With the aim of strengthening the country’s measurement infrastructure.
The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) is drumming up legislative support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate for its proposed National Measurement Institute of the Philippines (NMIPhil) Act.
The proposed NMIPhil Act seeks to establish the country’s national metrology institute, which will serve as a premier research and development institution in measurement science.
It will also serve as the lead authority for providing trusted, innovative measurement solutions and work to serve as the “foundation of fair trade, consumer protection, industrial competitiveness, scientific advancement, and regulatory integrity across the country,” as per the DOST.
These measurements affect multiple sectors, such as health, safety, commerce, agriculture, energy, and the environment is reliable and trusted both locally and globally.
Last May 5 and 11, lobbying sessions with key Congressional offices and in the Senate were held, respectively, to generate support for the proposed act and encourage legislative champions to file the measure in both houses of Congress.
It came close to a month after the endorsement of the proposed NMIPhil Act was submitted to all 24 senators last April 7.
The meetings were held with the Legislative and Legal Officers of Speaker Faustino De Guzman Dy III and Congressman Albert Raymond Garcia in the House of Representatives.
DOST officials also met with the Legislative Officers of Senator Francis Escudero and Senator Bam Aquino.
During the discussions, Mr. Michael Jason Solis of the National Metrology Division (NMD) emphasized that the absence of a national measurement authority has led many sectors, at both the national and local levels, to face metrology-related challenges.
The list include inconsistent measurements, unavailability of measurement services locally, and limited alignment with international standards.
“Measurement is a public good,” Solis emphasized, as he noted these challenges are already resulting in risks to public health and safety, losses to agricultural productivity, creating barriers to trade and industrial growth, and reducing national competitiveness, among others.
Meanwhile, Director Lita Suerte Felipe of the DOST’s Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) explained that accurate measurement and proper enforcement can protect consumers and improve trust in local markets.
“Tataas ang confidence ng consumer sa gobyerno kasi ang mga ginagamit na device ay reliable and compliant sa international standards,” said Felipe.
The bill has since been approved by the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology and is now for endorsement to the Committees on Ways and Means and Appropriations.
The NMIPhil measure is included in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 under Chapter 8: Advancing Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation.