The Senate approved a bill seeking to convert the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) into the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in provinces nationwide.
Senator Nancy Binay, sponsor and co-author of Senate Bill No. 2484 or the Provincial Science and Technology Act, said the PSTCs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has continuously provided, disseminated, and transferred scientific and technical know-how and support to the Filipino citizenry.
The PSTCs are responsible for the technological transfer and development of technology-based enterprises of the government in rural areas.
According to Binay, PSTCs assisted in numerous programs such as livelihood, healthcare services, disaster risk reduction, and the DOST scholarship programs.
“To aid in our country’s development, we must equip Filipinos nationwide with the appropriate scientific knowledge and skills, as well as technical innovations. Let us use the power of science and technology to uplift the lives of our countrymen,” the veteran legislator said.
“Senior science research specialist will be reclassified as chief science research specialist and compensation upgraded from Salary Grade 19 to Salary Grade 24.”
Under the bill, senior science research specialists would be reclassified as chief science research specialists and compensation upgraded from Salary Grade 19 to Salary Grade 24.
“By reclassifying the positions of senior science research specialist to chief science research specialist, we are bringing the necessary resources and manpower to our PSTCs so that they can fully empower and develop local communities with science and technology,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
The lady senator said the government needs to harmonize and rationalize the compensation and support for the PSTC staff so they would be at par with other government agencies.
“We need to prevent disillusionment and brain drain by taking care of their staff.”
“We need to prevent disillusionment and brain drain by taking care of their staff. It is necessary for us in the legislative branch to help them, especially in the staffing pattern,” she added.
Under the bill, the DOST secretary shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the PSTO in accordance with the civil service laws, rules, and regulations, subject to the review and approval of the Department of Budget and Management.
PSTOs functions would include: identifying the need and opportunities and technology in the provinces; implementing 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; development of institutional linkages with provincial offices of other departments, local government units, academe and non-government offices for the effective implementation of science and technology programs in the provinces and perform other functions as may be determined by the DOST secretary or the regional director.