Department of Science and Technology (File photo from DOST.GOV.PH)
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of additional cash worth over P175 million for the research grant program of Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The fund is given through Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) to Philippine Council for Research and Development of DOST.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the NCAs on February 13 and 27.
The move was made it public in a statement on Sunday.
DBM said the amount will be allocated for Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program in research and development, capacity strengthening and financial support for various researchers.
It can also be used for forums and conventions, stipends for scholars, and financial assistance to State Universities and Colleges.
“With this additional fund, we help empower our scientists, scholars, and institutions to drive innovation and make a lasting impact on public health,” Pangandaman said.
According to a post on DOST’s website, GIA program aims to harness the country’s scientific and technological capabilities.
It will provide financial grants to science and technology projects to spur sustainable economic growth for the country.
DOST said GIA is available to “any Filipino public or private entity with proven competence […] provided that projects are for the benefit of Filipinos and based in the Philippines.”
DBM said the amount forms part of the P678 million released to DOST-PCHRD for the GIA program.
It is lodged under the line item, ‘Development, Integration, Management, and Coordination of the National Health Research System for Health and Related Fields.’
“Additionally, the DBM has previously released a total of P25.646 million to the DOST-PCHRD for its regular operating requirements for the first quarter of the year,” its statement added.
Under the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year of 2024, DOST-PCHRD has been allocated P828.9 million.
The figure includes automatic appropriations, the budget department noted.