PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has revised the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the scientific career system (SCS) to effectively respond “to the evolving needs of the country’s science and technology human resources in government service.”
The President, in issuing Executive Order No. 17, titled “Revising the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Scientific Career System Under Executive Order No. 901 (S.1983),” said the SCS shall serve as a system of recruitment, career progression, recognition and reward of scientists in public service aimed at developing a pool of highly qualified and productive scientific personnel.
It added the SCS has been established within the civil service to support and encourage the development of Science and Technology, attract scientific experts into public service, and provide a system for the recognition and reward of technological and scientific productivity in government.
It has also been characterized by the “entrance to and a career progression or advancement based on qualifications, merit and scientific productivity; career path to allow scientists to develop within their areas of expertise; and provide incentives and rewards to ensure attraction and retention of highly qualified personnel in the science and technology sector.
It shall apply and cover scientific personnel with master’s and doctorate degrees in sciences who are directly involved in research and development, covering biological sciences, engineering and technology, mathematical and physical sciences, health and agricultural sciences, as well as all scientific disciplines determined by the Science Career Council (SCC).
Under the EO, an SCC shall be created and composed of the chairperson of the CSC and the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as ex-officio co-chairpersons while the ex-officio members include the presidents of the National Research Council of the Philippines, National Academy of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines System.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) and Special Technical Committees (STCs) will be established by the SCC to serve as an advisory body and screening committee, while the STCs in different fields of specialization will be created with each technical committees composed of at least five members recognized by authorities in their respective fields who will serve for two years.
A Scientific Career Evaluation Committee (SCEC) shall also be formed and tasked to assist in the preliminary screening of the candidates for the consideration of the SCS.
The EO also established the appointment system for scientists which is based on ranks, from Scientist 1 to Scientist V.
Their pay will be based on a compensation plan, which will include fringe benefits and reasonable allowances comparable to those of the Career Executive Service (CES) while scientists from government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) will be compensated through their respective corporate operating budgets, and scientists from local government units will be paid through their respective local funds.
