June 13, 1958
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) started as the National Science Development Board (NSDB),
which was created on 13 June 1958 by Republic Act No. 2067 (RA2067), otherwise known as the Science Act of 1958.
It was tasked to provide central direction, leadership, and coordination of all S&T activities in the country as
well as formulating S&T policies, programs, and projects in support of national development priorities.
March 17, 1982
On 17 March 1982, NSDB was reorganized into the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) by virtue of Executive Order no.
784 (EO784) and vested with broader policy-making and program implementing functions.
January 30, 1987
It was on 30 January 1987 when NSTA was elevated to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), pursuant to Executive Order 128 (EO128).
DOST’s functions and responsibilities were further expanded to enable it to effectively pursue the declared state policy to support
local scientific and technological efforts, develop local capability to achieve technological self-reliance, promote public and
private sector partnership in S&T activities, and encourage the private sector to take a greater role in research and development activities.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 31 of EO 128, the DOST was also authorized to establish regional or field extension offices as may be necessary.
July 31, 1990
Three years later, the Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs) were created through Republic Act No. 6959 on July 31, 1990, which led to the
establishment of PSTCs in every province of the country attached under the Regional Offices.
2004
In 2004, the number of regional offices was increased to fifteen (15) due to the full operationalization of the DOST-National Capital Region.
Currently, DOST already has seventeen (17) Regional Offices, eighty seven (87) PSTCs in all provinces and four (4) cluster areas in NCR.
