To:   Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries Bureau/Center/Cultural Agency Directors
Directors of Services and Heads of Units Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents

1.   The National Science Teaching Instrumentation Center (NSTIC) located at the Ecotech Compound, Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City, was established in 1993 by Executive Order No. 112 to address the perennial problem of lack of quality science equipment in the elementary and secondary schools.

2.   As an agency of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, NSTIC is mandated, among other functions, to develop prototypes of science teaching equipment and materials for adoption by the school system and to assist the private sector in developing its capacity to mass produce them.

3.  As of the first semester of school year 1998-1999, NSTIC has completed the production of prototypes Batch “A” and Batch “B” science equipment utilizing indigenous materials. These equipment have been adapted to the curriculum arid tested for learning effectiveness.

4.   Batch “A” science equipment can be used in the science classes in both the elementary and secondary levels. Batch “B” equipment are designed for Physics Mechanics in the high school. Batch “A” sets were initially distributed in the year 1997 to 1,651 selected secondary schools. To supply the needs of all public and private elementary and secondary schools, accredited manufacturing firms will soon go into the mass production of batches “A” and “ B”.

5.   In line with the DECS thrust on upgrading science Instruction and to enable the NSTIC to fully Achieve its objectives, public and private schools shall make provisions for the acquisition of the science equipment, In the case of public schools funds for the acquisition of the science equipment shall come from the Pole Vaulting Fund which will be sub-allotted by the central Office to the regions. Private educational institutions are requested to include the NSTIC equipment in their procurement program.

6.    DECS school officials involved In the management of foreign-assisted programs specifically science equipment components are enjoined to coordinate with the NSTIC in the procurement of such equipment.

7.    Immediate dissemination of this DECS Order to all concerned is enjoined.

                                                                        ANDREW GONZALES, FSC
Secretary

DECS Memorandum: No. 234, s. 1996

Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)

To be indicated ill the Perpetual Index
under the following subjects:

CENTERS
EQUIPMENT
SCHOOLS
SCIENCE EDUCATION