EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 128

Purpose: This Executive Order (EO) reorganizes the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) to enhance its effectiveness in meeting the scientific and technological needs of the Philippines.
Mandate: The reorganization is mandated under the Freedom Constitution and aims to promote efficiency in government operations.

Legal Title: This EO is formally known as the "Reorganization Act of the National Science and Technology Authority."

Structural and Functional Changes: The NSTA is restructured to improve its responsiveness and capability.

State Policy Objectives:
- Support local scientific efforts addressing national issues.
- Encourage technological self-reliance.
- Foster public-private partnerships in technology.
- Promote initiatives in science and technology from the private sector.

Central Functions:
- Oversee scientific and technological initiatives.
- Ensure outcomes benefit social and economic development.
- Formulate policies and programs for science and technology.
- Regularly assess the needs of science and technology.

Authority Capacities:
- Formulate a National Science and Technology Plan.
- Promote scientific research in vital areas.
- Support indigenous technology development.
- Maintain a databank for science and technology.
- Conduct training and public awareness campaigns.

Components:
- Offices: Director-General, Deputy Directors-General, Assistant Directors-General.
- Services: Planning and Evaluation, Financial and Management, Administrative and Legal.
- Creation of an Inter-Council Review Board and Sectoral Planning Councils.

Role: The Director-General leads the NSTA and is responsible for its operations, appointed by the President.

Support Structure: Three Deputy Directors-General and three Assistant Directors-General will assist the Director-General, each overseeing specific areas.

Establishment: Five councils created for specific sectors: Industry and Energy, Health, Agriculture and Forestry, Aquatic and Marine, Advanced Science and Technology.
Responsibilities: Formulate plans and allocate funding for research and development.

Functionality: Various specialized institutes (e.g., Industrial Technology Development Institute, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute) are established or reorganized to focus on specific research areas.

Establishment: Regional Offices can be set up in administrative regions to implement policies and coordinate with local agencies.

Integration: Certain agencies (e.g., Philippine National Science Society) will be attached to the NSTA for streamlined operations.

Agency Changes: Specific agencies are abolished, and their functions transferred to the NSTA to consolidate efforts.

Personnel Management: Existing personnel will hold-over in their positions unless separated by law, with defined benefits for those affected by the reorganization.

Budget Allocation: Funds necessary for the EO’s implementation will be sourced from the Authority’s available funds.

Regulatory Power: The Director-General is empowered to issue necessary rules and regulations for effective EO implementation.

Constitutional Compliance: If any part of this EO is declared unconstitutional, other provisions will remain effective.

Inconsistencies: Any conflicting laws, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified.

The reorganization of the NSTA aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific and technological governance in the Philippines.
The establishment of various councils and institutes is intended to foster development across multiple sectors.
Personnel management during the transition includes protections for existing employees, with clear provisions regarding their positions and potential separations.
This EO emphasizes public-private partnerships and local capabilities to foster national development through science and technology.