Philippine Energy Laws

Energy Laws

• R.A. 7638 (Department of Energy Act) was approved on December 9, 1992, creating the Department of Energy and rationalizing the organization and functions of government agencies related to energy.
• The law aims to provide stable, secure, and more accessible energy in the country, reducing energy importation.

Magna Carta for Scientists

• R.A. 8349 (Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and Other Science and Technology Personnel in Government) was approved on December 22, 1997, taking effect on January 20, 1998.
• The law provides a Magna Carta for scientists, engineers, researchers, and other science and technology personnel in government, leading to modernized schools, more opportunities for human resources in science and technology, and a higher chance of total mastery in science and technology.

Invention Incentives

• R.A. 7459 (Investors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines) was approved on April 28, 1992.
• The law provides incentives to Filipino investors, including recognition for outstanding Filipino inventors, tax exemption, and financial support, leading to more inventions and innovations.

Mining Act

• R.A. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) was approved on March 3, 1995.
• The law governs all mining operations and related rights in the Philippines, providing incentives to prospective companies.

Science and Technology Scholarship

• R.A. 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994) was approved on March 2, 1994.
• The law provides scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives to deserving science students, leading to financial support and more S&T-focused professionals.

Balik Scientist Program

• Established in 1975 to encourage overseas Filipino scientists, professionals, and technicians to return or reside in the Philippines and share their expertise to accelerate scientific agro-industrial and economic development.
• The program was revived and instituted under the Department of Science and Technology on October 1993 by former President Fidel V. Ramos through Executive Order No. 130.

STAND Science and Technology Agenda for National Development

• Founded in 1993 to recognize priorities, including exporting winners, internal requirements, support industries, and coconut industry development.

Turtle Islands Conservation

• Turtle Islands is part of the Sulu Archipelago, comprising around 400 islands, located at the southwestern tip of the Philippines, approximately 1,000 km southwest of Manila.
• The Turtle Island Heritage Protected Area (TIHPA) was established via MOA between the Philippines and Malaysia on May 31, 1996, and proclaimed as a Wildlife Sanctuary under Proclamation No. 171 on August 26, 1999.
• The TIHPA aims to safeguard marine turtles and their habitats, focusing on connectivity and collaboration within the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) and Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME).

Intensified Clean Air Campaign

• Former President Fidel V. Ramos implemented a comprehensive anti-smoke belching program through Proclamation No. 1109, declaring the month of November of every year as Clean Air Month through national vehicle inspection and maintenance consciousness.