SENATOR Joel Villanueva has filed Senate Bill No. 2069 seeking the establishment of the Philippine National Metrology Institute (PNMI) to strengthen the country’s national measurement system and align it with international standards.

Under the proposed measure, the PNMI will serve as the country’s permanent national metrology institution by transforming the National Metrology Division of the Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) into a stronger, internationally recognized scientific institution.

In his explanatory note, Villanueva stressed that precise, accurate, and internationally traceable measurements are vital to industrial development, scientific advancement, consumer protection, public health and safety, trade facilitation, and national competitiveness.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the country’s National Measurement System, reinforce its National Quality Infrastructure, and harmonize Philippine measurement standards with international practices to reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine products and services.

Villanueva noted that many countries—including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom—already maintain dedicated national metrology institutes to support innovation, industrial competitiveness, and regulatory confidence. Similar institutions also operate in ASEAN member states such as Singapore and Thailand.

Aside from creating the PNMI, the measure proposes upgrading regional metrology laboratories, establishing a National Metrology Training Center, implementing a continuing human resource development program, supporting metrology education and curriculum development, and rolling out a 10-year capacity enhancement plan.

According to Villanueva, establishing the PNMI is a strategic investment that will strengthen the country’s scientific capability, foster innovation, improve export readiness, and support long-term national development.

The proposed measure also provides funding for the establishment and operations of the institute.