Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 784)
The National Science Development Board was reorganized into the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA).
The primary function of the Authority is to provide central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological research and development in the country.
The Director General of the National Science and Technology Authority is appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Authority is responsible for formulating the Comprehensive National Plan for Science and Technology, which upon presidential approval, must be implemented by all government agencies and instrumentalities.
Three line agencies under the supervision and control of the Authority include: the National Institute of Science and Technology, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology.
The Councils are responsible for formulating strategies and programs for science and technology development, programming government funds for research and development, and establishing systems to generate funds in their specific sectors.
The Technology Resource Center of the Ministry of Human Settlements is designated as the implementing arm for commercialization and utilization of appropriate technologies.
It establishes a Scientific Career System within the Civil Service covering scientific personnel with advanced degrees, featuring merit-based entry and career progression, parallel career paths, incentives for retention, and measures to enhance system effectiveness.
The National Research Council of the Philippines is attached to the Authority for policy and program coordination and retains its collegial organizational structure focusing on basic and fundamental research.
The balance of appropriations authorized for the National Science Development Board is used for the operational expenses of the new National Science and Technology Authority for the current calendar year, with possible augmentation subject to approval.