Question & AnswerQ&A (DOST MAGNA CARTA FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, RESEARCHERS AND OTHER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL IN GOVERNMENT)
The State recognizes science and technology as essential for national development and progress. It commits to human resources development in science and technology to sustain mastery in this field through scholarships, improving education quality, popularization of science, culture, and incentives.
S&T Personnel include S&T managers, supervisors, and planners; members of the Scientific Career System; scientists, engineers, researchers; as well as DOST technicians and related personnel engaged in scientific and technological activities.
They are entitled to benefits such as honorarium, share of royalties, hazard allowance, subsistence allowance, laundry allowance, housing and quarters allowance, longevity pay, and medical examination.
Honorarium is given to personnel who render services beyond regular workload or contribute significantly in their fields, management roles, special projects, or as resource persons in seminars and trainings. Payment is subject to the rules set by the Department.
Royalties from patents, copyrights, or intellectual property rights are shared 60% to the government and 40% to the S&T personnel who produced or undertook the technology/activity during their official functions.
S&T personnel involved in hazardous tasks or work areas receive hazard allowances from 10% to 30% of their monthly basic salary, depending on the hazard's nature and level of exposure.
S&T personnel are entitled to a subsistence allowance equivalent to three meals a day or P150 per day. Those doing half-day service get 50% of this amount, and those with less than 4 hours' service are not entitled.
Yes, permanent S&T personnel can render consultancy services to private sector and receive honoraria in addition to their government salaries. Conditions include no adverse effect on official duties, disclosure of contract terms, limits on hours and projects, and agency approval.
Yes, retired S&T personnel with technical qualifications may be rehired on a contractual basis without refunding gratuity or leave benefits, if no qualified experts are available. They must be medically fit.
The Commission reviews and assesses the state of human resources development in science and technology, computerization, information technology, and implementation of RA 8439. It conducts reviews at least every five years.