General Responsibilities of the Authority
- Formulate and implement science and technology policies, plans, and programs.
- Promote scientific and technological activities accelerating economic and social development.
- Continually review the state and needs of science and technology vis-à-vis national development objectives.
Comprehensive National Plan for Science and Technology
- The Authority is tasked to draft a national science and technology plan.
- This plan, once approved by the President, is implemented by all government bodies.
- The plan aligns with the national economic development plan and mobilizes government resources.
- It prioritizes programs, rationalizes funding for research and development, and provides private sector participation guidelines.
Core Functions of the Authority
- Promote scientific and technological R&D in all fields.
- Encourage cooperation between public and private sectors.
- Develop indigenous technology and adapt foreign technology.
- Submit the comprehensive national plan to the President.
- Prepare budget proposals and coordinate fund utilization.
- Implement national delivery systems for research utilization.
- Promote private sector involvement.
- Strengthen manpower through accelerated training and institutional development.
- Maintain a national information bank on science and technology.
- Foster public awareness in science and technology.
Organizational Structure
- Powers and functions vested in the Director General appointed by the President.
- Director General serves as ex-officio member of the National Economic and Development Authority.
- Deputy Directors General appointed by the President assist the Director General.
- The Authority includes the Authority proper, supervised agencies, administratively supervised agencies, and attached corporate entities.
Composition of the Authority Proper
- Includes the Office of the Director General, Planning Service, Financial and Management Service, Administrative Service, and Special Projects Service.
- Special Projects Service manages programs with economic and social value and cooperates with foreign institutions.
Supervised Line Agencies
- National Institute of Science and Technology
- Food and Nutrition Research Institute
- Philippine Institute of Volcanology
- Forest Products Research and Development Institute
- Philippine Invention Development Institute
- Science Promotion Institute (formerly Science Foundation of the Philippines)
- Materials Science Research Institute (newly created, absorbs metals and ceramics research units)
- Each headed by a Director and Deputy Director appointed by the President.
Agencies under Administrative Supervision
- National Academy of Science and Technology
- Philippine Atomic Energy Commission
- Science and Technology Councils except National Research Council of the Philippines
Attached Agencies for Policy Coordination
- Philippine Science High School
- National Research Council of the Philippines
- Director General serves as ex-officio Chairman of their governing boards.
Science and Technology Council System
- Establishes Philippine Councils for Health Research and Development, Industry and Energy Research and Development, Agriculture and Resources Research and Development.
- These Councils, along with the National Research Council, form a Science and Technology Center System.
- Councils have Secretariats headed by Executive Directors appointed by the President.
- Director General coordinates Councils' activities to ensure program synchronization and resource rationalization.
General Responsibilities of Councils
- Formulate sectoral science and technology strategies and programs.
- Program government fund allocations in coordination with the Office of Budget and Management.
- Establish and maintain sector-specific fund generation systems.
Specific Councils Composition and Terms
- Each Council composed of nine members including the Director General as chairman and relevant government and private sector representatives.
- Members appointed by the President upon recommendation by the Director General for two-year terms with staggered initial appointments.
- Vacancies filled by presidential appointment for the unexpired term.
National Research Council of the Philippines
- Retains collegial organizational structure focusing on basic and fundamental research.
- Differentiated from applied research by the other Councils.
- Director General ensures clear delineation of research responsibilities.
Commercialization and Utilization of Technologies
- Technology Resource Center of Ministry of Human Settlements acts as the implementation arm.
- Joint issuance of implementing rules by TRC Board Chairman and the Authority Director General.
- TRC empowered to engage in venture capital development and maintain national data communication systems.
- TRC to establish physical infrastructure and oversee livelihood external assistance programs.
Regional and Foreign Offices
- Authority authorized to establish regional or field extension offices as needed.
- May establish offices abroad subject to Presidential approval.
Advisory Bodies
- Director General may establish advisory bodies or seek advice from recognized scientific, professional, industrial, and trade organizations.
Scientific Career System
- Establishment within the Civil Service covering personnel with advanced science degrees.
- Features merit-based entry, parallel career paths, and incentives for retention.
- Civil Service Commission and Authority responsible for establishment and operation.
Science and Technology Communities
- Establishment of designated science communities promoting resource sharing among institutions.
- Initial communities focus on energy, industrial, and agricultural sciences in specified locations.
Appropriations
- Existing appropriations for the former National Science Development Board to fund the Authority operations.
- Additional funding of not less than fifty million pesos subject to Presidential approval.
Abolition and Transfer of Functions
- Abolishment of the National Science Development Board and its governing bodies.
- Transfer of all functions, powers, records, equipment, and appropriations to the Authority.
- Legal references to the former Board deemed references to the new Authority.
Implementation and Staffing
- Director General authorized to issue implementing rules and appoint qualified personnel.
- Non-appointed personnel deemed laid off.
Layoffs and Career Executive Service
- Layoff of former Presidential appointees unless reappointed.
- Career Executive Service Officers to be reassigned or reappointed.
- Continued salary and placement efforts for Career Executive Service Officers.
Separation Benefits
- Laid-off personnel entitled to existing benefits and gratuities under law.
Continuation of Functions Pending Orders
- Incumbents continue performing duties until implementing orders are issued.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws and regulations repealed or modified.
- Certain sections of Republic Act No. 2067 reaffirmed for Authority and agencies.
Separability Clause
- Unconstitutional provisions do not invalidate remaining provisions if separable.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.