Sen. Bam's sponsorship speech for the Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act

Maraming salamat, Mr. President, Majority Floor Leader. Magandang hapon po sa ating lahat!

It is an honor to address you today to sponsor Senate Bill No. 1240, Committee Report No. 494 or the Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act.

Technology is often touted as a great equalizer, and rightly so.

Through science and technology, we can improve the quality of education, increase the yield of farmers and fisherfolk, make lives easier and create livelihood for more Filipino families.

We must ensure that the power of technology flows through our communities, energizes nation-building, and creates a better life and brighter future for Filipino families.

As such, it is only right that we recognize the Filipinos who are working hard to make this a reality.

Kapag kumakayod, lalo na kapag kumakayod para sa ikauunlad ng kapwa Pilipino, dapat lang na bigyan natin ng karampatang paghanga at sapat na suweldo.

That said, we proudly sponsor the passage of the Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act, which will recognize the passionate Filipinos who are dedicated to giving our countrymen in rural areas access to technology-based livelihood opportunities.

This measure is actually quite a simple measure. It will promote current PSTOs or Provincial Science and Technology Officers to PSTDs or Provincial Science and Technology Directors with a salary grade of 26 - which is equitable to their counterparts in DTI.

Mr. President, let me also mention that this bill is also in process in Congress, and has approval from DBM.

As such, once we're able to upgrade their salary grade status to 26, they shall also be entitled to reimbursable representation and transportation allowance commensurate to their office and other benefits as prescribed by law.

While technology is known to be a great equalizer, legislators must also strive to build an equitable government that thrives on meritocracy. Let's give our science and technology professionals what they are due.

Naniniwala po ako sa kapangyarihan ng teknolohiya at may tiwala ako sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino.

Sa tulong ng teknolohiya, kaya po nating bigyan ng ginhawa ang mga nahihirapan, paunlarin ang bayan at siguraduhin na wala pong maiiwan - na magtatagumpay ang bawat mamamayan!

Tulungan po natin ang mga nagtataguyod at nagsusulong ng teknolohiya sa probinsya at sa buong bansa. Ipasa po natin ang PSTD Act o ang Provincial Science and Technology Directors Act.

Maraming salamat po, Mr. President!