Administrative Code of 1987/Book IV/Title XVIII/Chapter 1

by Corazon Aquino

Layout 2

Chapter 1—General Provisions

Section 1. Declaration of Policy.—The State shall:

(1) Support and encourage local scientific and technological efforts that address national and local problems and positively contribute to national development;

(2) Promote the development of local capability in science and technology to achieve technological self-reliance in selected areas that are vital to national development;

(3) Support and encourage public and private sector partnership aimed at accelerating self-reliance in the selected areas; and

(4) Encourage and support private sector initiatives in science and technology and provide the necessary incentives and assistance to enable the private sector to take increasing responsibility and a greater role in the country's research and development efforts.

Sec. 2. Mandate.—The Department shall provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people.

The Department shall formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects for the development of science and technology and for the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private sectors and ensure that the results of scientific and technological activities are properly applied and utilized to accelerate economic and social development.

The Department shall continually review the state and needs of science and technology in the context of the country's developmental goals.

Sec. 3. Powers and Functions.—To accomplish its mandate, the Department shall:

(1) Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan including specific goals, policies, plans, programs and projects based on the recommendation of the Inter-Council Review Board and, upon approval by the President, monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation by all government agencies and instrumentalities;

(2) Promote, assist and where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological research and development in those areas which are determined to be vital to the country's development and offer optimum returns for the resources employed;

(3) Promote the development of indigenous technology and adaptation and innovation of suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake technology development up to the commercial state, preferably in joint venture with the private sector or with public agencies;

(4) Undertake design and engineering work to complement its research and development functions;

(5) Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake the transfer of the results of scientific and technological research and development, to their end-users;

(6) Promote, assist and where appropriate undertake technological services needed by agriculture, industry, transport, and the general public;

(7) Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and technology for use by both the public and private sectors;

(8) Develop and implement, together with other entities concerned, programs for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in the relevant disciplines through manpower training, and through infrastructure and institution building and rationalization, in both the public and private sectors;

(9) Promote public consciousness of science and technology;

(10) Undertake policy research, technology assessment studies, feasibility studies and technical studies; and

(11) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Sec. 4. Structural Organization.—The Department shall consist of the Office of the Secretary, Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Services, Inter-Council Review Board, Sectoral Planning, Councils, Institutes and Regional Offices. The Secretary shall have supervision and control of the Department except the Inter-Council Review Board and the Sectoral Planning Councils over which he shall only exercise administrative supervision.