The DOST was formed as the
National Science Development Board by Republic Act No. 2067 on June 13, 1958, during the administration of President
Carlos P. Garcia. The science body was formed as a result of a law passed in the
Congress upon the recommendation of Dr. Frank Co Tui, who was tasked by Garcia to conduct a survey regarding the state of science and technology in the country. In 1962,
Nacionalista Rep. Joaquin R. Roces of
Manila's 2nd district proposed amending RA 2067 in order to remove the chairman's
cabinet-level ranking. The NSDB was later reorganized as the
National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) on March 17, 1981, and was given broader policy-making and program implementing functions. On January 30, 1987, during the administration of President
Corazon Aquino, the NSTA was elevated to
cabinet-level status with the signing of Executive Order No. 128, and was renamed as the Department of Science and Technology. ==Functions==