AMEND RP'S CHEMISTRY LAW - ANGARA
To adapt in a globally competitive S & T environment

To strengthen the chemistry profession and gear the advancement in this field, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today pushes for amendments in the country's Chemistry law.

"Science and Technology is not given utmost attention in relation to its role in the progress of our country. We should stress that as a science, chemistry is an integral component of S&T. To adapt to the recent developments and innovations in the field, repealing the decades-old Chemistry Law is a very imperative move," Angara said who chairs the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, and Engineering (COMSTE).

The "Chemistry Law of 2009" seeks to emphasize the role of chemistry in national development by promoting and protecting the interests of chemistry profession. It also aims to elevate the standards of the profession by strengthening the promotion, regulation and measures for continued development in the field.

"Building a strong Science & Technology foundation is necessary for the country to push forward and become competitive on the global stage," Angara emphasized.

Republic Act No. 754 otherwise known as the Chemistry Law was enacted June 18, 1952 or almost six decades ago. It was deemed outdated and fails to response to the demands of global trends. The proposed Chemistry Law will boost the country's aspirations towards global competitiveness.

COMSTE -- jointly chaired by Angara and Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya - is expected to introduce or amend legislation that will make the Philippines more globally competitive, particularly in Science and Technology.

It is composed of six (6) expert panels from different sectors in Science and Technology namely Gregory Tangonan, PhD (semicon/electronics), Joaquin Quintos (ICT/ICT services), William Padolina, PhD (food and agriculture), Reynaldo Vea, PhD (basic science, math and engineering education), Ramon Arcadio, MD (health), and Francisco Viray, PhD (energy and environment).

"Developing the profession and chemistry as a field of science and requires progress in terms of policy. To be globally competitive, we should build a strong Science and Technology foundation," he added.