Iloilo Science and Technology University
GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society
Lesson 7: Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines
Subject Professor: Jasper L. Pastrano, Ed.D.
Unit Title I : GENERAL CONCEPTS AND STS HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Introduction:
Science and technology policies and laws is an important public instrument that promotes appropriate funding
to advance scientific and technological research and education, studies the impact of science and
technology upon its citizenry, and prescribes regulation, if necessary.
The technology, knowledge and science are fundamental in modern contemporary society.
The understanding of how social, cultural and material elements influence the production of new practices, new
ways of understanding and new institutions is vital in our understanding of contemporary postmodern society.
These must be coherent in order to advance the science and technology of a nation as a platform to development.
Module Outcomes:
After completing this module, the students must have:
1. Discussed the Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines.
Lesson Title 8: Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines
Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1. Recognize State Policies or Laws related to science and technology laws.
2. Explain its importance in the development of a scientific and technological culture in the country.
3. Elucidate its benefits to the country.
Lesson Discussion
The Philippines has acknowledged the importance of science and technology (S&T) as drivers for economic
growth and national development. As such, several laws have been enacted to promote, support, and
regulate these sectors. Here are some notable Philippine laws related to science and technology, along with
brief descriptions:
1. Republic Act (RA) No. 7687 – "Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994"
o Description: This law provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose
families have socio-economic disadvantages. They are supported to pursue courses in the
fields of science and technology. The aim is to promote S&T education and ensure a
reservoir of talented Filipino scientists, engineers, and other S&T professionals.
2. RA 8439 – "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and other Science and
Technology Personnel in Government"
o Description: The law seeks to promote the rights and welfare of S&T professionals
working in government institutions. It provides benefits such as hazard allowances,
subsistence, longevity pay, and others. It also underscores the importance of S&T
personnel to national development and ensures they are given proper incentives and
support.
3. RA 10055 – "Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009"
o Description: The law establishes a framework for the ownership, management, use, and
commercialization of intellectual property generated from government-funded R&D. It
seeks to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of technology for the benefit of society.
4. RA 10612 – "Fast-tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013"
o Description: This expands the coverage of the S&T scholarships under RA 7687. It is
geared toward strengthening the country's science and technology education by fast-
tracking graduates of programs in those fields into the teaching profession in secondary
education.
5. RA 11293 – "Philippine Innovation Act"
o Description: Enacted in 2019, this law aims to promote a culture of innovation within the
country. It provides mechanisms to improve the entrepreneurship ecosystem, facilitates
access to funding, and supports the establishment of innovation centers, among other
initiatives.
o
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Iloilo Science and Technology University
GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society
Lesson 7: Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines
Subject Professor: Jasper L. Pastrano, Ed.D.
6. RA 11363 – "Advanced Science and Technology Human Resource Development Act"
o Description: This act seeks to institutionalize a program that supports the advanced studies
of S&T professionals, both in local and foreign institutions. This ensures the country has
high-quality professionals leading the S&T innovations and initiatives.
7. RA 11206 – "Balik Scientist Act"
o Description: Recognizing that many Filipino scientists and experts have gone overseas,
this law encourages them to return and contribute to the country. It offers benefits and
incentives to those who come back to the Philippines to share their expertise and participate
in research, capacity-building, and other S&T-related activities.
8. Republic Act No. 8439 - "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other
Science and Technology Personnel in the Government"
o Date Enacted: December 22, 1997
o Description: This law was formulated to promote and improve the conditions of science
and technology workers in the country. It provides benefits, such as a honorarium for those
engaged in R&D activities, additional insurance coverage, and provisions to retain and
attract quality scientists and researchers in the country.
9. Republic Act No. 10612 - "An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology
Scholarship Program and Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in
Secondary Schools"
o Date Enacted: August 23, 2013
o Description: This law expands the coverage of scholarships offered to talented and
deserving students pursuing careers in science and mathematics. It also aims to upgrade
the quality of science and mathematics teaching in the country.
10. Republic Act No. 11293 - "Philippine Innovation Act"
o Date Enacted: April 17, 2019
o Description: This Act aims to stimulate and encourage innovative activities of micro,
small, and medium enterprises. It establishes a national innovation council that will
develop the country’s innovation goals, priorities, and long-term national strategy.
11. Republic Act No. 7845 - "Science and Technology Act of 1994"
o Date Enacted: February 24, 1994
o Description: This law aims to promote science and technology as a means to achieve
national progress. It mandates the government to allocate a specific budget for S&T
activities, support R&D, and develop science and technology infrastructure.
12. Republic Act No. 8293 - "Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines"
o Date Enacted: June 6, 1997
o Description: This law provides the legal framework for intellectual property protection in
the Philippines. It covers topics related to patents, trademarks, and copyright, vital for
technological development and innovation.
13. Republic Act No. 9275 - "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004"
o Date Enacted: March 22, 2004
o Description: This legislation aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution by
industry and other human activities. It emphasizes the importance of scientific and
technological research to address water pollution.
14. Republic Act No. 11206 - "Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act"
o Date Enacted: February 20, 2019
o Description: This Act seeks to modernize and streamline the permitting process of power
generation, transmission, and distribution projects in the country through a unified online
system.
These laws signify the country's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to scientific and
technological advancements. They aim to boost the country's global competitiveness, address social and
economic challenges, and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.
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Iloilo Science and Technology University
GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society
Lesson 7: Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines
Subject Professor: Jasper L. Pastrano, Ed.D.
The enactment and implementation of laws related to science and technology (S&T) in the Philippines, or
any country for that matter, have profound implications for cultivating a robust scientific and technological
culture. Here's why these laws are crucial for developing such a culture:
1. Promoting Research and Development (R&D): Laws that support and fund R&D activities can
lead to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements. As more individuals and
institutions engage in R&D, the culture of inquiry and innovation becomes deeply embedded in the
national psyche.
2. Education and Capacity Building: Laws that focus on strengthening the teaching of science and
mathematics, as well as those that provide scholarships in S&T fields, create a well-educated and
technically-skilled workforce. A population with a strong foundation in these areas is essential for
a thriving S&T culture.
3. Protection of Intellectual Property: Laws like the Intellectual Property Code ensure that
inventors, researchers, and creators are protected and incentivized. By safeguarding their rights,
innovators are encouraged to produce more, knowing that their creations won't be taken without
due credit or compensation.
4. Infrastructure and Resource Allocation: Laws that mandate the development of S&T
infrastructure or allocate specific budgets for S&T activities ensure that the sector gets the
necessary resources. With proper facilities, tools, and funding, research can flourish, further
propelling the S&T culture.
5. Private Sector Engagement: When laws facilitate ease of doing business for technology-driven
enterprises or promote innovation in the private sector, it draws more entities into the S&T arena.
This, in turn, creates an environment where businesses see the value in investing in R&D, leading
to more technological advancements.
6. Public Awareness and Appreciation: With laws promoting and supporting S&T, there's increased
public visibility of the sector. This can help in developing a broader public appreciation for science
and technology, making it an integral part of the national culture.
7. Addressing National Challenges: A country with a strong S&T culture is better equipped to
address its challenges, be they in health, agriculture, energy, or any other sector. The solutions that
emerge from a scientifically engaged community can be more sustainable and effective.
8. International Collaboration: Laws that support and prioritize S&T can also pave the way for
international collaborations. Working with other nations can lead to knowledge exchange, capacity
building, and access to technologies and methodologies that might not be available domestically.
9. Economic Growth: A thriving scientific and technological culture can be a significant driver of
economic growth. Innovations can lead to new industries, job creation, and increased
competitiveness in the global market.
In essence, a strong legal framework supporting science and technology not only propels the country's
progress in these fields but also ingrains the values of inquiry, innovation, and rational thinking into the
very fabric of the nation's culture. Over time, this can transform the country into a hub of innovation and
scientific excellence, making it better equipped to face future challenges and harness opportunities.
The promotion of a scientific and technological culture in the country through supportive laws can yield
tangible benefits.. Here are the overarching benefits and corresponding specific examples related to the
Philippines:
1. Economic Growth and Diversification:
o Benefit: Advancements in science and technology can lead to the emergence of new
industries, attract foreign investments, and increase a country's competitiveness in the
global market.
o Example: The Philippines' Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has grown
immensely due to advancements in ICT infrastructure and training. This sector's expansion
has significantly contributed to the country's GDP and offered employment opportunities
to millions.
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Iloilo Science and Technology University
GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society
Lesson 7: Science and Technology Laws in the Philippines
Subject Professor: Jasper L. Pastrano, Ed.D.
2. Job Creation:
o Benefit: A robust S&T sector creates diverse job opportunities, ranging from research roles
to technical and administrative positions.
o Example: The Philippine Science and Technology Park (PSTP) acts as a hub for R&D
companies, creating high-skilled job opportunities in various tech fields.
3. Enhanced Problem-solving Capabilities:
o Benefit: With a solid S&T base, countries can address pressing national issues more
effectively by harnessing technological solutions and evidence-based policies.
o Example: To address challenges in agriculture, the Philippines developed flood-resistant
rice varieties, crucial for a country often hit by typhoons.
4. Health and Medical Advancements:
o Benefit: Strong support for biomedical research and healthcare technology can lead to
better medical facilities, treatments, and preventive measures.
o Example: The Philippine Genome Center played a pivotal role in sequencing the SARS-
CoV-2 virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping in monitoring and understanding
virus variants for better public health responses.
5. Improved Educational System:
o Benefit: Emphasizing S&T in education equips the next generation with critical thinking
skills, a scientific temperament, and a foundation for technological professions.
o Example: The incorporation of a more robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics) component in the Philippine K-12 program ensures students are better
prepared for global challenges.
6. Boost in Innovation:
o Benefit: A thriving S&T ecosystem encourages innovation, leading to startups, patents,
and home-grown technological solutions.
o Example: The DOST's "Balik Scientist" program has led to significant contributions in
local R&D, bringing global expertise back home and fostering innovation.
7. Environmental Protection and Conservation:
o Benefit: Leveraging technology can lead to better resource management, conservation
efforts, and sustainable practices.
o Example: The Philippines' use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology
has improved the management and monitoring of its rich biodiversity, forests, and coastal
zones.
8. Modernization of Infrastructure:
o Benefit: Science and technology can lead to the construction of modern, resilient, and
sustainable infrastructure.
o Example: Modern construction technologies and materials, backed by scientific research,
have been used in the Philippines to build infrastructure capable of withstanding natural
calamities.
These benefits highlight the transformative power of science and technology, and when a nation like the
Philippines invests in and promotes this sector, it stands to reap wide-ranging rewards, from economic
prosperity to improved quality of life for its citizens.
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