Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1003-A)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1003-A is to create the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) to serve as a reservoir of competent scientific and technological manpower for the Philippines, promote scientific research and invention, and recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology.
The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) was created by President Ferdinand E. Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 1003-A on December 16, 1976.
A scientist is defined as an individual who has earned a doctoral degree in any field of the sciences from an accredited university and has demonstrated distinction in independent research or significant innovative achievement in basic and applied sciences, including agricultural, engineering, medical sciences, mathematics, and social sciences, as evidenced by published works in recognized journals. The doctoral degree requirement may be waived in highly meritorious and extremely exceptional cases.
The Academy is administered by an Executive Council of seven members appointed by the President of the Philippines from at least ten members nominated by the Academy. The Executive Council has general administration and direction over the Academy's affairs.
Members of the Executive Council serve a term of three years. In case of vacancy, the appointee serves only the unexpired term.
A Filipino scientist who is in sympathy with the purposes of the Academy may become a member upon nomination by at least three members of the Academy, certification of qualifications under the Decree, and approval by a majority of the full membership of the Academy. Membership is for life except when terminated for cause or voluntary resignation.
The Academy shall not have more than fifty members at any one time. This number may be increased with a two-thirds vote of all members and approval by the President.
The Academy may provide its members free publication of scientific and technological works, travel support for participation in international conferences, and other incentives, financial or otherwise, to promote scientific and technological efforts and achievements.
The temporary Committee, composed of five members representing major fields of science, was tasked to screen and evaluate initial nominees for Academy membership pursuant to the Decree’s provisions. The Committee could confer membership by a favorable vote of at least four members and existed for not more than 18 months after the Decree’s promulgation.
An amount of Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00) was authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury for the implementation of the Decree.