The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the implementation of new staffing standards aimed at improving the research and development (R&D) capacity of state universities and colleges (SUCs).

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman signed National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 598 on July 15, 2025, which sets the guidelines for the second phase of the Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (OSS) for SUCs.

“Sa bisa ng National Budget Circular No. 598, mas pinapatatag natin ang pamantayan sa pagkuha ng mga kawani sa ating mga SUCs (By virtue of NBC No. 598, we are reinforcing the standards in hiring personnel in our SUCs),” Pangandaman said, as quoted in a DBM news release Monday.

“Sinusunod po natin ang direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguruhing may sapat at naayong workforce para sa research and development, at suporta sa ating mga estudyante (This is in line with President Marcos’ directive to ensure a sufficient and appropriate workforce for research and development, and student support.),” she added.

The circular expands on reforms introduced in 2022 under NBC No. 589, which reorganized administrative and leadership offices of SUCs.

Phase II now includes specific provisions for establishing units focused on technology transfer, patents, academic publications, and staff support for research and extension programs.

“Our SUCs are not just centers of learning. They are engines of progress,” Pangandaman said.

“Sa ikalawang bahagi ng ating circular, binibigyan natin sila ng kakayahang maging mas epektibo sa research, sa pagtulong sa mga komunidad, at pagbibigay ng konkretong solusyon sa hamon ng lipunan (In the second phase of our circular, we’re giving them the capacity to be more effective in research, community service, and providing concrete solutions to social challenges).”

The updated staffing guidelines were developed in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and align with policies under the Higher Education Act of 1994, the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and CHED orders on research and internationalization.

Funding for implementation will come from the existing Personnel Services (PS) allotment of SUCs under the General Appropriations Act, with possible augmentation from the FY 2025 Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund if needed. (PNA)