Declaration of Policy
- Science, technology, and engineering are vital for national development.
- The State prioritizes research, innovation, and science and technology education.
- Emphasizes quality science and mathematics teaching at the secondary level.
- Provision of scholarships for deserving science students and gifted citizens to pursue higher education/training.
- Incentives for scholars to teach science and technology subjects, especially in their home regions.
General Objectives
- Strengthen science and technology education in the country.
- Fast-track graduates in sciences, mathematics, and engineering for teaching roles.
- Provide scholarships starting in the third year of college in science and technology-related courses.
- Encourage career pursuit in teaching science and mathematics at high schools.
Scholarship Program
- Builds on existing scholarships by DOST through SEI.
- Scholarship awards target competitive and deserving third-year undergraduate students in S&T courses.
- Additional incentives offered to encourage graduates to become high school science and technology teachers.
Eligibility for Scholarship
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Regular third-year college student at award time.
- Enrolled in state colleges/universities or CHED-compliant private institutions under priority S&T courses.
- General weighted average of at least 83% for first two college years.
- Must qualify in the Junior-Level Science Scholarship Examination.
Award Amounts
- Annual scholarship equal to the financial assistance package under Republic Act No. 7687.
- Applicable for full-time study in approved undergraduate programs at quality schools (CHED-compliant or DOST Network Institutions).
- Includes provision for minimum slots in private schools to offset tuition cost differences.
Scholarship Duration
- Awards cover last two years of undergraduate study.
- For five-year courses (e.g., engineering), covers last three years.
- Recipients must be matriculated in an approved program during this period.
Approved Courses and Priority Programs
- Recipients must pursue degrees in science, technology, and engineering as approved and identified by DOST.
- Priority given to applicants enrolled in CHED-compliant priority S&T programs.
Terms and Conditions
- Execution of a service contract is mandatory by scholarship recipients.
- Contract includes agreement to teach as return of service (ROS).
- Agree to approved ROS conditions.
- Obligation to repay scholarship amounts with interest if contract terms are violated.
Return of Service Conditions
- Recipients must teach full-time in approved high school science, math, or technology subjects.
- Minimum teaching obligation: two years.
- Teaching can be in public or private high schools.
Incentive Schemes for Teaching
- Starting salary on par with Special Science Teacher I in the Philippine Science High School System.
- Priority job placement within the country, especially in home provinces.
- One-time relocation allowance if assigned outside permanent residence.
- Scholarships for teacher education courses.
- Requirement to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers within five years.
- Option for prior DOST-SEI scholarship recipients to also join teaching commitment under this Act.
Teacher Training
- Philippine Normal University (PNU) and its network tasked with training hired teachers.
- Allocation of 1,000 scholarships per year for teacher education courses.
- Coordination with DepED for implementation alongside other education acts.
Eligibility of Non-Scholarship STEM Graduates
- Non-scholarship STEM graduates may apply to teach in high schools.
- Must be Filipino citizens.
- Minimum GWA of 83% from reputable universities.
- Must be at least 40 years of age when applying.
- No conflicting service obligations with other programs.
- Entitled to teacher training programs to prepare for full-time teaching.
Implementing Agencies
- DOST-SEI: Main agency for evaluation, awarding, and monitoring scholarships.
- Coordinates with other relevant bodies.
- DepED: Responsible for job placement, hiring qualified graduates, salary grade administration, and monitoring hired teachers.
Review and Monitoring
- DepED, CHED, and DOST to submit progress reports to the President and Congress after 3 years and annually thereafter.
- Includes monitoring hiring and tracer studies of scholars.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOST and DepED to promulgate rules within 60 days post-approval to implement the Act effectively.
Appropriations
- Initial implementation funded from SEI budget under DOST.
- Subsequent funding included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
- SEI authorized to accept grants and donations for scholarships.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision shall not affect the rest of the law.
Repealing Clause
- Prior inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette and two national newspapers.