How to Apply for the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program

The DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program is a funding initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that supports research and development (R&D) projects and non-R&D initiatives aligned with national S&T priorities. It provides financial assistance to projects that promote innovation, technology transfer, policy development, and human resource capacity-building in the Philippines. It is a program designed to enhance scientific advancements that contribute to national development and improve the lives of Filipinos.

The program is open to all applicants from both public and private entities with proven expertise in science and technology fields. Their funded projects must be based in the Philippines and should demonstrate the highest impact and feasibility and a significant potential to address local challenges through S&T-driven solutions. In this guide, we took a closer look at the DOST GIA Program structure, application process, eligibility criteria, requirements, and all the steps involved to help applicants secure the said funding. 

dost-gia-program-call-for-proposals
Photo credit: DOST Gia Program Facebook

Program Coverage and Priority Areas

The DOST GIA Program supports projects that contribute to national development through science and technology-based solutions. It funds both research and development (R&D) initiatives and non-R&D projects, including technology transfer, policy formulation, and capacity-building efforts. Eligible proposals must align with DOST’s priority areas and demonstrate potential benefits for Filipinos.

Priority Areas

  • Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources
  • Health and Pharmaceuticals
  • Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Environment and Natural Resource Management
  • Space Technology and Applications
  • Science Education and Human Resource Development

Benefits

This DOST program was designed to provide all the necessary financial support to further drive innovation, research, and development in the Philippines. It also offers the following benefits: 

  • Supports scientific research that addresses national priorities.
  • Aids technology transfer, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.
  • Encourages collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and academic institutions.
  • Ensures project feasibility and alignment with S&T goals.
  • Encourages shared responsibility and investment from proponents.
  • Provides an efficient, online submission and tracking system.

Target Beneficiaries

It was designed to support a wide range of beneficiaries involved in science and technology initiatives in the Philippines, including:

  • Public and private research institutions
  • State universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs)
  • Government agencies and local government units (LGUs)
  • Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs)
  • Startups and technology-based enterprises
  • Individual researchers and scientists with institutional affiliations

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to public and private entities in the Philippines with proven expertise in their respective fields. Applicants must propose projects that align and contribute to national S&T priorities.

Proposal Requirements

Prior to application, all interested S&T professionals are required to submit the following documents to prove eligibility and to complete their application requirements:

For R&D Projects:

For Non-R&D Projects:

Additional Required Documents:

  • Detailed Budget Plan indicating counterpart funding from the proponent and other sources
  • Curriculum Vitae of the project leader and key researchers
  • Ethics Clearances for research involving human or animal subjects
  • Biosafety Clearance for projects using genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
  • SEC/DTI/CDA Registration (for private entities, NGOs, and startups)
  • Audited Financial Statements (for the past three years, or for the years in operation if less than three years)
  • Mayor’s Permit where the business is located

For NGOs, additional requirements include:

  • Proof of at least 20% equity contribution to the total project cost
  • List of previous projects completed, including sources of funding
  • Sworn affidavit ensuring no conflict of interest

Application Process

Once the required documents are ready, you simply need to follow these steps to apply: 

Step 1: Proposal Submission

  • Submit a complete proposal via the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) (https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph).
  • The system will notify the applicant via email upon successful submission.

Step 2: Proposal Review and Evaluation

  • The system automatically forwards the proposal to the appropriate evaluating council.
  • For DOST-GIA-specific proposals, staff will assess alignment with national S&T priorities and completeness of documentation.
  • If revisions are needed, the proponent will be informed and must comply within 40 working days (33 days for council evaluation and 7 days for revision).

Step 3: Executive Committee (EXECOM) Review

  • Once the proposal passes evaluation, it is forwarded to the DOST-GIA EXECOM.
  • The EXECOM deliberates and decides whether to approve or reject the proposal.
  • Applicants may need to submit additional rejoinders addressing comments and recommendations.

Step 4: Approval and Fund Release

  • Once approved, official communication will be sent to the applicant.
  • The DOST processes approval documents for fund release within seven working days.

Where to Secure the Requirements

To secure the forms and requirements when applying for the program, interested applicants may need to visit the following: 

Processing Timeline

The DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program follows a structured processing timeline to evaluate and approve project proposals. Upon submission through the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS), proposals are immediately acknowledged and referred for evaluation, which takes 40 working days. Once endorsed, the EXECOM review and approval process, including fund release, is completed within an additional 7 working days, making the total processing time 47 working days.

Video: Brief Background of the DOST GIA Program

The program is an important initiative pioneered by the DOST in an effort to not only counteract the effects of “brain drain” but to also ensure continuous progress in terms of S&T development. In fact, this is primarily meant to help with the advancement in the field, through cooperation and collaboration between experts. To learn more about the DOST GIA Program and what it is all about, you may also check out this video from DOST-PCIEERD:

For inquiries, you can also reach out to the Special Projects Division, Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development:

  • Address: 2/F DOST Central Office, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City
  • Phone: (02) 8837-2071 Local 2100
  • Email: dostspd@dost.gov.ph
  • Website: https://dpmis.dost.gov.ph
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