Support for Researchers and Research Infrastructure
- Employment of recognized scientists, engineers, and technologists for the training of promising researchers.
- Acquisition of necessary scientific, engineering, or technical equipment and supplies.
- Contracts with private entities for research that cannot be undertaken by government laboratories and agencies.
- Provision of travel grants, aid for research, and participation in international scientific conferences.
- Organization of international scientific and technological conferences in the Philippines and establishment of international exchanges of information.
- Establishment of an industrial research and training center at the University of the Philippines.
Research Agencies and Special Projects
- Allocation of additional funds for expansion and improvement of research institutions.
- Designation of specific research agencies with special projects, including:
- University of the Philippines Industrial Research and Training Center focusing on textiles, pulp and paper, coconut products, and industrial research.
- National Scientific and Industrial Research Institute focusing on the scientific library, laboratory facilities, electrometallurgy, and ceramics.
- College of Pharmacy conducting research on drugs from Philippine medicinal plants.
- Science Foundation of the Philippines promoting science consciousness.
- College of Agriculture focusing on agricultural breeds and disease control.
- Institute of Nutrition enhancing nutrition research and surveys.
- Department of Health conducting research in antibiotics, toxoids, immune plasma, plasma expanders, and gamma globulins.
Definitions
- "Scientific, engineering and technological researchers" refers to individuals conducting studies or investigations aimed at acquiring or discovering new knowledge, principles, processes, or information related to science, engineering, or technology.
Administration - National Science Board
- Established under the Office of the President.
- Composition includes representatives from key scientific, educational, industrial, and governmental organizations.
- Presiding officer appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments consent, must not chair other government boards.
- Executive director appointed by the President on a full-time basis.
Powers and Responsibilities of the National Science Board
- Organize technical and secretarial staff; detailed budget appropriated for salaries, operating expenses, and equipment.
- Coordinate government research projects to avoid duplication.
- Release and administer funds exclusively for the purposes of this Act.
- Supervise and regulate research projects financed under the Act.
- Acts as the Board of Directors for implementing research activities.
Appropriations and Funding
- Special fund known as the Scientific, Engineering and Technological Research Fund created with initial appropriations of:
- ₱4,500,000 for the first year.
- ₱2,380,000 for the second year.
- ₱2,250,000 for each of the third to fifth years.
- Unexpended funds remain in the research fund and do not revert to the General Fund.
- Grants, donations, or aids received for research are tax-exempt and included in the Fund.
Expenditure and Reporting
- The National Science Board exclusively manages the expenditure of the research fund for activities specified in the Act.
- Annual report required to be submitted to the President of the Philippines, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Report includes progress on projects, planned activities for the coming year, and financial status.
Effectivity
- The Act took effect upon approval on August 23, 1956.