To ensure consistent adherence to the guidelines governing the evaluation criteria and documentary requirements for the Certification of Eligibility of qualified DA-Science and Technology (S&T) personnel, the DA-Magna Carta Screening Committee (MCSC) virtually convened the different Agency Screening Committees (ASCs) on December 16, 2025.
“We need to constantly revisit the implementing guidelines so that we are always abreast and reminded of the different provisions. We organize this re-orientation to significantly reduce or minimize the recurring observations and level-off screening of respective agencies,” DA-MCSC Chairperson and DA-BAR OIC-Director Joell H. Lales said.
Under Republic Act (RA) No. 8439 as amended by RA No. 11312, S&T personnel involved in research and development or other Scientific and Technological Activities (STAs) can avail themselves of the benefits provided by the laws. STAs encompasses all systematic activities which are closely concerned with the generation, advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific and technical knowledge in all fields of natural science and technology. These cover Research for Development, Scientific and Technological Services, and Scientific and Technical Education and Training.
S&T personnel are categorized as managers, supervisors, and planners; members of the Scientific Career System; scientists, engineers, and researchers; or personnel of R&D Institutions, provided they perform STA and S&T-related functions.
The DA-MCSC, chaired and co-chaired by DA-BAR and DA-Field Operations Service, was established to conduct the final screening, evaluation, and recommendation to the Secretary—ensuring that the certification of an applicant’s eligibility is based strictly on qualification and merit. Initial screening and evaluation of the applicants are conducted at the local level by staff bureaus, attached agencies, and regional field offices through their respective ASCs.
To date, DA has certified 3,317 eligible S&T personnel for Magna Carta benefits.