EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rodriguez

Introduced by Representative Rufus

House Bill No. 1868
EXPLANATORY NOTE

Science and Technology is 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
Asian neighbors.

To meet the demands of the times, we must start improving our Science and
Technology educational system. We must increase infrastructure support to build and
upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public elementary and secondary
schools. We must also provide venue and materials for students’ direct and hands-on
experiences in Science and Technology learning. Finally, we must make provisions for
repair, maintenance and upgrading of acquired laboratory equipment.

In view hereof, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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RUFUS B. RODRIGU
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
7 ___ Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez a

House Bill No. 1868

AN ACT
REQUIRING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FULLY-EQUIPPED SCIENCE LABORATORIES
IN EVERY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Science Laboratory for Basic
Education Act

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the state to give priority to
scientific and technological efforts vital to national development. It has been proven that
industrialization can be achieved if schools adopt modern 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. Objectives. - This Act aims to attain the following objectives within the period of five
(6) years.
1. To improve the quality of science and technology education in the country;
2. To provide basic and advance S&T education in high school, respectively in
preparation for higher education;
3. To teach the students the effective use and operation of modern laboratory
‘equipment and facility related to science and technology; and
4. To train S&T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so that they will be
more effective in demonstrating their uses.

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 from 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 entities engaging in S&T
development;
b. Private schools who shall import laboratory equipmentfacilities for the

exclusive use in their school shall be given a twenty percent (20%) tax deduction
from the total revenue obligations;

i Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory equipment needed
in public schools shall be given a three percent —_(3%) tax incentive/deduction from
the importation of raw materials.


SEC. 6. Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following:

‘Construction of laboratory buildings;

Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities;

Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities

Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in

romating science and technology.

. Strengthen the coordination between the regional Science and Technology
Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of Education, regional offices
in monitoring / utilization of laboratory equipment;

6. Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and maintenance of

the laboratory facilities equipment;

7. Create required laboratory technician positions at least for every elementary
and secondary schools for operation, repair and maintenance of the
laboratory equipment (or alternative scheme of maintenance) and facilities;

8. Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology;

9. The number of laboratory rooms/faciliies 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.

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SEC. 7. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the construction of school
laboratories including equipmentifaciliies 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 Education
Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional offices of DepEd and the RSTCs shall
implement the program. The above-mentioned 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 SEI 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 pupils/students in every laboratory class must not exceed
fifty (60) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty- five (45)
pupils/students,

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional; the remaining provision 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 .- 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,