ett Ropublo ofthe Philipinis DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Bioutan, City of Taguig MAGNA CARTA FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, RESEARCHERS AND OTHE! TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL IN GOVERNMENT (Republic Act No, 8439) ' IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS As Amended q BACKGROUND ER SCIENCE AND Pursuant to Section 22 of Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Sclence and Technology Personnel in’ Government approved on December 22, 1997 which took effect on February 4, 1998, the following Rules and Regulations, as amended, are hereby adopted to effectively implement the provisions of the Act. RULE I - COVERAGE ‘SEC. 1 DECLARATION OF POLICY The State recognizes science and technology as an essential element for the attainment of national development and, progress, To attain this objective, it Is hereby declared the policy of ee ‘the State to provide for a program of human resources development in science and technology j {0 achieve and maintain the necessary competent pool of expertise that wil sustain is drive for total science and technology effectiveness and excollence. . The State shail establish, promote and support programs leading to the.realization of this Se Objective, such as the science, tectinology and engineering scholarship programs; Improvement of the quality of science, technology and engineering education; promotion ‘of science and technology culture; and provision of incentives for pursuing careers In science and technology. {n furtherance of this policy, tie sclence and technology community shall ensure the ulllzation of research and development resulls to maximize benefits from such endeavors, SEC, 2 DEFINITION OF TERMS ' 4 2.4 Department Department refers to the Department of Sclence and Technology (DOST) created under i Executive Order No. 128. ; 22 Scientific and Technological Activities (STA) Scientific and Technological Activites rofer to all systematic activitles concemed with the Generation, advancement, dissemination and application of sclentiic and technical knowledge in ail flelds of natural science and technology. 23 STA are classified into three broad groups, namely: 2.3.4 Research and Experimental Development (R&D)“Research and Experimental Development is any systematic and creative work undertaken in the physical, natural, mathematical, and applied sclences in order {0 Increase the stock of knowledge, and tho use of this knowledge to devise rey applications; 2.3.2 Sclentiic and Technological Services (STS) Sclentinic end Technological Services refer to activites In support of sclentife research and development, dissemination and applications of sclentifie and {echnical knowledge (Le, library, Information and museum services; geological and hydrological surveys; information and communicalions technology services; nelecrological and seismological observations; compilation of routine statistics, {esting, precision measurements, calibration, standardization and quality control; Counseling of clients; patenting and ticensing; engineering and. technical setvices); and : . 2.3.3 ” Scientific and Technical Education and Training (STET) + ~ Sclentific and Technical Education and Training rofer to all activities comprising highor education and training leading to a university degroe, graduate, post. graduate and further training, ‘organized tfelong ‘traning for sciontisis and ‘engineers, and specialized non-university highier education, . ; , SEC. 3 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S87) PERSONNEL Section & of Republic Act No,'8439 classitles S&T personnol in the following categories: (a) S&T managers, supervisors and planners; (t) members of the Sclentific Gareor Systom: (©) Scientists, engineers, and researchers; and (qd) DOST technicians and related S&T personnol, Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8439 provides thal government S&T’ personiel not employed by tho Department of Science and Teclmolcgy (OOST), who are Involved in STA may avail of the benefits under this Act upon certification of the DOST Secretary. Personnel of Rad Instiuons and other organizations may be classified as S&T personnel provided that their institutions and the units in said institullons to which they belong have, among their major mandates and functions, those relating to science and technology; and provided further, that the personnel's Individual funcitons relate to STA as defined In Section 3-0f Republic Act No: 8439, * 34, \S@T-Managers; suparvisors and Planners SAT. managers, supervisors and’planners are those who are graduate degrae holders or have at least ton yours of managerlal exporionce of are performing ‘executive, planning and policy-making functions to effectively carry out S&T-related activities as defined in Section 3 of Republié Act No. 8439. 3.41.1 S&T Managers aro those who are employed in R&D institutions or other organizations conducting STA and who accupy the positions of Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, Executive Director, Directcr, Regional Director, Deputy Executive Director, Deputy Director, Department Service Chief and other officers of equivalent rank as may be Identified by the Carer Execullve Service Board. S&T managers are these who are directly supervising ‘STA. S&T manager positions are with equivalent salary grades of 27 and above,3.1.2 S&T Supervisors ara those who are em iployed in R&D Institutions or other ganizations conducting STA and who occupy the positions of Assoclate Sclentist, Assistant Sciontist, Division Chief, Suporvism , i 9 Science Research ‘Spedallst and other positions of equlvalent rank. Sar supervisors are those who ate directly supervising or undertaking STA. S&T supe sitions are with equivalent salary grades of 22 and above ee 9.2 Members of the Sclentifie Career system Members of the Scientific ‘Career ‘System are thosa who have been conferred the rank of sclontstin the Sclentiic Carver System pursuant to Execulive Order Nos 794 and 904 dated 17 March 1982 and 19 July 1983, respoctvely. 4.9 Sclentists, Engineers, and Researchers Scientists, enginests, and researchers are those who are ‘employed at the Research and Development institutes and attier organizations, who are. at least allege degree holders in any of the natural sclence and engineering courses and are Involved in research and development or, other scientific and {echnological activites. Natural science and engincering courses shall Include, but not limited to, basicinatural sciences and mathematics; engineering and tnformation and communicatians technology; medical sclences and agricultural sciences under the Scientific Career System; physical anthropology; physical geography; “library and archival sciences, and solentific “and ‘technical documentation, Sclentists, erigineers, and researchers are individuals who, as above mentloned, Spend at least tify percent of tholr oficial time in the conception and application of ‘scientific knowledge, and/or engineering and technological principles, Products, processes, methods and systems, 34 DOST Technicians end DOST S&T-Related Personnel 3.41-DOST technicians.aro. persons who operate-and maintain-technical and-sclentific 34.2, equipment, and perform: other related tasks connected with’ research ‘andthe - Application of concepts and operational methods in the fields of engineering and Palural sclencos. They have acquired their technlcal competencies either through baccalaureate degree program or on-the-job learning or completion of relevant technical-vocational education and training courses, DOST S&T-related personnel refer only to all other DOST employees who do not ually under the preceding sections and ara providing support services to S&T Personnel and performing furictions such ‘as, but'not limited to, secretarial, erica, nancial, maintenance work; science leaching and training; information handling, processing, arid services; marketing and promotion; statistical work; data gathering; planning; documentation and putilcation; library services and other scientific and technological services,$48 DOST technicians and DOST saT-‘clated personnel must possess any-of the following qualifications: . 34.3.1 Have at least 12 unlts In natural science, engingering and other related courses; or A ; 94.3.2 Have completed any appropriate technical training which enhances thelr skits { from an institution, including the DOST Technology Training Center ard is Accredited training institutions, duly recognized by the DOST Secretary and, " provided further, that the DOsT Ss secretary shall determine the appropriate raining requirements for each position, SEC. 4 EXEMPTION FROM THE ATTRITION LAW.AND CIVIL SERVICE RULE ON NEPOTISM Appointment of S&T personnel to positions of research assistant and upwards shall not be covered by the Altrition Law and Civil Service Commission (CSC) rule on nepotism in ‘consideration of the highly technical nature of these positions. wee RULE II BENEFITS ‘SEC. 1. WHO ARE ENTITLED ‘S&T personnel who occupy piantita positions whether p or part-time basis, and contractual, casual or emerger appropriations “now provisions of Section hereunder, jermanent or temporary, on full-time ney positions charged to lump-surh existing or hereafter created provided that. they conform with the 5 of Republic Act No, 8439, shall be entitled ta the benefits provided ‘SEG.2 TYPES OF BENEFITS ‘Notwithstanding Soction 12 of Republic Act No. 6788, science and technology personnel ! defined under Section 5 of R. A. No. 8438, shall recelve tho following benefits: honorarium, share In royalties, hazard allowance, subsistence allowance, laundry allowance, housing and quarters allowance, longevity pay and medical examination, 2.1 HONORARIUM ‘SAT personriel wito render services beyond the established regular workload, whose broad 7 and-Superior knowledge, expertise or professional standing In a specific field contributes to * , productivity-and-innovativeness, shall be-entilled to-recoive-honorarlum subject to rules Set ‘by the Department, . 2.2 SHARE IN ROYALTIES 2.21 Share In royalties shall bé defined as a share in the proceads of royally payments arising from patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights. 2.2.2" Intellectual property rights as presently defined in the Intellectual Property Gode : shall consist of the following: : . Copyrights and related rights; . b, “Trademarks and service marks; : *.& Goographic indleations; . “d. Industrial designs; . @. Patents;f. Layout designs (opographies) of integrated trouits; “9 Protection of undisclosed information; 223 SAT scientists, engineers, technologists, Tesoarchors and other S&T personnel {nvolved In STA shall be ented to receive share Ic royalties sublect to the guidelines of the Department. The share in teyeltie eran ne on a sty percent ial, Percent (60%-40%) basis in favor of the Govenmes and the personnel tig Ned in the techictogy/actvty which nas been produced oF undertaken during the regular performance of their functions, 224° If the researcher works with a private currently or to be concerned, any royalty arising therofrr 2.3 HAZARD ALLOWANCE "2.3.1" Hazard allowance is’ a! compensation’ premium, ‘wl Personnel who are exposed to hazards, directly or indirect Jocation of their work, * ” “hich |s generally paid to S&T ly, bocause of the nature and/or egg lo 30% of Uielr monthly basie salary. If exposure to hazard fs indirect, the S&T personnel is entitled to hazard allowance Of 15% of thelr monthly basic salary, Indirectly expased are ‘those who have frequent interaction with personnel Paaaenciés who are divecly exposed lo hazards, or fom tine to lime exposed to ¢,. hazardous workplaces, 2.3.3, Hazardous workplaces cover any of th following: 2.3.3.4 Dificlldistressed or hardship posts characterzed by distanca, inconvenience of "travel duo to bad roads and coneitions ofthe terai, isolation, inaccessibilly and extreme weather caltditions; reinote/depressed areas; * 23.8.2 Work arogs on land, air, and seas that are high danger zones to natural hazards; 2.3.3.3 Work areas that may poss risks or danger to health or safety due to exposure. to dangerous. working conditions or environmehtal elements such as, contaminants; ionizing radiation; cornmunicatle, contagious, infectious disonses; flammabie/combustible, explosive, reactive, corrosive and toxic chemicals and biologicals; absence or inadequate supply of safe and poiable water, harmful Physical substances and mechanical dovices, operation. of hoavy €qulpment/apparatus; and other onvironmental hazards; 2.3.34 Stife-tom or embattled areas where conflict exists; 2.3.2.5 Work areas declared as under a state of calamity or emergency; 2.3.3.6 Laboratories and service workshops234 Other Provisions 2.3.4.4 The agency head shail determina the personnel ent titled to this allowarice and the g ‘extent of exposure of said personnel to hazards, 7 2.3.4.2 Payment shall be based on aelual exposure to hazard In tho work aroa and whilo ve In the performance of the assigned work, ‘The. entitlement, to the hazard allowance shall ba co-terminus with tho assignment of the personnel in the hazardous work or work areas, 243 Personnol wino aro enilled to receive hazard allowance under exlsting laws, “Special laws, charters or enabling acts may opt to avail Instead, of the hazard E allowance under R. A. No, 8498, 2.3.4.4 Personnel who are on secondment or who ‘agency are not entitled to the agency to which they allowance, aro on full ime detail to another the hazard allowance except when the personnel of are seconded or detalled ara entitled to such an us work areas shall be duly certified by tho” pon recommendation of the agency head, The ippropriate. authorized agency for the necessary 2.3.4.5 Tho declaration of the hazardo Secrotary of the Department uy ’ : Secretary may refer to the aj certification. i 24 SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE |. : : 2.44.’ S&T personnel are entitled to full subsistence allowance equivalent to three imeals a day or one hundred fifty pesos (P150.00) per day, 24.2, In caso an employes renders half-day service, helsti Is entlled to fifty percent (50%) or seventy-five pesos (P75.00). The payment of this allowance shall be : based on the actual presence of the S&T personnel either In the office or on official businessfofficlal time. Services of less than four hours shall not entile the ‘employes to subsistence allowance, 7 : S . 2.4.3 ° Those asslgnied outside of their regular work stations are entitled to per diem as Provided by pertinent administrative issuances, Instead of subsistence allowance. Likevilse, the stipends of scholars shall be in liew of subsistence allowance, 2.44 S&T personnel pursuing highereducatlon-and-attending-local non-degree training ‘on official time without stipend, shall.be entitled to subsistence-allowance. * «2:5, LAUNDRY ALLOWANCE i. ‘S&T personnel who aro required to wear-the prescribed uniform during office hours shall be entited to laundry allowance of five hundred pesos (P500.00) per month. Personnel who are exempted under existing regulations, from wearing uniform are also entitled to receive the allowance, 2.6 HOUSING AND QUARTERS ALLOWANCE 2.6.1 “Housing and quarters allowance Is given to S&T personnel who are on duly beyond office hours in laboratories, R&D centers and other government facilities.“i 2.6.2 , Employees concefned are ented to free ting quarters within the government faclily where they are stationed, provided, thelr residence Is ovisce the ‘ily ‘lometer radius from such government faclity. 283 Avalimen! of housing and quartors is subject to avallabity of facies. lf there aro ‘one, costs of board and lodging shall bo bora by the ageney correc, 2.7. LONGEVITY PAY. 2.14. A month langevity pay equivalent to five percent ofthe monthly basa salary shat service shall mean service without gap and with a very satistactory perfomance rallrg for the last two semesters lmmediatoly preceding the-date of eniilement of Sad benefit. Service. without gap-Inclides leave with pay; privilege. leaves authorized by the Civil Service Commission; leave without pay but authorized by the head of agency on vaild grounds such’ as prolonged sickness and efforts to Professlonatize the civil service. During the spectic year that the employee did not Perform meritoriousty, he/she shall not be entiled.to receive the longevity pay for ~ that period. 272 Payment of longevity pay shall cover the entire S&T. government service as. defined In the above provision, from ihe S&T Personnels orginal appointmont, subject to. the approval of the DOST ‘Secretary upon the recommendation of the agency head. 28 MEDICAL EXAMINATION: 2841, During the tenure of thelr employment, the ‘S&T personnal shall be given-a , Compulsory free médical examination onco a year and Immunizations as the casa 7! may warrant, : : 28.2 Tho medical examination shall include: . a. . Complete physical examination; +". be’ Routine laboratory, chest xray and EGG; X ¢. - Psychometric examination; dy ‘Dental examination; and ©. Other indicated examination. SEC. 9 PROHIBITION AGAINST DIMINUTION AND/OR ELIMINATION, + Nothing in R.A. No. 8439 and In this IRR shall be construed fo eliminate of In any way clmintsh benefits belng enjoyed by S&T personnel at the time of the effeciivty of R. A. No. a : . : 5 co SEC. 4 PROHIBITION AGAINST DQUBLE BENEFITS, : : | _ i ‘S&T personnel already. recelving'the same benefits under any other law shail not allowed to avail of the benefits under R.A. No. 8439 unless they submit In wilting thelr : withdrawal of the benefits already being received and opt for thase herein provided.‘SEC, 5 TERMINATION OF ENTITLEMENT TO BENEFITS Entitlement to benefits under R. A. No, £439 shail be terminated when the grantee ceases J to perform as S&T porsonnel by Feason of change of work assignment to non-S&T functions, retirement, death, resignation, transfer, dismissal, reorganieallon of phase out activity, and similar cause. RULE Iil~ SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS SEG. 1. CONDITIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS S&F personnel in public and private sectors shall be entiléd to avail of scholarship benefits and grants to pursue undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate ‘or tr: ig courses In accordance with a Scholarship Program implemented by the Department. 144. Scholarship privileges may be on fulrimo or parttime basis and shall Include tuition : : {o0,.book allowance, transportation allowanco, monthly stipend dissertallon grants, ' “ "+ lisurance and the payment of regular salary and other Benois. 5 , 12° Grantees of the prograrri may study within the Phiippines or abroad provided th the Department shall provide sitict measures to. ensiwre thelr return to the country to render the service obligation, : 1.2. -Reclplents of undergraduate schoiarships shall, after graduation, be required to Tender servico in the government for the equivalent number of years that they availed of their scholarships. However, In case where there are no available positions in the Government, they may be allowed to work In the private sector. SEC. 2 PRIVILEGES OF GOVERNMENT S&T SCHOLARS AND TRAINING GRANTEES | : 2.1” Graduates or grantees of goverment S&T scholarship pragrams or trainings shall be given temporary waiver of CSC elighilities for at least two years. They can be hired In 7 the-government'service on a temporary basis for two years while waiting for the ‘eloase of the results of examinations of the Civil Service Commission or professionat censure examinations of the Professional Regulation Commission, 2.2 Graduates or grantees of government S&T scholarship programs or trainings shall-be given preferential access to financial grants from. any government. agency/financlal . Institution authorized to extend grants and loans with easy terms, forscienco and ‘technology projects which are viable and in tine with the development thrusts of the ‘country, Avaliment of grants and loans shall be subject to the following: 224 The accumulated duration of training availed of should be at least six months . "and In tine with one's expertise, and within the mandates of tho agenoy. 2.2.2. Application for grants or loans shall be-subject ta the evaluation of the DOST ‘and the government agencyifinanclal institution. 22.3. The grant or loan shall be used to undertake an S&T project or to commercialize technologies.RULE IV- CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND DETAIUSECONDMENT TO THE, . PRIVATE SECTOR SEC. 1 CONSULTANCY SERVICES: 44 General Conditions Sclentists, engineers, researchers, technolaglsts, DOST techniclans and other DOST S&T-related personnel. shall be allowed to render consultancy sarvices te a private Sector and shall be entitled to recelve such tonorarlum thet may be pald to tis by the Private entity concemed, Such paymonts shall be over and above thetesalrlos te, the geverment during the period of consultancy and shall not be considered as double et te wots Provided, that the consultancy work does not jeopardize or adversely affect the operations or activities of the mother agency; that there shall be full disclocore, ff the consultancy contract to the mother agency; and provided futher, that itis subject {0 the approval of the Secretary of the department concemed, . 12 Speciite conditions 412.4. Sat personnél who: réndér consultancy services ‘shall have permanent i appointment. : Contractual and casual personnel whoso salarles ara charged to lump-sum appropriation may. bo allowed to accept consultancy services on a selective basis as may be detormined by the agency head, . 1.2.2. In additon to, cne's regular projects,’the S&T personnel shall be allowed to provide either local or foreign.consultancy work In any private entity. Local Consultancy shall be allowed for a'maximum of forty-eight working days por year taken either on staggered, or cumulative’ basis; and foreign consultancy shall be allowed a maximum of two months per year. In case of extension, the SAT personnsl must file a leave of absenos not to exceed one year inclusive of the two-month consultancy period already avalled of, subject to tho approval of : the agency head, : nee 4.2.3 There shall be full disclosure of the consultancy conitaci to the mother agency, as govemed by a tripartite contract among the hiting institution, the mother agency and the S&T personnel. - 1.24» S&T personnel cannot tender consuitancy services to an Institution wher thoy hhave direct oversight functions or where they are responsible‘for the evaluation : . and screening of projects funded by grants from their agencies. SEC. 2 DETAIL/SECONDMENT.TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR 24. General Conditions Provisiois of existing laws notivthstarding, sclentsts, enginoers, researchers, i and other S&T-retated personnel who are employed on a reqular basis in the : government, may be seconded to any private entity where such services are ‘Needed; provided, that the duration of such secondment shall not exceed one year; ihe detail or secondment of sald personne! will not hamper or adversely affect the operations or activities of the mother agency; and the head of the agency approves the datall or secondment.] | i as se 24.9° Such secondment shall not likewise affect the Sat ersonnel's security of tenure or result in the loss of one's senlorily rights, 2.2 Special Conditions 22.1 " S&T personnel who have rendered atieast four years of continuous and actual Setvico in the agency shall be allowed secondment to a private enily requting __ their expertise, for not mora than twelve months. 222° SAT personnel who avail of this arrangoment must seive the DOST or : Soncemed agency for four years after the secondment before another ,. Secondment may be granted’ upon the recommendation ‘of the agency head . and approval of the Secretary of the department concerned, 223 During the sacondment, the S&T personnel shall receive salary and other Donefits including commutable leave credlis ona may be entitled to from the 7 private entity where one Is seconded. Such personnel shall not be entiled to any benefits provided under Republic Act No, 8439, 2.2.4 The agreement for secondment shall be covered by a triparlite contract among the S&T personnel, the mother agency, and the private ently, with full isclosure of the terms and conditions of the secondment. 2.25 Incase the seconded S&T personnel opis to continue the secondment beyond the period agreed upon, or to remain in the private sector, he/she shall have to reslgnretire from the government service provided. that he/she has no Scholarshipiservice/financial obligation to the mother agency. Provided further, that the period of secondiment immediately preceding the resignation shall not be counted in the computation of the number ‘of years of service in the government. ‘RULE V—HIRING CF RETIRED SCIENTISTS AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL -SEC. 1 HIRING OF RETIRED S&T PERSONNEL 1.1 S&T personnel retired under any existing law, who, In the judgment of the governing board or head of a research agency, possess technical quailficallons and the capability to undertake specific scientific research activities, may bo rehired on contractual basis without refunding the unexpired portion of the gratuity and accumulated leave benefits recelved by them from the government; provided that no qualified sclenoa and technology expert currently employed In the agency is available to, undertake sald ‘sclentific activities, 1.2 Tho retired S&T personnel to be rehired must be mentally, emotionally and phystoally ft a5 supported by a medical certificate,RULE VI- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS SEC. 1 SaT AWARDS ‘14. A Science and Technology Awards Committee shall be established which shall confer annually tho sclence and lk peggy wards for outstanding. achlovements we excellonce or original contribution to science enn technology. ‘The Committee shall Proarlgate guidelines implementing this Section are shall specify the categories of awanis to be given and the amount of financial reward foreach category, 1.2, Such Committee shall take Into co sideration the existing awards system being Administered by the various councils 1 and agencies of the DOsT, RULE VIl- CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON ‘SCIENCE AND : TECHNOLOGY.REVIEW SEC. 1 CONGRESSIONAL COMMissioN oN ‘SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REVIEW Fursuant to See. 49'of R. A. No. 84389, the Congressional Commission on Science and ppchnology (S&T. COM) shall review and aseoee, among’ others, the state’ of the rripeine human resources development in S&1 ne cee Of computerization and Information technology In the Philippine economy end society, and the Implementation ‘of Republic Act No. 8439. Such Congressional review. ‘shall bo undertaken at least one ‘ : every five years, : RULE Vill~ SPECIAL PROVISIONS SEC. 1’ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAREER SYSTEM seommment. paltemed after the Scientite Career System (SCS), shall be, formulated by Comneion 19 be created by the DOST Secretary in coordination with ihe Greg Service Commission (CSC) and such other agencies as may be necessary, SEC, 2 SALARY SCALE Pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No, 8439, the Department shall promulgate the Salary scale of S&T personnel In consuitatlon’ with the Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Servies Commission: ard Subject to the approval of the President. SEC, 3 HIGHEST BASIC SALARY UPON, RETIREMENT, ert~<~—is—OO—C—C—CsSssCCCssSSS shell ‘automatically be granted one salary grade higher than his/her basic salary at the same. step of his/her current. Salary grade, or the highest actual salary received. $2 Retement beneftis shall be computed on the basis of hisvher highest salary Tecolved,‘SEC, 4 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL The Sclenco-and Technology Human Resource Development Council (S&T HRDC) ¢realed under Republic Act No, 8248 shall formulate the rules and regulations and Implement the scholarship programs as Provided in Section 4, Rule ll, The scholarship Programs of DOST, Its councils and agencies, shal be submitted to the S&T HRDG, SEC. & FUNDING + The department, agency or office the gured shall provide: the necessary funds through ‘Savings to appropriations or er the availment of benefits under R.A. No, 8439 by thelr Tespective eligible S&T personnel, RULE IX- REPORT OF THE SECRETARY ANNUAL REPORT 7 ‘The Secrétary of DOST shall submit to the Congressional Commission on Science and ‘Technology, an anriual Tepart on the status of implementation of R. A.No, 8439, RULE X— DATE OF EFFECTIVITY EFFECTIVITY " Theso ainendad rules and regulations shall take effect fiteen days after publication, ESTRELLA F. ALABASTRO “Secretary Sah a