ÌÀÍ·Ìõ

May 14, 1997

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of Panama, hereinafter referred to as the "Contracting Parties";

Acknowledging the importance of promoting and developing technical and scientific cooperation in fields of mutual interest;

Desirous of strengthening and intensifying the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries;

Convinced of the importance of establishing mechanisms that contribute to the promotion and development of cooperation and the need to execute specific programs in pursuit of economic and social progress for the welfare of their people;

Based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit to attain the development needs and objectives of both countries;

Have agreed as follows:

The present Agreement aims to encourage scientific and technical cooperation between the Contracting Parties in accordance with their national priorities, through the promotion and execution of programs and projects in areas of common interest and mutual benefit, and the broadening of ties between their scientists, technicians and institutions. The programs and projects may include the participation of both government and private research institutes of both countries.

The framework of this Agreement and technical cooperation shall include:

1. undertaking of joint or coordinated studies/researches, conferences, seminars, and symposia in scientific and technical fields;

2. exchange of scientists, technicians, experts and researchers in scientific and technical fields;

3. sending of experts for consultancy services;

4. grant of fellowships for graduate and post graduate studies; training or study tours in scientific and technical fields;

5. exchange of scientific and technical information;

6. sending of equipment and materials required for the execution of specific projects; and

7. other forms of scientific and technical cooperation that may be mutually agreed upon by the Contracting Parties.

To implement the scientific and technical cooperation provided for in Article II hereof the participants in these Cooperative Activities shall negotiate and conclude specific project arrangements or protocols consonant with the priorities of both countries and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The negotiations shall be conducted through a Joint Commission.

The specific project arrangements or protocols shall contain, among others, objectives and goals of the projects/activities, detailed description of the activities to be jointly undertaken; the manner in which the activities shall be carried out; the contributions of the cooperating institutions; their rights, obligations, and responsibilities and the financial conditions in undertaking the activities.

The Joint Commission referred to in Article III shall hereby be established and shall be composed of an equal number of representatives to be designated by the Contracting Parties. The Commission shall meet alternately in Manila and Panama.

The Joint Commission shall have the following functions:

1. coordinate and review the activities of scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries and institute measures to carry out the provisions of this Agreement;

2. evaluate and determine priority areas in which to formulate project proposals and programs for scientific and technical cooperation;

3. create favorable conditions for the implementation of this Agreement;

4. examine and approve the programs/projects for cooperation, and facilitate and support the implementation of these programs/projects; and

5. to review the progress of scientific and technical cooperation and suggest measures for strengthening the Commission.

The Commission may establish working groups as deemed necessary for the implementation of the specific arrangements concluded in Article III.

The scientists, technicians, experts, researchers, fellows and other persons involved in exchanges under this Agreement shall observe the laws and regulations in force in the country to which they are sent.

Each Contracting Party shall give the scientists, technicians, experts and researchers, fellows and other persons sent by each Party under this Agreement the necessary assistance so that they may accomplish their mission.

The provisions of the present Agreement shall not limit the right of either Contracting Party to adopt or execute measures for reasons of public health, morals, and order or security.

Each Contracting Party pledges not to convey to a third country or citizens or organizations of a third country, without the written approval of the other Contracting Party, new scientific and technical knowledge acquired in the course of the implementation of the present Agreement.

Subject to the stipulations governing specific project arrangements under this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall become joint owners of whatever inventions, techniques, processes and other such beneficial results arising out of the activities under this Agreement and may apply for registration under all or any Intellectual Property Rights existing in either or both Contracting Parties.

Any dispute relative to the interpretation of the present Agreement must be resolved amicably through negotiation or consultation between the Contracting Parties.

For the implementation of this Agreement, the Executive Agencies are the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy of the Government of the Republic of Panama.

The present Agreement shall enter into force on the date of receipt of the last notification by which the Contracting Parties inform each other through diplomatic channels, that their respective constitutional requirements for the effectivity of this Agreement have been complied with. 

The present Agreement shall have a validity of five (5) years, automatically renewable for periods of two (2) years, unless one of the Contracting Parties notifies the other, through diplomatic note, of its intention to terminate the agreement, at least six (6) months in advance.

The termination of the present Agreement shall not affect the validity or execution of programs, projects or activities already agreed upon, which shall continue until their conclusion.

Signed in Panama on this 14th day of May 1997, in the English and Spanish languages, with both texts being equally authentic.

Entry into Force: May 14, 1997