NAST PHL, an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology, is the premier recognition and advisory body of the Philippine Government in matters related to Science and Technology. Among the notable members of this small group were Dr. Joventino D. Soriano, a cytogeneticist; Dr. Gregorio T. Velasquez, a phycologist; his wife, Dr. Carmen C. Velasquez, a parasitologist; Dr. Edgardo
D. Gomez, a marine biologist; Dr. Edito G. Garcia, a public health specialist. After a series of impromptu meetings held at the UP Institute of Small-Scale Industries, the task of preparing a formal proposal for a science academy was assigned to Dr. Soriano. In May, 1976, the proposal was submitted to Dr. Melecio S. Magno, who had been appointed Chairman of the NSDB with Cabinet rank. Chairman Magno fully endorsed the plan for a government-funded academy of science. On October 6, 1976, a presidential decree creating the National Academy of Science was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos (P. D. 1003). However, it was only on December 17, 1976 that the enabling legislation, Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, "Creating the National Academy of Science and Technology" was signed by President Marcos. The two decrees - P.D. 1003 and P.D. 1003-A - were basically the same except for the title and the expanded membership. However, P.D. 1003-A came to be known as the enabling legislation that started the Academy. NAST has been mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology and to serve as a reservoir of competent scientific and technological manpower for the country. In 1982, through Executive Order 818, the Academy was also formally charged with the function of advisory body to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the Cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. Mandates
To recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological researches (P.D. 1003-A). To advise the President and the Cabinet on matters related to science and technology (Executive Order No. 818). To engage in projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding achievements in science and to promote scientific productivity (Executive Order No. 818). To embark on programs traditionally and internationally expected of an academy of science (Executive Order No. 818)
Vision
" A progressive Philippines anchored on Science"
