Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1606)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 1606 is to promote scientific, engineering, and technological research, invention, and development in the Philippines by providing scholarships, financial aid, additional compensation, and support to researchers, establishing research centers, and coordinating government research efforts.
They are those undertaking studies or investigations to acquire or discover new knowledge, principles, processes, or information relating to science, engineering, or technology.
The government grants scholarships for gifted citizens, bonuses and financial aid to brilliant and deserving researchers, and additional compensation for government-employed researchers who devote themselves to scientific research instead of engaging in teaching or private business after office hours.
They must no longer engage in teaching or private business after office hours and must devote themselves to scientific research and studies during that time.
The National Science Board is a body created under the Office of the President to administer the program provided in the Act. It coordinates research efforts, releases funds, supervises research projects, organizes staff, and acts as the Board of Directors for the purposes of the Act.
It is composed of one representative each from specified government departments and organizations such as the National Research Council of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, Science Foundation of the Philippines, Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Commerce and Industry, manufacturing industries, and the National Economic Council. Members are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
Its main functions include organizing technical and secretarial staff, coordinating government research to avoid duplication, releasing funds, supervising and regulating financed research projects, and acting as the legal Board of Directors for these activities.
An initial amount of four million five hundred thousand pesos is appropriated for the first year starting 1957, with decreasing amounts in the subsequent years for up to five years, to form the Scientific, Engineering and Technological Research Fund. Additional grants, donations, or aids received are also included and are tax-exempt.
No. Any unexpended appropriations for any particular year shall not revert to the General Fund but remain part of the Special Fund.
The Board must submit a yearly report to the President of the Philippines, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives within 30 days from the opening of Congress. The report includes progress on financed projects, plans for upcoming projects, and a financial report on its operations.
Several institutions and projects include the University of the Philippines Industrial Research and Training Center with textile, pulp and paper, coconut product pilot plants; the National Scientific and Industrial Research Institute with scientific library and pilot plants; College of Pharmacy's drug development from medicinal plants; Science Foundation's science consciousness promotion; College of Agriculture's crop and livestock improvement; Institute of Nutrition's nutrition research; and Department of Health's public health research laboratories, among others.
Yes, the government is authorized to acquire all necessary scientific, engineering, or technical equipment and supplies needed for conducting research.
Yes, the government may enter contracts with private persons, firms, and corporations to undertake scientific, engineering, and technological research, invention, and development that cannot be undertaken by government agencies.
Yes, it authorizes providing travel grants, sending participants to international conferences or congresses, holding international scientific conferences in the Philippines, and establishing exchanges of scientific information with other countries.
The presiding officer is appointed by the President from among the Board members with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. The appointee must not be the chairman of any other government board or council.