Republic Act No. 11914

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title

This Act shall be known as the “Provincial Science and Technology Office Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

It is the policy and duty of the State to fast-track the transfer of relevant and appropriate technologies and services to the rural areas particularly in the enhancement and development of technology-based livelihood enterprises in the countryside.

Section 3. Provincial Science and Technology Officers (PSTOs)

The Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which are the principal instruments of technology transfer and development of technology-based enterprises of the government in the rural areas are converted into PSTOs: Provided, That the existing clustered area offices of the DOST in the National Capital Region (NCR) shall also serve as PSTO to be known as Clustered Area Science and Technology Offices (CASTOs), subject to the evaluation and approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and existing civil service rules and regulations.

Section 4. Functions of the PSTOs

The PSTOs shall have the following functions:

(a) Identify the needs and opportunities in Science and technology (S&T) in the provinces;

(b) Implement DOST programs and projects on technology promotion and transfer, S&T human resource development, S&T promotion and information dissemination, delivery of technical and consultancy services, and such other areas of concern that will benefit the people in the provinces;

(c) Develop institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments, local government units (LGUs), academe and nongovernmental offices for the effective implementation of S&T programs in the provinces; and

(d) Perform other functions as may be determined by the DOST Secretary and the Regional Director.

Section 5. PSTO Head

The PSTO shall be headed by a Chief Science Research Specialist with Salary Grade (SG) 24. For this purpose, the existing position of Senior Research Specialist with SG 19 which is currently held by the head of the PSTCs shall be reclassified as Chief Science Research Specialist.

Section 6. Duties and Responsibilities of the PSTO Head

The PSTO Head shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Formulate the Provincial S&T Plan as well as programs and projects designed to contribute to the development of the province/clustered area;

(b) Implement and monitor the various technology promotion and commercialization programs such as, but not limited to, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST);

(c) Promote the adoption of appropriate technologies by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their operational efficiency and increase productivity as well as to harness the results of scientific research and innovations to produce new and competitive products and services;

(d) Disseminate S&T related information and Research and Development (R&D) results through the conduct of trainings, technology for a and similar activities;

(e) Maintain effective liaison with public and private academic institutions and other government agencies engaged in scientific and technological research, technology transfer and commercialization, education and training;

(f) Coordinate with LGUs and academic institutions for the promotion of scholarship programs aimed to attract science-oriented students to pursue basic and applied sciences to broaden the S&T human resource in the province/clustered area;

(g) Coordinate with public and private organizations in the implementation of human resource and institutional development programs in the province/clustered area;

(h) Promote science consciousness and appreciation among the people of the province/clustered area;

(i) Serve as focal person for S&T inter-agency meetings, conferences, and similar activities in the province/clustered area;

(j) Perform overall supervision of services and operations of the PSTO;

(k) Ensure that appropriate quality management systems are properly implemented and maintained in accordance with international standards in all aspects of operations of the PSTO; and

(l) Perform other related functions as may be assigned by higher authorities from time to time.

Section 7. Staffing Pattern

The Secretary of the DOST shall determine the organizational structure and staffing patter of the PSTO in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations, subject to the review and approval of the DBM.

Section 8. Appropriations

The initial amount for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOST.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations

The DOST, in consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Section 10. Separability

If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 11. Repealing Clause

All laws, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 12. Effectivity

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO III President of the Senate	(SGD.) LORD ALAN JAY Q. VELASCO Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2484 on May 23, 2022 and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 10693 on May 30, 2022.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary of the Senate	(SGD.) MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: Lapsed into law on JUL 30 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE President of the Philippines