COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Science and Technology convened on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, to present and discuss updates on the programs, projects, and activities of the Ministry of Science and Technology and other matters.
Minister Aida Silongan, Member of the Parliament and Committee on Science and Technology Chair, called to order to discuss the following specifically:
1. Presentation: Feasibility Study on the Establishment of the Bangsamoro Science High School
2. Updates on the Research and Development Call for Proposals 2021-2022
3. Mujahideen/Mujahidat Assistance for Science Education (MASE) and Bangsamoro Assistance for Science Education – Merit (BASE-Merit) Guidelines
4. Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel
5. Resolutions; and
6. Other important matters.
In the sixth committee meeting, out of 17 members of the Committee on Science and Technology, eight (😎 were present to discuss the said agenda at the Bangsamoro Parliament Lounge, Bangsamoro Government Center, and via Zoom Teleconference.
The IMPACT Research Consultancy Services introduced to plenary the establishment of the Bangsamoro Science High School where MOST envision establishing a Science High School that is par with the standards of the existing Philippine Science High School under the Department of Science and Technology.
In addition, the school system would address the decades-old predicament of poor performance in science and mathematics in the region to prepare its students to pursue S & T careers.
As part of its findings, the establishment of the Bangsamoro Science High is greatly recommended and facilitate the drafting of a law establishing it. If possible, be done on March 2022 to provide ample time for the preparation of the opening of BSHS in 2024.
Minister Silongan aimed for a balanced educational system not just covering English literacy but also Arabic literacy.
“We will draft a new curriculum incorporating Arabic literacy. We will try our best once the law shall be passed, next year we will provide budget to build the new school and by 2024 we will start accepting enrollees.” Minister said.
During the committee meeting, Minister Silongan and Bangsamoro Director-General Nasrodin Buisan, Science Education, Scholarships, and Grants Head Rocaya G. Edres, and Research and Development Head Engr. Moammer Tabara awarded the certificate of completion to IMPACT for the completion of the conduct of Phase 1: Feasibility Study for the Establishment of BSHS.
Furthermore, MOST’s Bangsamoro Director-General Buisan presented and discussed the Updates on MOST PPAs. He comprehensively provides updates on the major programs of the ministry and other matters, specifically on the Research and Development, Science Education, Scholarships and Grants, and the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Workers.
He shared that there were 34 proposals submitted during the 2021 Call for Proposals. Technical evaluation, review, and administrative concerns were carried out. As per the assessment, four (4) research proposals will be funded with a maximum budget of Php 1,000,000.00 per proposal and within six months of implementation duration. The awardees are expected to receive MOST R & D funding support on the 1st quarter of 2022 and sign a memorandum of agreement. 2022 R & D undertakings were also discussed.
He also discussed the guidelines of the Science Education, Scholarships, and Grants Programs, which are the MASE and BASE-Merit. The MASE Program started receiving applications last November 2021, while the application opening for the BASE-Merit Program is on April 2022, accordingly.
Minister Silongan encouraged the Members of the Parliament to help the sons/daughters of mujahideen who wish to take S & T courses by allocating funds to MOST MASE Program.
“I encourage my brothers/sisters in the Parliament to allocate funds from our TDIF, a cash assistance helping the sons/daughters of mujahideens who wish to study and take S & T courses,” Minister said.
Director-General also shared information about the Republic Act 8439 or the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and other S & T Personnel aiming to provide for a program of human resources development in science and technology to achieve and maintain the necessary reservoir of talent and manpower that will sustain its drive for real science and technology mastery.
On the other hand, the committee also discussed the following resolutions for deliberation.
1. Resolution No. 632 titled “Resolution urging the government of the day, through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Office (BPDA), and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), to encourage line agencies and local government units (LGUs) to undertake proactive measures on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) especially on recovery and rehabilitation”
2. Resolution No. 647 titled “Resolution urging the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MFBM) and the Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM funding support for Applied Research on the Viability of Renewable Sources of Energy, Alternative Resources of Energy and for the Development of Alternative Systems”
Minister Silongan oversees that science and technology plans, programs, and initiatives would extensively provide positive change for the welfare of the Bangsamoro people. She was optimistic about realizing the dreams and goals in the field of S & T and other sectoral collaborations in the region.
“We will be able to realize our hopes and dreams for the Bangsamoro communities and higher education where we foresee a stronger Bangsamoro nation that can compete globally in terms of research and development through science and technology,” Minister said.
The Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Minister Aida M. Silongan under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), exercises jurisdiction on all matters relating to science and technology, including scientific and technological research, development, and advancement, and climate and weather forecasting.
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