Policy and Priority
- Science and technology prioritized for research, development, innovation, and utilization.
- State commits to providing scholarships and incentives to deserving science and technology students and gifted individuals.
Objectives
- Strengthen science and technology manpower.
- Provide scholarships to poor, talented, and deserving students for undergraduate or training programs in science and technology.
Science and Technology Scholarship Fund
- Creation of a dedicated scholarship fund administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial implementation funded from current DOST appropriations.
- Annual increments of P60 million up to P300 million to sustain scholarship recipients.
Coverage of Scholarships
- Applicable to science, mathematics, engineering, and other related fields approved by DOST and DECS.
- Postgraduate scholarships not limited to undergraduate program graduates.
Financial Assistance to Scholars
- Includes tuition, school fees, grants for textbooks, uniforms, transportation, and monthly living allowance.
- Disbursement considers fund availability, purchasing power, and comparisons with other government scholarship programs.
Qualifications for Applicants
- Top 5% of high school graduating class.
- Four-year residency in the municipality before scholarship application.
- Good moral character and health.
Value Formation Program
- Incorporation of courses promoting nationalism, honesty, industriousness, commitment to development, and work ethic among scholars.
Distribution of Scholarship Slots
- Equitable allotment across fields of science and technology.
- Goal of at least two scholars per municipality and ten per congressional district without municipality.
- Preference given to qualified cultural minority members.
Place of Study Within the Philippines
- Scholars must study in DECS and DOST accredited institutions or FAAP-accredited private schools.
- Noncompliance results in disqualification.
Study Abroad Provisions
- Scholars may study overseas at specialized institutions.
- Must execute an undertaking to return and fulfill service obligations.
- DFA to assist in enforcement.
Service Obligation
- Scholars must serve full-time in their field after graduation for a period equal to the scholarship duration.
- Service includes technology-based livelihood, teaching, or related activities.
- Contract execution between government and scholar required.
- Noncompletion students owe service equivalent to scholarship years enjoyed.
- Priority access to credit and support from government agencies for fulfilling service.
- Violation subjects scholars to reimbursement of assistance.
Post-Scholarship Incentives
- Priority job placement in government or private sector.
- Grants and access to government research facilities.
- Credit access from government banks with liberal terms.
- Hardship/hazard allowances for risky research activities.
- Travel and accident insurance coverage.
Advisory Committee
- Chaired by the Secretary of Science and Technology.
- Members include secretaries or representatives from key government departments and two private sector representatives.
- Acts in advisory capacity for program implementation.
Implementing Body
- DOST through the Science Education Institute is responsible for direct program implementation.
Rules and Regulations
- DOST and DECS to promulgate implementing rules within 30 days of the Act's approval.
Transitory Provisions
- Existing state colleges, universities, and private schools with science and technology curricula automatically deemed accredited within 60 days.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified.
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.