Rules and Regulations Implementing the Provisions of Presidential Decree No. 997 (Revised 2018)

July 19, 2021

RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 997 ENTITLED "CONFERRING CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITIES ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL SPECIALISTS ON THE BASES OF THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC SERVICE" (REVISED 2018)

INTRODUCTION

"Section 1, Presidential Decree No. 997 entitled, Conferring Civil Service Eligibilities on Scientific and Technological Specialists on the Bases of Their Qualifications and the Requirements of Public Service, provides that it shall be the policy of the government to give support and encouragement to science and technology, and to attract scientific and technological specialists into the public service, realizing the contribution that they can make to push with greater vigor the development programs of the country. Thus, to effectively carry out the mandate of the law, the PD No. 997 Committee promulgates the following rules and regulations for the grant of Scientific and Technological Specialist Eligibility."

SECTION 1. Definition and Coverage of Fields of Study. —

In accordance with Section 2 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 997, the term "scientific and technological specialist" shall refer to a person who has highly technical qualifications gained through education and sharpened by research and/or teaching experience, and completed at least a bachelor's degree from a college, university or institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with major or specialization, also approved by CHED, in any but not limited to the following fields of study:

A. Natural Sciences

 

Agricultural Sciences
Astronomy
Astrophysics	Geological Sciences
Biological Sciences	Archeology
Biology (S&T)	Geophysics
Botany	Paleontology
Ecology	Seismology
Marine Biology	Medical Sciences
Micro Biology and	Meteorology
Biotechnology	Oceanography
Physical Anthropology	Physics/Applied Physics
Zoology

 

B. Engineering Sciences

Biological Engineering

Ceramic Engineering

Computer Engineering

Food Engineering

Geothermal Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Materials Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

Railway Engineering

Textile Engineering

C. Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology

Applied Mathematics

Computer Science

Information Technology

Pure Mathematics

Statistics

Industrial Technology

D. Other Disciplines

Environmental Science

Food Science

The Committee may, however, include in the above list any other fields of study in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which it may deem proper and appropriate, provided such fields are not covered by board examinations.

An applicant who has graduated in any of the courses enumerated under the previous Implementing Rules and Regulations (Revised 2009) at least five (5) years prior to the time the particular course was covered by a board examination and are subsequently excluded in the list herein provided, may apply for PD No. 997 eligibility.

Further, an applicant who has graduated in any of the above-mentioned courses at least five (5) years prior to the subsequent delisting of such course for the reason that it is already covered by board examinations, may apply for PD No. 997 eligibility.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms, Its Coverage and Limitations for Purposes of the Grant of Civil Service Eligibility Pursuant to PD No. 997. —

For purposes of the grant of civil service eligibility pursuant to PD No. 997, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Research and Development (R&D) as defined in the Frascati Manual

"OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) 2002, 'Proposed Standard Practice for Surveys of Research and Experimental Development: Frascati Manual,' The Measurements of Scientific and Technological Activities Series, Paris."

• Creative work and original investigation undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society.

• Experimental development is the application of research findings or their scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products, applications or processes.

The basic criterion for distinguishing R&D from related activities is the presence in R&D of an appreciable element of novelty and the resolution of scientific and/or technological uncertainty, i.e., when the solution to a problem is not readily apparent to someone familiar with the basic stock of commonly used knowledge and techniques in the area concerned.

Aside from the actual conduct of R&D, the following are also considered R&D activities:

• The provision of professional and/or technical assistance to personnel directly engaged in R&D.

• The management of personnel who are either directly engaged in R&D or are providing professional, technical, or clerical support and/or assistance to those R&D activities of students undertaking postgraduate research courses.

• Software development where the aim of the project is the systematic resolution of a scientific uncertainty.

• Research work in the natural sciences, engineering, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, mathematics, and ICT.

• R&D carried out as a participant in any unincorporated joint venture.

• Scientific and Technological Activities (STA) — all systematic activities which are closely concerned with the generation, advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific and technical knowledge in all fields of natural science and technology.

STA may be classified into three broad groups, namely:

o Research and Experimental Development (R&D) — Any systematic and creative work undertaken in the physical, natural, mathematical and applied sciences by using methods in order to increase the stock of knowledge, and the use of this knowledge in these fields to devise new applications.

o Scientific and Technological Services (STS) — Activities in support of scientific research and development, dissemination and applications of scientific and technical knowledge (i.e., library, information, and museum services; geological and hydrological surveys; meteorological and seismological observations; compilation of routine statistics; testing, standardization and quality control; counseling of clients; patenting and licensing; engineering and technical services); and

o Scientific and Technical Education and training (STET) — All activities comprising higher education and training leading to degree for scientist or engineers, and specialized non-university higher education respectively.

R&D excludes:

The following specific activities are excluded except where they are used primarily for the support of or as part of R&D activities:

• Preparations for teaching.

• Academic development activities.

• Scientific and technical information services.

• Engineering and technical services.

• General purpose or routine data collection.

• Standardization and routine testing.

• Feasibility studies (accept into R&D projects).

• Specialized routine medical care, for example routine pathology services.

• The commercial, legal, and administrative aspects of patenting, copyrighting or licensing activities.

• Routine computer programming, systems work or software maintenance where there are no technological uncertainties to be resolved.

B. R&D Personnel are categorized as researchers and technician

Researchers

• Researchers are professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods, and systems.

• Researchers include managers and administrators engaged in the planning and management of the scientific and technical aspects of a researcher's work. Their rank is usually equal or superior to that of persons directly employed as researchers and they are often former or part-time researchers.

Technicians directly supporting R&D

• Persons doing technical tasks in support of R&D, normally under the direction and supervision of a researcher.

C. Teaching Experience

Teaching Experience refers to teaching of specialized subjects related to the pertinent fields under Section 1 hereof.

SECTION 3. Requirements. —

Applicants for grant of eligibility pursuant to PD No. 997 must meet the following requirements:

A. Qualifications Requirements

To be conferred civil service eligibility, a scientific and technological specialist must have at least a Bachelor's degree in areas enumerated in Section 1 hereof and must meet at least one of the following additional requirements:

1. At least three (3) years of continuous experience in research and/or teaching in the pertinent field, provided that the following conditions are further met within the period mentioned:

1.1 The applicant must be holding a part-time or full-time teaching position, having at least nine (9) units per semester, of continuous service without a gap, in a state college or university (SUCs) or Higher Education Institution with CHED issued permit/recognition to operate and accredited by accrediting bodies recognized by CHED; and/or the applicant must be actively doing research at the time of the filing of the application.

1.2 The teaching experience should be in the academe (College Level at the least) in his/her major field of specialization and academic in nature, leading to a baccalaureate/master/doctorate degree. The subjects being taught must be at least 3rd year or higher year level subjects which are considered intermediate or advance subjects as determined by the Dean of College/President of the University. Further, the courses and programs offered should be approved or authorized by CHED.

1.3 In case of research, experience must meet and satisfy the definitions of Research and Development (R&D). His/her duties/responsibilities/participation must be technical in nature as determined by the PD No. 997 Committee.

The duties which are technical in nature refer to unique duties requiring specialized education, training or skills.

2. Has earned a master's degree with thesis/special project or doctorate degree in any of the fields of study enumerated under Section 1 hereof from a school with issued permit/recognition to operate by the CHED and authorized/approved by CHED to offer the course/program at the time of the filing of application;

3. Has a commercialized patented invention as the major inventor and as certified by Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

B. Documentary Requirements

1. The following are the requirements that must be submitted by the applicant to DOST Regional Office or DOST-Science Education Institute through the PD No. 997 Secretariat:

1.1 Duly accomplished CS Form 101-C, Revised July 2018 (5 copies);

1.2 Three (3) pieces of identical ID pictures with the following specifications:

1.2.1 Passport size (4.5 cm x 3.5- or 1.8-inches x 1.4 inches)

1.2.2 Taken within three months prior to filing of application

1.2.3 Colored with white background

1.2.4 Printed on good quality photo paper

1.2.5 Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera

1.2.6 With neutral facial expression and both eyes open

1.2.7 Showing left and right ears

1.2.8 In bare face (with no eyeglasses, colored contact lens, or any accessories that may cover the facial features; facial features not computer enhanced)

1.2.9 In standard close-up shot (from shoulder level up with head and face occupying at least 80% of the picture and with the name tag positioned at approximately 1 inch or 2.54 cm below the chin)

1.2.10 With HANDWRITTEN (not computer generated) name tag legibly showing SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED FULL NAME in the format: First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, and Extension Name, if any (e.g., PETER S. CRUZ JR.)

2. Assessment fee of PhP200.00 payable to DOST-SEI; and

3. Five (5) copies of each of the following documents:

3.1 Duly certified statement of duties and responsibilities (in letterhead and official seal) signed by the Dean of College or lay the Head of Office where one acquired his/her academic or research experience, respectively;

3.2 Original and photocopy of transcript of records and diploma. The original copy shall be returned to the applicant after authentication of the photocopy by the PD No. 997 Secretariat;

3.3 Recommendation from Head of Office or the Dean of College or school on the application for PD No. 997 eligibility, which shall include a statement regarding his/her assessment of the applicant's research or teaching proficiency (in letterhead and official seal);

3.4 List of STEM subjects taught/being taught, the duration of teaching said subjects and units, duly certified by the Dean of the school in the letterhead and official seal (using the prescribed form); and

4. Other documents such as:

- Published research paper/technical reports for concluded scientific research, or progress reports for researches still in progress. The reports must be certified as true copy by authorities to whom the original copies were submitted and must include the start and end dates;

- Certification of research proficiency from the Head of Office indicating the title of scientific research project/s the applicant has participated in and the duration and nature of participation and/or responsibilities of the applicant in the research project;

- Certificate of patented invention, if applicable and proof of commercialization.

5. On claiming the CSC Eligibility Card, the following must be personally presented by the grantees to the CSC Regional Office where they are currently based:

5.1 Original and photocopy of any of the following ID cards, which must be valid (not expired upon claiming of the CSC Eligibility Card), and contains the name, clear picture, date of birth and signature of the applicant, and the name and signature of the issuing agency's current head/authorized representative (Any other ID card NOT included in the list shall NOT be accepted.)

1. Driver's License/Temporary Driver's License (LTO O.R. must be presented together with old Driver's License: O.R. alone is not allowed)/Student Driver's Permit;

2. Passport;

3. PRC License;

4. SSS I.D.;

5. GSIS I.D. (UMID);

6. Voter's I.D./Voter's Certification;

7. BIR/Taxpayer's I.D. (ATM type/TIN card type with picture);

8. PhilHealth I.D. (must have the bearer's name, clear picture, signature and PhilHealth number);

9. Company/Office I.D.;

10. School I.D.;

11. Police Clearance/Police Clearance Certificate;

12. Postal I.D.;

13. Barangay I.D.;

14. NBI Clearance;

15. Seaman's Book;

16. HDMF Transaction I.D.;

17. PWD I.D.;

18. Solo Parent I.D.;

19. Senior Citizen's I.D.;

20. Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-CARD);

21. CSC Eligibility Card; and

22. Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID Card.

5.2 Original and photocopy of the grantee's Birth Certificate authenticated/issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In case where the PSA-issued Birth Certificate is not legible, or the PSA has duly issued a Negative Certification of Birth (PSA CRS Form No. 1) printed in PSA security form, the applicant shall, in addition to the foregoing documents, be required to submit the original and photocopy of his/her Birth Certificate authenticated/issued by the Local Civil Registrar;

5.3 For female married applicants, original and photocopy of Marriage Certificate authenticated/issued by the PSA. In case the PSA Marriage Certificate is not legible, the applicant shall, in addition to the foregoing documents, submit the original and photocopy of her Marriage Certificate authenticated/issued by the Local Civil Registrar;

5.4 Certification of No Pending Administrative/Criminal Case (Use CSC SPEL Form 1, April 2012); and

5.5 Processing fee of PhP300.00.

In cases of claims for CSC Eligibility Card coursed through the CSC Regional Office (CSCRO), the processing fee must be in the form of Postal Money Order in the name of the concerned CSC Regional Office.

SECTION 4. PD No. 997 Committee. —

The PD No. 997 Committee shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), Director of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The Secretary of DOST and the Chairman of the CSC or their representatives may sit in the deliberations of the Committee, as may be necessary.

SECTION 5. Secretariat and Technical Working Group. —

The Secretariat and PD No. 997 Technical Working Group shall be designated by the PD No. 997 Committee.

SECTION 6. Duties and Responsibilities of Stakeholders. —

A. The Applicant

1. Submit duly accomplished CS Form 101-C, Revised July 2018, together with a complete set of documentary requirements as enumerated in Section 3.B hereof, and such other document/s as may be deemed necessary by the PD No. 997 Committee;

2. Submit himself/herself to interview as required by the PD No. 997 Committee; and

3. Pay the assessment fee of PhP200.00 to DOST-SEI, processing fee of PhP300.00 to CSC, and such other necessary and authorized fees.

B. The PD No. 997 Secretariat

1. Upon receipt of applications, determine and ensure the completeness of the documentary requirements;

2. For applications with incomplete requirements, notify and require the applicants concerned to submit the lacking requirement/s;

3. Prepare the profile of applicants with complete requirements for evaluation by the PD No. 997 Technical Working Group;

4. Endorse all applications initially evaluated by the PD No. 997 Technical Working Group to the PD No. 997 Committee for final evaluation;

5. For approved applications, officially notify the applicants concerned, advising them to proceed to their respective CSC Regional Offices for the corresponding grants of eligibility. The notice shall state the documentary requirements as enumerated under Section 3.B.2 hereof;

6. Submit to the concerned CSC Regional Office, through the Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office (ERPO), the official list of qualified applicants; and

7. Perform other functions relative thereto.

C. The PD No. 997 Technical Working Group (TWG)

1. Conduct initial evaluation of applications;

2. Conduct initial interview of applicants, if necessary;

3. Recommend to the PD No. 997 Committee the approval of applications based on the result of initial evaluation;

4. Refer to the PD No. 997 Committee applications that cannot be resolved at the TWG level due to contentious issues/concerns; and

5. Conduct periodic review of the PD No. 997 Implementing Rules and Regulations and recommend appropriate revisions, as may be necessary.

D. The PD No. 997 Committee

1. Convene on a quarterly basis or as deemed necessary, for the evaluation/deliberation of applications with the following schedule:

a. January — for applications received from October to December

b. April — for applications received from January to March

c. July — for applications received from April to June

d. October — for applications received from July to September

2. Conduct final evaluation of applicants;

3. Conduct final interview to applicants, if necessary;

4. Approve applications for grant of eligibility to qualified applicants;

5. Submit the official list of qualified applicants to the Office of the DOST Secretary, for his endorsement to the concerned CSC Regional Office, through CSC-ERPO, for the grant of eligibility; and

6. Consider applicant's field of specialization, if not included in the list of fields of specialization under Section 1 hereof, and recommend approval for inclusion, to the Civil Service Commission.

E. The Civil Service Commission

1. Approve field of specialization of applicant, when deemed appropriate, if it is not included in the fields of study listed in Section 1 hereof but is considered by the PD No. 997 Committee as valid;

2. The CSCRO concerned shall receive from ERPO the DOST official list of qualified applicants with their respective applications and whose applications are duly approved by the PD No. 997 Committee for purposes of processing and granting the PD No. 997 eligibility;

3. Grant the Scientific and Technological Specialist eligibility and issue the corresponding CSC Eligibility Card through the concerned CSC Regional Office;

4. Prepare the register/master list of PD No. 997 eligibles;

5. Provide DOST-SEI with the register/master list of PD No. 997 eligibles annually; and

6. Sit in the deliberations of the PD No. 997 Committee.

SECTION 7. Application Process. —

The procedure on the grant of eligibility pursuant to PD No. 997 shall be as follows:

A. Applications for grant of PD No. 997 eligibility shall be submitted either through the DOST Regional Offices or directly to the DOST-Science Education Institute at the following address:

PD No. 997 Secretariat

B. All applications submitted through the DOST Regional Offices shall be forwarded to the DOST-Science Education Institute (PD No. 997 Secretariat) for appropriate action.

C. Upon receipt of applications, the PD No. 997 Secretariat shall determine the completeness of the documentary requirement enumerated in Section 3.B.1 hereof. Those found with incomplete requirements shall be notified and required to submit the lacking requirements.

D. Applications shall be initially evaluated by the PD No. 997 TWG.

E. Applications, as initially evaluated by the PD No. 997 TWG, shall be endorsed to the PD No. 997 Committee, who shall convene for the final evaluation/deliberation of applications.

F. During the evaluation/deliberation, the PD No. 997 Committee shall determine the qualifications of applicants for PD No. 997 eligibility.

In determining such qualifications, the Committee may subject the applicants to interview, if necessary.

G. After the deliberation, the Committee, through the Secretariat, shall endorse to the CSC-ERPO, the official list of qualified applicants with their respective applications. CSC-ERPO shall furnish the CSCRO concerned the list of qualified applicants for purposes of processing and granting PD No. 997 eligibility.

The Secretariat shall officially notify the qualified applicants, advising them to proceed to the CSC Regional Offices concerned for the grant of eligibility. The notice shall state the documentary requirements as enumerated under Section 3.B.5 hereof;

H. Upon receipt of the official list, the CSC Regional Office concerned shall process the grant of the Scientific and Technological Specialist eligibility and issue the corresponding CSC Eligibility Card to applicants concerned upon submission of requirements enumerated in Section 3.B.5 hereof.

I. The CSC Regional Office concerned shall prepare the register/master list of eligibles.

SECTION 8. Appropriateness and Effectivity of the PD No. 997 Eligibility. —

The PD No. 997 Eligibility, otherwise known as the Scientific and Technological Specialist Eligibility shall be considered appropriate for first and second level positions in the government that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by Bar, Board and other special laws.

The date of effectivity of the eligibility shall be the date of approval of application by the PD No. 997 Committee.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. —

These Rules and Regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. —

All rules and regulations or any part or provision thereof, inconsistent with these new Rules or any part or provision hereof, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

(SGD.) FORTUNATO T. DE LA PEÑASecretary

Recommending Approval of Presidential Committee and Technical Working Group Implementing PD No. 997:

(SGD.) JOSETTE T. BIYO, Ph.D.Director, DOST-SEI

(SGD.) CARLO A. ARCILA, Ph.D.Director, DOST-PNRI

(SGD.) ANNABELLE V. BRIONES, Ph.D.Officer in Charge, Office of the Director, DOST-ITDI

(SGD.) EDITHA LORENCE M. DELA PEÑADirector, Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office, CSC

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 117, No. 29, p. 7467 on July 19, 2021.