Question & AnswerQ&A (IRR of Republic Act No. 11914)
The law aims to convert the Provincial Science and Technology Centers into Provincial Science and Technology Offices to strengthen their role in technology transfer, commercialization, and development of technology-based enterprises at the provincial level.
PSTO refers to Provincial Science and Technology Offices that were converted from PSTCs. CASTO refers to the Clustered Area Science and Technology Offices which are satellite offices of the DOST National Capital Region serving similar roles as PSTOs in the NCR.
Commercialization is the process of deriving income or profit from a technology, such as through creating spin-off companies, licensing, or selling the technology and/or Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).
PSTOs identify STI needs and opportunities, implement DOST programs on technology promotion and transfer, develop institutional linkages with different sectors, and perform other functions as determined by DOST authorities.
The PSTO is headed by a Chief Science Research Specialist (CSRC) with a Salary Grade (SG) 24. The existing Senior Science Research Specialist positions (SG 19) are reclassified to this position.
The PSTO Head formulates STI plans, implements and monitors DOST programs, promotes technology adoption by MSMEs, disseminates scientific information, coordinates with academic and government institutions, and ensures overall supervision and fiscal management of the PSTO.
Reclassification follows the Civil Service Commission's Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (ORAOHRA) and Department of Budget and Management rules. The DBM issues the Notice of Organization, Staffing and Compensation Action (NOSCA), and the appointing authority issues the appointment.
The Regional Director and PSTO Head propose the staffing structure, which is vetted by the DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations and reviewed by the DOST Secretary before submission to the DBM for approval. Once approved, the DBM issues the NOSCA.
The initial implementation is charged against the current appropriations of the DOST. Subsequent funding is included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.
The DOST, in consultation with DBM, CSC, and other stakeholders, may formulate supplemental rules or amend the IRR whenever necessary.
The rest of the provisions remain valid and binding even if one part is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a competent court or tribunal.
This IRR took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper or the Official Gazette, following its approval on October 21, 2022.