Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 512)
Article XIV Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution mandates the government to strengthen and develop science and technology to the fullest extent.
The program should include an overall plan with policy guidelines and priority programs, project studies such as establishing research networks and utilizing Filipino expertise, and technology delivery programs related to agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and social services.
The Task Force is composed of the Chairman of the National Science Development Board (as Chairman) and members including heads of various government agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority, Ministries of Industry, Agriculture, Energy, Public Works, Health, Education, Human Settlements, the Director General of the Technology Resource Center, and the Director of the National Manpower and Youth Development Council.
Functions include assessing current policies on science and technology, providing formulation guidelines for projects, determining technology delivery pilot projects, supervising a working staff, contracting research services, calling on government assistance, and performing activities to promote the objectives of the EO.
The working staff is headed by an Executive Director from the Technology Resource Center, National Science Development Board, and members of other agencies as called upon.
The Chairman presides over meetings, receives gifts or donations, and administers, obligates, and disburses appropriations, gifts, or donations with the approval of the Task Force majority.
Yes, the Chairman may constitute ad hoc committees composed of Task Force members and additional experts to assist in the discharge of its functions.
The Budget Commission is directed to allocate necessary funding as determined and recommended by the Task Force.
The Task Force must submit its report to the President of the Philippines as soon as possible.