Government Laws, Policies,Planss and Projects Pertaining to

Science and Technology

Science and Technology Environment from 1986 to 2016 President Corazon c. Aquino
highlighted the importance of science and technology in achieving economic progress. She
helped establish the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which formulated the
Science and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000. At that time , the Philippines aimed to be a
Newly Industrialized country (NIC).
President Fidel V. Ramos introduced laws on inventors’ incentives and science and
technology scholarships. President Gloria M. Arroyo adopted policies focusing on a national
I novation system and promoted technological entrepreneurship under the Medium-Term
Development Plan 2004-2010.
President Benigno C. Aquino III presented the Harmonized Agenda for science and
technology in 2014 highlighted two critical issues : inclusive growth and disaster risk
reduction.
Government Policies and Laws Pertaining to Science and Technology
To improve and strengthen science and technology, including research development
. It is necessary that government enact law. Several laws have been enacted by Congress since
1958 to present, they are as follow:
RA 2067
“Science Act of 1958”. An Act To Integrate, Coordinate and Intensify Scientific and
Technological Research and Development and To Foster Invention to Provide funds
therefore and for Other Purposes.
RA 3589
An Act amending RA 2067 Modifying the National Science Development Board,
national Institute of Science and Technology and the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission
Extending Tax Exemption, Privileges and Grants, Requests and Donations for Scientific
Purposes to Private Educational Institutions and For Other Purposes enacted June 22, 1963.
RA 5207
An Act Providing for the Licensing and regulation of Atomic energy Facilities and
Materials, Establishing the rules of Liability for Nuclear Damage and for Other Purposes. This
Act was approved June 15, 1968 to encourage , promote and assist the development and use
of atomic energy for peaceful purposes as a means to improve the health and prosperity of
the inhabitants of the Philippines and to contribute and accelerate scientific , technological ,
agricultural, commercial and industrial progress.
Presidential Decree No. 49 , s. 1972
Established the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service
(PAGASA). It function was to provide environmental protection and to utilize scientific
knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.

Presidential Decree No, 334, s. 1973

Created Philippine National Oil Company to promote industrial and economic
development through effective and efficient use of energy resources.

RA 8749
The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was enacted by Congress on June 23, 1999 to
protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural
resources.

RA 8792
An Act Providing for the Recognition and Use of Electronic Commercial and Non-
Commercial Transaction and Documents. Penalties for the Unlawful Use thereof and For
Other Purposes passed in June 15, 2000.
This Act aims to facilitate domestic and international dealing , transactions,
assignment, agreements, contracts and exchanges and storage of information through the
utilization of electronic , optical and similar medium mode , instrumentally and technology
to recognize the width and reliability of electronic documents related such activities and to
promote the universal use of electronic transactions in the government and the general
public.

RA 9367
“Biofuels Act of 2006” . An Act to Direct the Use of Biofuels, Establishing for their Purpose
the Biofuel Program, Appropriating funds therefore and for Other Purposes.
This Act was enacted by Congress on June 12, 2007 to develop and utilize indigenous and
sustainable sources, clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.
RA 9513
“Renewable Act of 2008” was passed by congress to accelerate the development of the
country’s renewable energy resources by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private
investors and equipment manufacturers/fabricators/suppliers.

RA 10175
Philippine cybercrime Prevention Act 0f 2012 passed September 12, 2012. An Act Defining
cybercrime, Providing for the Prevention , Investigation, suppression and the Imposition of
Penalties therefore and for other Purposes.

RA 10612
An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program
and Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools and For
Other Purposes. This Act shall be known as the Fat-Tracked Science and Technology
Scholarship
Act of 2018. It shall strengthen the country’s Science and Technology education by
fast- tracking graduates in the science, mathematics and engineering who shall teach in
secondary school throughout the country. Towards the end, scholarships shall be provided
to finance the education of talented and deserving students in the third year of college and
pursuing a degree or training in the areas of science and technology and to provide
incentives for them to pursue a career in teaching in high schools in their home regions.

RA 10844
An Act Creating the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)
which was into law on May 23,2016. In accordance with the law, Department of Information
and Communication Technology IDICT) shall be the primary planning, coordination,
implementing and administrative entity of the Executive branch of the government that will
plan, develop and promote the national ICT development agenda. Major Science and
Technology Development Plans
Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP).
This plan was submitted to the President in March 1989 by Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) and Department of Transportation commission (DOTC) the development of fifteen
(15) leading edges to steer the country toward industrial development
1. Aquaculture 6. Food 11. Information technology
2. Marine fisheries 7. Feed Industry 12. Electronics
3. Forestry 8. Energy 13. Instrumentation
4. Natural Resources 9. Transportation 14. Emerging Technology
5. Process Industry 10. Construction 15. Pharmaceuticals

To attain the objectives set in the STMP the following strategies were pursued
1. Modernize the production sectors through massive technology transfer from
domestic and foreign sources
2. Upgrade the R & D capability through intensified activities in high priority sector ad
S&T infrastructure development such as manpower development
3. Develop information networks , institutional building and S & T culture development.

Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND), Philippines 2000
This plan was initiated during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos for the period of
1993-1996. The STAND identified seven export winners, 11 domestic needs, three other
supporting industries and coconut industry as priority investment area.

A. Seven Identified Export Winners

1. Computer software
2. Fashion Accessories
3. Gifts and toys
4. Metal fabricators
5. Houseware
6. Marine products
7. Furniture and dried fruits
B. Domestic Needs
1. Food and housing
2. Health
3. Clothing and transportation
4. Communication
5. Disaster Mitigation
6. Defense
7. Environment
8. Manpower Development
9. Energy
National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP 2002-2020).
The Department of Science Technology (DOST) , with the mandate of formulating S &
T policies , programs and projects in support of national development priorities has
remained, driven by these guiding visions stated in the NSTP mainly:
By 2004, S & T shall have contributed significantly to the enhancement of national
productivity and competitiveness and to the solution of pressing problems.
By 2010, the Philippines shall have earned niches and become a world class
knowledge provider and user in selected and technology areas and shall have developed a
vibrant S&T culture.
By 2020, the Philippines shall have developed a wide range of globally competitive
products and services which have a high technological content.

The 12 priority areas for S&T development are:

1. Agriculture , forestry & natural resources
2. Health and medical services
3. Biotechnology
4. Information and Communication Technology
5. Microelectronics
6. Materials, science and engineering
7. Earth and Marine services
 8. fisheries and aquaculture
9. Environment
10. Natural disaster mitigation
11. Energy
12. Manufacturing and service engineering

Status of Science and Technology and Plans for Development under President Rodrigo R.
Duterte
DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2 Satellites
Entry into the frontiers of space through its support to the Philippine Space Technology
Program. DIWATA-1 satellites was launched in 2016 was made by Filipino Scientist who
were trained in Japan.
DIWATA-2 which will be launched in 2018 has improved the capabilities to better
monitor the country. This made by another batch of Filipino scientists. This space
technologies can also be utilized in other sectors, such as agriculture and disaster
preparedness.
A Memorandum agreement between Russia and the Philippines regarding the space
program will soon materialize. Republic Act 11035 “An Act Institutionalizing the Balik
Scientist Program” was signed into law by the President on June 15, 2018. This law would
give more incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientist, inventors and engineers whp
would share their expertise in the country.
On telecommunication, Department of Information and Communication Technology,
National Telecommunication Commission and Telecommunication companies have agreed
to standardize voice call charges to 2.50 pesos. On weather, 271 new weather stations were
installed by the Department of Science and Technology throughout the country. The
Zamboanga Doppler Weather Radar System was also installed.

Famous Filipino in the Field of Science

Many Filipino scientists, whether they are in the country or abroad always excel in their
job. The Filipino spirit in their souls has never faded. They continue to bring honor to the
country. They make ordinary things in an extraordinary way. They are always at par other
scientist in spite of the limited facilities we have in the country.
 Lee-Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino Scientists who have made significant
contributions in the Philippine Science. Scientist who are famous abroad especially I
different science disciplines.

Filipino Scientists
1. Ramon Cabanos Barba
• For his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes
2. Josefino Cacas Comiso
• For his work on observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images.
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.
• Known internationally in the field of electrical engineering; was elected as officer of
the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic engineering.
4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz
• Notable for her research on sea snail venom
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit
• For his research on herbal medicine
6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III
• For his research on tilapia culture
7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.
• For inventing the meconium drug testing
8. Lilian Formalejo Patene
• For doing research om plant biotechnology
9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz
• For being an outstanding educator and graph theorist
10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan
• For his research in the field of communication technology
There are other outstanding Filipino scientist who are recognized here and abroad for their
outstanding contributions in science;
1. Caesar A. Saloma
– An internationally reowned physicist
2. Edgardo Gomez
– famous scientist in marine science
3. William Padolina
– chemistry and president of National Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST)- Philippines
4. Angel Alcala
- marine science