FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 937 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Science and technology constitutes a vital tool for national economic 
development. 
Studies have shown a positive relationship between economic 
development and scientific and technological capability. 
In an' era of rapid scientific and technological development, the State should 
provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally competitive. One mechanism 
is to create a science and technology educational program that will propel our country to 
be at par with our ASEAN neighbors. 
A study conducted by UNESCO on public expenditures in education indicates 
that South Africa spends 5.12% of its Gross National Product (GNP) a year compared 
to the Philippines with only 1.78%. Among ASEAN countries, we have the least 
allocation in S&T education. Another comparative study is the latest result of the "Third 
International Mathematics and Science Study" (TMSS). In Mathematics, we ranked 39th 
out of 42 countries while we ranked 41 st in science with the same number of 
participating countries. 
Based on the "World Competitiveness Scoreboard," the Philippines has slipped 
one notch in our ranking compared to the previous year. Indeed, this is a very alarming 
indicator. If we want our country to be competitive with that of our ASEAN counterparts, 
we must design a program/curriculum that will improve the standard of our education 
and produce quality science and technology graduates. 
The educational system has deteriorated as a result of years of neglect. It may 
not be long before current and future graduates of local educational Institutions are 
seen to be inferior compared with those of neighboring countries such as Malaysia 
where the education system is improving rapidly. To meet the demands of the time, we 
must start improving our S&T educational system. We must increase infrastructure 
support and build/upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public 
elementary and secondary schools. We must also provide venue and materials for 
student's direct/hand-on experiences in S&T learning. 
Finally, we must make provision for operation, repair, maintenance and 
upgrading of acquired laboratory equipment. 
In view thereof, the early passage of this Bill is earnestly sou\il. ~ 
. 
) 
EL "LITO" M. LAPID ' 
Senator 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. 937 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING FULLY EQUIPPED SCIENCE LABORATORIES IN EVERY 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREOF 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 "Science 
Laboratory for Basic Education Act of 2010." 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared to be the policy of the 
State to give priority to scientific and technological efforts which are vital to our national 
development. Furthermore, it has been proven that industrialization can be achieved if 
schools adopt modem methods of teaching science and technology during the early 
stages of education. 
Furthermore, the Constitution provides that the right of teachers to professional 
, 
advancement should be enhanced. With this mandate, quality education shall be 
ensured .. 
SEC. 3. 
Policy Objectives. 
This Act aims to attain the following 
objectives within the period offive (5) years. 
a. 
To improve the quality of science and technology (S&T) education in the 
country; 
b. 
To provide basic and advance S&T education in elementary and in high 
school, respectively in preparation for higher education; 
c. 
To teach the students the effective use and operation of modern 
laboratory equipment and facility related to science and technology; and 
d. 
To train S&T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so that 
they will be more effective in demonstrating their uses. 
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SEC. 4. 
Funding Source. - In addition to the funds to be provided by the 
Legislature, this Act shall receive funding support from the following: 
a. 
Twenty percent (20%) share from the gross proceeds of travel tax 
collections over and above the share of the National Government 
therefrom; 
b. 
Twenty percent (20%) share form the net income of the Philippine Games 
and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) over and above the franchise tax 
and the corporate income tax therefrom. 
SEC. ,5. 
Incentives. - Incentives shall be given to the following: 
a. 
Tax Incentives shall be given to private entitles engaging in S&T 
development; 
b. 
Private schools who shall import laboratory equipment I facilities for the 
exclusive use in their school shall be given a twenty (20%) tax deduction 
from the total revenue obligations; 
c. 
Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory equipment 
needed in public schools shall be given a three percent (3%) tax incentive 
I deduction from the importation of raw materials. 
SEC. 6. 
Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following: 
1. 
Construction of laboratory buildings; 
2. 
Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities; 
3. 
Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities; 
4. 
Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in 
promoting science and technology education; 
5. 
Strengthen the coordination between the 
Regional Science and 
Technology Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of Education 
(DepEd) Regional Offices in monitoring I utilization of laboratory 
equipment; 
6. 
Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and maintenance 
of the laboratory facilities; 
7. 
Create required laboratory technician positions at least for every 
elementary and secondary schools for operation, repair and maintenance 
of laboratory equipment (or alternative scheme of maintenance) and 
facilities; 
8. 
' Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology 
. equipment; 
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• 
9. 
The number of laboratory rooms I facilities per school shall be determined 
by science and technology experts of DOST and ISMED; 
10. 
The building, plans and design shall be drawn and approved by DOST-
SEI. 
SEC. 7. 
Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the 
construction of school laboratories including equipment / facilities and the creation of 
required positions of a technician in every public elementary and high schools 
throughout the country. 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Science and 
Education Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional offices of DepEd and the 
RSTCs shall implement the program. The abovementioned offices shall also monitor 
the utilization and maintenance of the equipment. 
SEC. 8. 
Implementation . • The implementation of the activities of this Act 
shall be undertaken by SEt in coordination with the RSTCs and DepEd Regional 
Offices. 
The initial implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in every electoral 
district to be funded and spearheaded by the Congressman who has jurisdiction of the 
district therein. 
The maximum number of pupil I students in every laboratory class must not 
exceed fifty.(50) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty five pupil 
I students·. 
SEC. 9. 
Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 10. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders or regulations or part 
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 11. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national 
newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved, 
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