Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 784)
Executive Order No. 784, issued on March 17, 1982, reorganizes the National Science Development Board into the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA), providing central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological research and development in the Philippines.
The NSTA is the reorganized agency from the National Science Development Board that serves as the primary government agency responsible for directing and coordinating scientific and technological research and development in the Philippines.
The Authority is headed by the Director General of the NSTA, who is appointed by the President of the Philippines and serves as an ex-officio member of the National Economic and Development Authority.
The NSTA formulates and implements policies, plans, and programs for science and technology development, promotes scientific activities, ensures proper application of research results, reviews the state of science and technology in light of development goals, and mobilizes resources for S&T advancement.
It is a national plan formulated by NSTA that aligns with the country's economic development plan to coordinate all government scientific and technological efforts, establish priorities for programs and projects, rationalize government R&D funding, and involve the private sector in research and development.
Agencies under NSTA supervision include the National Institute of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Philippine Institute of Volcanology, Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Philippine Invention Development Institute, Science Promotion Institute, and Materials Science Research Institute.
The Councils formulate strategies and programs for science and technology development in their specific sectors, program the allocation of government R&D funds, establish fund-generation systems, and are coordinated under a Science and Technology Center System to avoid duplication and rationalize resources.
It is a system within the Civil Service covering scientific personnel with advanced degrees, providing merit-based entrance and career progression, parallel career paths, incentives for retention, and other measures to strengthen science and technology manpower.
The Technology Resource Center under the Ministry of Human Settlements serves as the implementing arm to promote commercialization and venture capital development, expand data communications, and oversee livelihood assistance programs utilizing appropriate technologies.
Employees may be appointed to positions in the new NSTA; those not appointed are laid off and entitled to separation benefits. Presidential appointees are laid off unless reappointed, while Career Executive Service Officers may be reassigned or reappointed, with provisions for placement and continued salary during reassignment.