AN ACT ESTABLISHING PROVINCIAL CENTERS FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ALL PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Case Overview and Summary

Republic Act No. 6959

Policy and Objectives (Section 1):
- The State aims to accelerate the application and transfer of modern science and technology benefits, particularly to rural areas, to improve the quality of life through higher productivity and increased earning power.

Establishment of Provincial Centers for Science and Technology (Section 2):
- Provincial centers for science and technology shall be established in all provinces of the Philippines under the direct supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
- These centers shall be established in state colleges or universities specializing in science and technology courses, appropriate local government units, or private institutions with proven capability in science and technology.

Functions of the Centers (Section 3):
- Identify the needs and opportunities in science and technology in the provinces. (Section 3a)
- Implement DOST programs/projects on the delivery of science and technology services, such as technology demonstration and transfer, science and technology promotion and information dissemination, and other areas that will benefit the people in the provinces. (Section 3b)
- Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments, local government units, academe, and non-governmental offices for the effective implementation of science and technology programs in the provinces. (Section 3c)

Personnel and Staffing (Section 4):
- The DOST Secretary may designate existing faculty and staff of the university as personnel of the center, nominated by the head of the institution.
- The DOST Secretary may appoint others with the necessary professional and/or technical qualifications and aptitude to work efficiently with the various sectors of the community.

Agreements with Colleges or Universities (Section 5):
- The DOST Secretary is authorized to enter into agreements with the heads of the colleges or universities designated as centers, which may include matters of reporting and payment of honoraria to members of their faculty and staff.

Rules and Regulations (Section 6):
- The DOST, in coordination with other government agencies concerned, shall issue rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Funding (Section 7):
- For the initial operation of the centers, a sum as may be necessary is authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury.
- Thereafter, the sums necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall be included in the annual appropriations of the DOST.

Assistance from Other Government Agencies (Section 8):
- All government agencies and departments shall assist in the implementation of this Act by way of coordination with the DOST, technical advice, and other forms of assistance.

Effectivity (Section 9):
- This Act shall take effect upon its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.