Government's Role
- Stimulate efforts to meet the needs of the people.
- Survey scientific and technological resources and develop utilization programs.
- Strengthen education for competent scientific manpower.
- Provide incentives for private scientific work.
- Spread research results and encourage practical applications.
- Facilitate cooperation domestically and internationally.
- Promote coordination to avoid duplication and maximize progress.
- Establish standards, quality control, and documentation.
- Encourage studies in fundamental sciences.
National Science Development Board (NSDB) Creation and Functions
- Coordinate research activities between government and private sectors.
- Formulate national scientific policies with Presidential approval.
- Set priorities and review scientific projects.
- Develop scientific manpower training programs.
- Obtain and manage financial and technical aid.
- Provide financial and technological support to research centers.
- Disseminate research results and promote practical application.
- Award scholarships and incentives to scientists, researchers, and inventors.
- Grant travel and conference support.
- Appoint science attaches and scientific missions abroad.
- Collaborate with education for scientific advancement reforms.
- Promote science consciousness and submit annual reports.
Composition of the NSDB
- Chairman (cabinet rank), Vice-Chairman (Executive Director).
- Members include heads of scientific agencies, university, and representatives from industry, agriculture, education.
- Presidential appointments with Commission on Appointments confirmation.
- Terms of three to six years with defined compensations.
Organization and Operational Structure
- NSDB organized into divisions: Programming, Development, Administrative, Legal, etc.
- Functions with powers of a Board of Directors; requires majority concurrence on resolutions.
- Security clearance required for classified atomic/nuclear matters.
Contracting and Project Implementation
- Chairman authorized to contract for research activities without public bidding.
- Covers multiple scientific disciplines including industrial, agricultural, medical, atomic energy, social sciences.
- Ability to make advance payments and allocate equipment.
- Appointment powers over technical and administrative personnel.
Role of the Vice-Chairman
- Immediate control and supervision of NSDB operations.
National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)
- Implements research programs directed by the NSDB.
- Cooperates with private sectors on multidisciplinary scientific research.
- Conducts standards testing and analysis.
- Operates research centers including industrial, agricultural, medical, biological fields.
- Facilitates project evaluation and recommends assistance.
- Manages patent rights and certifications.
- Provides scholarships and annual reporting.
- Leadership appointed by the President on Board recommendation.
- Structured into administrative and research divisions.
- Authority to reorganize and absorb existing research entities.
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
- Oversees nuclear research and development.
- Establishes nuclear research facilities and sets safety regulations.
- Licenses use of radioactive material.
- Coordinates nuclear science efforts across agencies.
- Represents the Philippines internationally on atomic energy.
- Provides scholarships in nuclear science.
- Led by appointed Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner with security clearances.
- Structured into administrative, training, research, legal divisions.
National Research Council of the Philippines
- Serves as official scientific advisor to the Government and NSDB.
Inter-agency Cooperation
- NSDB can call on other agencies for support in policy and program implementation.
Conflict of Interest Provisions
- Key officers prohibited from practicing professions or engaging in private enterprises related to their official functions.
- Forbidden financial interests in government contracts.
Grants and Donations
- Authorized to receive tax-exempt donations to support scientific research and scholarships.
- Board promotes private foundations; contributions are tax-deductible.
Penalties
- Fine or imprisonment for fraudulent tax evasion relating to grants/donations.
- Corporate liability for offenses.
Employment Provisions
- Exemption from certain wage and position classification laws except for clerical and janitorial staff.
Appropriations and Funding
- Authorization of necessary sums for Act implementation.
- Re-appropriation of existing research funds and agencies.
- Provision for funds to remain available for contract duration beyond fiscal year.
Transfer and Continuance of Assets
- Transfers of existing scientific entities and their assets to NSDB or NIST.
- Ongoing projects continued or reviewed as necessary.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals prior inconsistent laws with specified exceptions.
Effectivity
- Takes effect upon constitution of the Board but no later than thirty days after approval.