k) Propose and allocate its annual budgetary resources while optimizing resource
generation and utilization; and

() Receive and manage grants, aid, donations, contributions, or any kind of
assistance for achieving its objectives, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
DOST. The amounts received and the sources of grants, aid, donations, contribution, or any
kind of assistance received shall be published on its website for purposes of transparency.

SEC. 6. Board of Directors. - The Center shall be administered by the Board of
Directors which is composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine (9) members. The
Secretary of Science and Technology and the President of the Bataan Peninsula State
University shall be the ex officio Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Board, respectively.


10
W
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Director General of the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Chairperson of the Commission on
Higher Education, two (2) representatives from the BPSU faculty, researchers and staff relevant
to the advanced manufacturing industry to be selected by the Chairperson from among the list
of nominees submitted by BPSU shall be ex officio members. In addition, two (2)
representatives from the faculties of private higher educational institutions relevant to the
advanced manufacturing industry, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines and two
(2) representatives from non-governmental or advocacy organizations on advanced
manufacturing to be selected by the Chairperson from among the list of nominees submitted by
the non-governmental or advocacy organizations on advanced manufacturing, likewise to be
appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of four (4) years, as members.

The Board shall promulgate its rules relative to meetings, quorum requirements and
compensation or allowances of the members of the Board.

SEC. 7. Functions. - The Board shall perform the following functions:

(a) Provide the general direction and priorities of the Center in accordance with this
Act;

(b) Formulate policies, programs and projects for the development of the advanced

manufacturing industry;

(c) Evaluate the implementation, efficiency and effectiveness of the programs and
projects of the Center;

(4) Approve the annual budget of the Center and laboratories;

(e) Establish DR3AM Laboratories in other parts of the country;

(f) Approve the organizational structure of the Center and laboratories including
position classification and compensation of employees in coordination with the Department of
Budget and Management;

(g) Approve the appointment of consultants, officers, and employees of the Center
and laboratories;

(h) Monitor and review the programs and projects undertaken by the executive


10
i
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
2
23
24
25
26
27
28

director to implement and enforce research and policy direction and priorities;

(i) Assist the Executive Director in generating resources and obtaining logistical and
financial support for the programs and projects of the Center and laboratories; and

(Assign additional powers, functions, and duties of the Executive Director in
accordance with the objectives of this Act.

SEC. 8. Organizational Structure. — The Center's research and policy direction and
priorities shall be determined by the Board and implemented by an Executive Director appointed
in accordance with Section 9 of this Act. Within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of this Act,
the Executive Director shall draw the organizational structure and staffing pattem of the Center
to be approved by the Board. In carrying out its functions, the Center shall be supported by a
pool of experts and researchers on advanced manufacturing and related sectors from various
public and private universities across the country, and other technical staff.

SEC. 9. Executive Director. - The Center is headed by an Executive Director who
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of four (4) years subject to
reappointment, a Filipino citizen, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, a degree holder in
computer engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science or
related field of studies, possess executive and management experience of at least ten (10)
years, and considerable knowledge on the advanced manufacturing industry.

SEC. 10. Functions of the Executive Director. - The Executive Director shall:

(2) Implement and enforce research and policy direction and priorities, policies,
decisions, orders, rules, and regulations determined by the Board;

(b) Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center, provide technical and
administrative support to the Board, and assist the Board in the performance of its tasks;

(©) Exercise administrative and supervisory functions over the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of the policies, programs, and projects of the Center including
laboratories as may be established pursuant to this Act;

(@) Recommend to the Board the organizational structure of the Center including the

position classification and compensation of employees; qualification and appointment of


10
W
12
B
4
15
16
7
18
19
20
2
2
23
24
25
26
27
28

consultants, officers, and employees of the Center and laboratories; and overall budget of the
Center;

(@) Submit to the Board regular reports on the Center, to include annual reports on
operations, status of programs and projects, and the financial condition of the Center;

()_Apprise regularly the Board on the programs and projects of the Center;

(9) Execute contracts, incur obligations, acquire and dispose of assets, and deliver
documents on behaff of the Center, including negotiated or consultancy contracts for personne!
and for the Center's pool of researchers within the limits of the authority determined by the
Board;

(h) Generate and obtain logistical and financial support for the programs and projects
of laboratories with the assistance of the Board; and

() Exercise and perform such other powers, functions, and duties as may be
authorized or assigned by the Board in accordance with this Act.

SEC. 11. Satellite 3D Printing Laboratories. -DR3AM Laboratories may be
established by the Board. The DR3AM Laboratory shall be headed by a Manager to be
appointed by the Board from a list of pre-screened and qualified applicants submitted by the
Executive Director based on criteria approved by the Board.

SEC. 12. Functions of the Directors of DR3AM Laboratories. — Subject to the
Policies of the DR3AM Center, the Managers of subsequent DR3AM Laboratories shall perform
the following functions:

(2) Administer the policies, programs and projects of the DR3AM Center in the
DR3AM Laboratory;

(b) Recommend the creation of divisions and sections including the staffing pattern in
the DR3AM Laboratory;

(©) Prepare the budget of the DR3AM Laboratory;

(d) Approve the expenditures of the DR3AM Laboratory;

(e) Recommend to the Executive Director the appointment of personnel or

consultants;


10
it
12

3

15
16
7
18
19
20
2
22
23
24
25
26
27

28

() Recommend policies, programs and projects to the Executive Director of the
DR3AM Center; and

(9) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Executive Director of the
DR3AM Center.

‘SEC. 13. Coordination of the DR3AM Center with DR3AM Laboratories — The Board
shall, through the Executive Director, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of
the programs in the DR3AM Laboratories.

SEC. 14. Donations and Grants. — All donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or
gifts, in cash or in kind, shall be received and used directly and exclusively for the benefit of the
advanced manufacturing industry

SEC. 15. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
‘Act shall be charged against the current budget of the Department of Science and Technology.
Thereafter, the funds necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included
in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Science and Technology shall, in coordination with the
designated members of the Board, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act

SEC. 17. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions which are not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules,
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 19. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,