Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Kagawaran ng Agham at TeknolohiyaThe Department of Science and Technology is the premier science and technology body of the Philippine government. Mandated to direct, lead, and coordinate all scientific, technological, and research and development initiatives across the nation, DOST fuels socioeconomic progress through its three sectoral planning councils, seven specialized research institutes, two advisory academies, six scientific service bureaus, sixteen regional offices, and eighty one provincial offices. Guided by the twin pillars "One DOST 4U" and "Agham na Ramdam", the agency delivers practical technological solutions directly to communities, micro enterprises, researchers, and students nationwide.
Legal Mandate and Historical Evolution
The journey of organized scientific administration in the Philippines reflects decades of deliberate institution building. From postwar scientific reconstruction to twenty first century satellite technology, the DOST has evolved into the central engine for Philippine technological sovereignty.
Republic Act No. 2067 (1958)
Known as the Science Act of 1958, this landmark legislation was approved on June 13, 1958 under President Carlos P. Garcia following the recommendations of Dr. Frank Co Tui. It established the National Science Development Board (NSDB) to coordinate scientific work across state universities, agricultural stations, and private industry.
Executive Order No. 128 (1987)
Signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on January 30, 1987, Executive Order No. 128 elevated the former National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA, reorganized in 1981 under EO 784) into the full cabinet department known today as the DOST. It vested the agency with authority over research councils and specialized line institutes.
Republic Act No. 11914 (2022)
Enacted in August 2022, the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Act transformed all existing Provincial Science and Technology Centers into institutionalized offices. The statute upgraded provincial director ranks to Salary Grade 26, creating permanent technical leadership to bring innovations straight to local communities.
Complementary Statutory Frameworks
The work of the DOST is amplified by several landmark statutes: the Balik Scientist Act (Republic Act No. 11035 of 2018), which institutionalized benefits and tax exemptions to attract overseas Filipino scientists; the Philippine Innovation Act (Republic Act No. 11293), embedding national innovation priorities; and the Innovative Startup Act (Republic Act No. 11337), enabling startup venture grants and incubation centers across Philippine universities.
Executive Leadership and Operational Structure
The executive department operates under the stewardship of the Secretary of Science and Technology, supported by specialized Undersecretaries supervising Research and Development, Regional Operations, and Scientific and Technical Services.
Office of the Secretary
Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., a distinguished geologist and career public servant with extensive disaster risk reduction expertise, leads the department. The Secretary sits on the Cabinet and coordinates national scientific policies with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The executive leadership coordinates four operational portfolios: Research and Development, Regional Operations, Scientific and Technical Services, and Special Concerns.
Operational Pillars: "One DOST 4U" and "Agham na Ramdam"
Under the slogan "One DOST 4U", the agency integrates its eighteen attached bodies into a cohesive national network. This prevents research duplication and ensures that public funding creates measurable economic outcomes for grassroots enterprises.
Through the banner "Agham na Ramdam" (Science that is felt), the agency shifts from academic theory to tangible community impact, deploying clean water systems, disaster early warning tools, food processing equipment, and digital libraries across remote municipalities.
The 18 Specialized Agencies and Sectoral Councils
Unlike a centralized single grants office, DOST distributes its research funding and technical operations across three sectoral planning councils, seven specialized research institutes, two collegial academies, and six scientific and technological service bureaus.
| Agency Acronym | Complete Official Name | Category & Classification | Core Mandate & Primary Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCAARRD | Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development | Sectoral Council | Formulates policies, allocates grants, and monitors national R&D across crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and watershed management from its Los Baños campus. |
| PCHRD | Philippine Council for Health Research and Development | Sectoral Council | National coordinating body for health research, funding clinical trials, diagnostics, biomedical devices, genomics, traditional medicine, and tropical disease cures. |
| PCIEERD | Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development | Sectoral Council | Drives innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, electronics, smart mobility, mining, environmental tech, and startup venture acceleration. |
| NAST | National Academy of Science and Technology | Collegial Body | Advisory body recognizing Filipino achievements in science through the Order of National Scientists, providing high level counsel on national scientific roadmaps. |
| NRCP | National Research Council of the Philippines | Collegial Body | Promotes fundamental and curiosity driven basic sciences across physical, social, mathematical, biological, and humanitarian disciplines. |
| ASTI | Advanced Science and Technology Institute | Research Institute | Conducts R&D in information technology, supercomputing, microelectronics, space technology applications, Earth observation, and the Philippine Open Internet Exchange. |
| FNRI | Food and Nutrition Research Institute | Research Institute | Conducts nationwide nutritional surveys, develops fortified food formulas, combats child stunting, and transfers processing technologies for iron fortified rice. |
| FPRDI | Forest Products Research and Development Institute | Research Institute | Specializes in sustainable timber utilization, bamboo engineering, non timber forest products, resin chemistry, paper technology, and biomass fuel. |
| ITDI | Industrial Technology Development Institute | Research Institute | Multidisciplinary research center pioneering packaging engineering, food processing machinery, chemicals, environmental testing, and advanced nanotechnology. |
| MIRDC | Metals Industry Research and Development Center | Research Institute | Engineers metalworking equipment, precision machine tools, foundry casting, automated mass transit systems, and technical welding certifications. |
| PNRI | Philippine Nuclear Research Institute | Research Institute | Regulates atomic energy applications, conducts radiation mutation breeding for agriculture, produces radiopharmaceuticals, and operates gamma irradiation facilities. |
| PTRI | Philippine Textile Research Institute | Research Institute | Pioneers natural textile fiber extraction from abaca, pineapple leaf, banana, and bamboo, operating regional yarn production centers and natural dye laboratories. |
| VIP | Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines | Specialized R&D Unit | Dedicated research center focused on emerging viral pathogens, diagnostics, animal vaccines, and therapeutic biotechnology to protect public health. |
| PAGASA | Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration | Scientific Service | National meteorological service issuing weather forecasts, severe flood bulletins, typhoon warnings, Doppler radar monitoring, and astronomical calculations. |
| PHIVOLCS | Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology | Scientific Service | Monitors earthquake epicenters, volcanic eruptions, and tsunami warnings, maintaining fault line maps and disaster simulators like GeoRiskPH and REDAS. |
| PSHS | Philippine Science High School System | Scientific Service | Network of sixteen specialized STEM boarding campuses across the archipelago, nurturing gifted young Filipinos through rigorous science curricula. |
| SEI | Science Education Institute | Scientific Service | Administers prestigious undergraduate and graduate STEM scholarships, JLSS grants, science educator development programs, and youth robotics competitions. |
| STII | Science and Technology Information Institute | Scientific Service | Communication arm managing national science publications, broadcast productions, and the nationwide STARBOOKS offline digital library project. |
| TAPI | Technology Application and Promotion Institute | Scientific Service | Commercialization engine offering patent drafting assistance, IP valuation, prototype testing funds, and venture financing for Filipino inventors and tech entrepreneurs. |
Decentralized Architecture: 16 Regional Offices and 81+ PSTOs
Science and technology cannot remain confined to Metro Manila research corridors. DOST maintains a decentralized operational footprint through sixteen regional offices, eighty one provincial offices, and the OneLab testing network.
Regional Offices (Regions I to XIII, NCR, CAR, BARMM)
Every administrative region hosts a dedicated DOST Regional Office managing regional science agendas, coordinating Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Weeks (RSTW), and managing consortia for agriculture, health, and emerging industries.
In Mindanao, regional headquarters such as DOST Region XI in Davao City and DOST Caraga (Region XIII) in Butuan City serve as pivotal growth catalysts for food processing, minerals, wood industries, and agricultural export chains.
Provincial Science & Technology Offices (PSTOs)
Established under Republic Act No. 11914, PSTOs serve as the direct frontline interface between the department and local communities. Led by Provincial Directors, each PSTO operates in provincial capitals across the nation.
PSTOs conduct technology needs assessments, evaluate SETUP upgrade proposals from micro enterprises, coordinate disaster preparedness clinics with local government units, and oversee STARBOOKS deployments in remote public schools.
The OneLab Testing Network
OneLab is an internationally recognized platform that integrates all DOST regional and specialized analytical laboratories into a unified portal.
Enterprises and researchers can submit samples for chemical testing, microbiological assays, nutritional labeling, metrology calibration, and shelf life evaluation at any provincial office, tapping into ISO 17025 accredited laboratories nationwide.
Regional Focus: DOST Caraga and the Mindanao Innovation Corridor
Formally organized following the creation of Region XIII under Republic Act No. 7901 in 1995, DOST Caraga operates from Butuan City and manages provincial offices across Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands. DOST Caraga anchors regional science networks like the Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCAARRD), established advanced testing laboratories within Caraga State University, and launched the Caraga Innovation Hub (iHub) and Food iHub to advance startup incubation and local value adding.
Flagship Initiatives: Empowering MSMEs, Resilience, and Talents
The DOST implements high impact flagship initiatives designed to modernize micro enterprises, transform disaster risk reduction, mobilize overseas intellectual capital, and bridge educational divides.
Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)
SETUP is the flagship nationwide strategy encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations. SETUP provides interest free, non collateral funding for production machinery, technical consulting, product packaging design, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance.
Targeting sectors including food processing, furniture, metals and engineering, gifts and handicrafts, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, SETUP has enabled thousands of local producers to scale operations and penetrate global markets.
Handa Pilipinas: Multi Year Disaster Resilience
Championed by Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Handa Pilipinas has evolved from an annual technology exposition into a multi year national resilience program. The initiative moves beyond mere survival to empower communities to thrive despite typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides.
Operating through Technology Clinics, DOST experts conduct structured needs assessments with local chief executives and disaster officers, directly deploying tools such as GeoRiskPH, HazardHunterPH, and REDAS (Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System) to safeguard livelihoods and supply chains.
Balik Scientist Program (BSP)
Institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11035, the Balik Scientist Program strengthens Philippine scientific human resources by reversing brain drain. The program incentivizes overseas Filipino scientists, technologists, and researchers to return and share expertise.
Awardees receive research grants, round trip airfare, relocation allowances, tax exempt importation of scientific equipment, and host institution matching in state universities and research councils across short, medium, and long term terms.
STARBOOKS (Digital Science Library in a Box)
Developed by the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) is the first Philippine science digital library that operates completely offline.
Equipped with thousands of digitized STEM books, interactive science experiments, instructional videos, and research papers, STARBOOKS kiosks empower students in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) without internet access.
Research Grants and the DPMIS Application Process
For university researchers, state colleges, private consortia, and technology startups, DOST research funding is accessed through competitive calls for proposals managed by the three sectoral councils (PCIEERD, PCHRD, and PCAARRD).
1. The DPMIS Digital Portal
All project proposals must be submitted through the DOST Project Management Information System at dpmis.dost.gov.ph.
DPMIS acts as the single window for proposal uploading, technical evaluation, budget itemization, deliverable tracking, and work plan approvals across all councils.
2. Harmonized National R&D Agenda
Proposals must align with the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA).
Priority themes encompass agricultural productivity, clean energy transition, digital transformation, climate mitigation, artificial intelligence applications, biomedical devices, and natural textile modernization.
3. Peer Review & Grants in Aid (GIA)
Submitted proposals undergo rigorous technical screening by independent panels of technical experts (PTE).
Approved proposals receive Grants in Aid (GIA) financing, governing personnel services, maintenance and other operating expenses, and capital outlays for scientific machinery.
DOST SEI Scholarships and STEM Development
Administered through the Science Education Institute (DOST SEI), the Philippine government finances undergraduate, junior level, and graduate scholarships to ensure a continuous stream of scientists, engineers, and educators.
Undergraduate S&T Scholarships
Awarded to graduating high school seniors pursuing priority STEM courses. Programs include the Republic Act No. 7687 Scholarship (socioeconomically disadvantaged students) and the DOST SEI Merit Scholarship (gifted students regardless of socioeconomic status).
Scholars receive tuition subsidies, monthly living allowances, book allowances, thesis grants, and health insurance.
Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS)
Designed for regular third year college students enrolled in priority science and technology courses. Under Republic Act No. 10612 (Fast Tracked S&T Scholarship Act), JLSS graduates commit to teach science and mathematics in public high schools.
JLSS provides immediate financial relief during upper division university studies and guarantees special teacher hiring positions upon graduation.
Graduate Studies & Pisay System
For advanced post graduate specialization, DOST SEI offers the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) and the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) consortium for Master and Doctoral scholars.
At the secondary level, the sixteen campuses of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System recruit gifted pupils via the National Competitive Examination.
Apparel, Laboratory Wear, and Facility Signage Solutions
Scientific research stations, provincial offices, inspection teams, and DOST assisted MSME production centers require durable uniforms, laboratory wear, and compliant facility signage. PHSHIRT provides specialized manufacturing support across Mindanao and nationwide.
Laboratory Coats & Field Inspector Vests
Tailored white laboratory coats, antistatic lab aprons, and multi pocket high visibility safety vests engineered for PSTO inspection officers, food innovation laboratory analysts, and metrology testing technicians.
Features chemical resistant fabric options, reinforced stitching, and precision computerized direct embroidery of official institutional seals.
Conference Polos & S&T Week Shirts
Premium honeycomb and pique cotton blend polo shirts, full sublimation dry fit athletic shirts, and delegation uniforms for National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW), Regional S&T Weeks, and Handa Pilipinas expos.
Breathable, quick dry textiles designed for warm Philippine regional conventions and field deployments.
Laboratory Safety Signs & Acrylic Plaques
ISO compliant hazard warnings, chemical caution signage, clean room directional signages, stainless steel building markers, and frosted acrylic donor recognition plaques for SETUP beneficiary facilities and food innovation hubs.
Weatherproof, UV resistant outdoor and indoor substrates built to pass regulatory audit inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions About DOST
Find clear answers regarding the department mandate, research council structures, scholarship mechanics, SETUP qualifications, and disaster risk reduction applications.
What is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)?
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), known in Filipino as the Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya, is the executive department of the Philippine government mandated to provide central direction, leadership, and coordination of scientific and technological efforts across the country. It formulates national science policies, funds research and development, and operates specialized agencies in weather, seismology, nuclear science, agriculture, health, and industry.
How does the DOST allocate and award research funding?
Rather than operating a single centralized funding office, DOST distributes research funds through three sectoral planning councils: PCIEERD (Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology), PCHRD (Health), and PCAARRD (Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources). Researchers submit proposals through the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS at dpmis.dost.gov.ph) during annual calls for proposals, where projects undergo independent peer review.
What is the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)?
SETUP is a nationwide flagship initiative that empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to acquire modern production technologies. DOST provides non collateral, zero interest funding for processing machinery, quality testing, packaging, and technical training, allowing local businesses to scale production, improve product safety, and expand their market reach.
What is Handa Pilipinas and how does it help local communities?
Handa Pilipinas is DOST's multi year disaster resilience program evolved under Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. Moving from survival to thriving, the program operationalizes Technology Clinics where local government units (LGUs) consult directly with DOST experts to assess local hazard risks (such as floods, landslides, and storm surges). It integrates evidence based platforms like GeoRiskPH, HazardHunterPH, and REDAS into local disaster response plans.
What are the main scholarship programs offered by DOST SEI?
The Science Education Institute (DOST SEI) administers the Undergraduate S&T Scholarships (including Republic Act No. 7687 for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth and the Merit Scholarship for gifted students), the Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS under Republic Act No. 10612), and graduate Master's and Doctoral fellowships (ASTHRDP and ERDT). Scholars receive tuition assistance, monthly stipends, book allowances, and health insurance in exchange for serving in the country after graduation.
What change was enacted by the Provincial Science and Technology Office Act (RA 11914)?
Passed in August 2022, Republic Act No. 11914 converted existing Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) into full Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) and elevated Provincial Directors to Salary Grade 26. This law institutionalized permanent operational staffing and increased resource allocations across eighty one provinces, ensuring scientific solutions reach rural and agricultural communities.
What is STARBOOKS and who can use it?
STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) is an offline digital science library developed by STII. Operating without internet connectivity, STARBOOKS contains thousands of science, mathematics, engineering, and livelihood resources stored in standalone computer kiosks. It is deployed in remote public schools, municipal libraries, and community centers across the archipelago.
Where is the central headquarters of the DOST located?
The central headquarters of the DOST is located at the DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Central Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila 1631. This campus houses the Office of the Secretary, PCIEERD, PCHRD, ITDI, MIRDC, and multiple national research laboratories.
Official Inquiries and Custom Institutional Solutions
For inquiries regarding DOST technical assistance, scholarship verification, or local custom laboratory apparel and signage in Tagum City and Mindanao, connect through our verified contact channels below.
Direct Telephone
Speak directly with our customer service team for custom apparel consultations, fabric swatches, and quotation requests.
+63 946 048 0491Facebook Messenger
Chat with our production specialists for fast layout checks, computerized embroidery mockups, and live order status.
Message on FacebookViber Hotline
Send digital project specifications, high resolution vector files, and purchase order documents via Viber.
Connect via ViberMankilam Store
Visit our production showroom to inspect actual garment materials, polo shirts, lab coats, and safety signage in Tagum City.
Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City