71 SEC. 16. Priority Legislation. – The Regional Assembly shall enact laws that shall: (a) Give priority to science, research, inventions, technology, education, and their development and utilization; (b) Provide incentives, including tax deduction and funding assistance, and encourage the participation of the private sector in basic and applied scientific researches; (c) Regulate the transfer and promote the adoption of technology from all sources for regional benefit; (d) Secure and protect the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, scholars, writers, artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual properties; and (e) Ensure the full and effective participation of all sectors in the planning, programming, coordination, and implementation of scientific and technological researches and the acquisition, adoption, innovation, and application of science and technology for development. SEC. 17. Environmental Changes. – The regional educational subsystem shall endeavor to respond positively and effectively to the climatic changes affecting the environment. It shall monitor and evaluate ecological developments affecting the region and develop appropriate plans to meet ecological situations. To this end, it may establish linkages with appropriate domestic and international institutions. SEC. 18. Non-Formal Education. – The Regional Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall institutionalize non-formal education in scope and methodology, to include literacy, numeracy, and intensive skills training of the youth and adults. Scholarship Grants and Assistance SEC. 19. Donations to Universities, Colleges and Schools. – Public or private universities, colleges, and schools in the