Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Summary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the executive branch of the Philippine government tasked with coordinating science and technology initiatives and formulating related policies to support national development.

History

  • Formation: Established as the National Science Development Board on January 30, 1957, under President Carlos P. Garcia.

  • Reorganization: Became the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) on March 17, 1981, expanding its policy-making and program implementation roles.

  • Cabinet-Level Status: Elevated to cabinet-level status and renamed DOST on January 30, 1987, by President Corazon Aquino through Executive Order No. 128.

Functions

The DOST is responsible for:

  • Coordinating science and technology projects.

  • Formulating policies in science and technology.

Organizational Structure

  • Leadership: Headed by the Secretary of Science and Technology.

  • Support Staff: Includes four undersecretaries and three assistant secretaries.

  • Components: Comprises various offices, collegial and scientific bodies, sectoral planning councils, research and development institutes, and scientific and technological services.

The Department of Science and Technology (abbreviated as DOST; Filipino: Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya), is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the Philippines and to formulate policies and projects in the fields of science and technology in support of national development. History The DOST was formed as the National Science Development Board on January 30, 1957, during the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia. The science body was formed as a result of a law passed in the Congress upon the recommendation of Dr. Frank Co Tui, who was tasked by Garcia to conduct a survey regarding the state of science and technology in the country. It was reorganized as the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) on March 17, 1981, and was given broader policy-making and program implementing functions. On January 30, 1987, during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, the NSTA was elevated to cabinet-level status with the signing of Executive Order No. 128, and was renamed as the Department of Science and Technology. Functions List of the Secretaries Organizational structure The department is headed by the Secretary of Science and Technology (Philippines), with the following four undersecretaries and three assistant secretaries Offices Collegial and scientific bodies Sectoral planning councils Research and development institutes Scientific and technological services