House moves to bolster PH Science Research

THE House Committee on Science and Technology chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Julio Ledesma IV approved on Tuesday the consolidation of four bills seeking to strengthen the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), in order to better promote research work along scientific lines.

The measures for consolidation are House Bills (HBs) 3539, 7724, 7802, and 4689, authored respectively by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Aklan Rep. Jesus ‘Jess’ Marquez, Zamboanga del Sur Rep. Joseph Kim Yu, and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

In highlighting the need to bolster the capability of the NRCP, Ledesma noted that Republic Act 4120, creating the council, was passed on December 8, 1933.

“I had the opportunity to go over the 10 provisions (of the law) that enabled it. Of the 10, excluding Section 10, which is the closing argument, seven of the nine provisions are no longer operative. We were under the Commonwealth (then). If you read the enabling law, it is no longer applicable; it is obsolete,” lamented Ledesma.

In the explanatory note of HB 3539, Speaker Dy pointed out that the NRCP “is mandated to promote and support fundamental or basic research for the continuing total improvement of the research capability of individual scientists or group of scientists; provide advice on problems and issues of national interest; promote scientific and technological culture to all sectors of society; and fosters linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced cooperation in the development and sharing of information.”

According to the Speaker, the NRCP as a collegial body of scientists, “has provided legislative inputs on the creation of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (PHIVOLCS) and the National Science Development Board, the predecessor of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), among others.”

He added that “with the growing trend towards digitalization, this proposed measure seeks to strengthen the NRCP as a world-class institution.” 

“After more than eight decades, its charter must be revisited and the necessary innovations be introduced.