(2) Undertake the maintenance of the above-mentioned infrastructure within the district and supervise the maintenance of such local roads and other infrastructure received from the Autonomous Regional Government financial assistance as the Regional Secretary may determine; (3) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions, and organizations, especially local government units within the district in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects; (4) Provide technical assistance to other agencies at the level of public works planning, design, construction, maintenance and other engineering matters to include generation of funding assistance from the Department; (5) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take appropriate measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the general public, compile and submit such information to the Department Proper and recommend such appropriate actions as maybe necessary; and (6) Performs such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Regional Secretary or as may be required by law. SEC. 14. District Engineer. - The District Engineer within a province or city shall be responsible for the efficient and effective discharge of the duties and functions of the District Office. Within his/her defined powers, he/she shall exercise functional and administrative supervision over district operations. He/she shall also perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Regional Secretary or as may be required by law. SEC. 15. Area Equipment Services. - There shall be an Area Equipment Service to be organized in every Province or City in the Autonomous Region to undertake the management, repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of construction and maintenance equipment. Each depot or shop shall be operated, to the extent practicable, as a profit center. The Area Equipment Services shall be under the administrative supervision of the Office of the Regional Secretary and technical supervision of the Bureau of Operations. TITLE IX SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Chapter 1 General Provisions SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. – Science and technology are essential elements in the attainment of national and regional development and progress. To attain this objective, it is hereby declared a regional policy to: (1) Support and encourage local scientific and technological efforts that address national and local problems and positively contribute to national and regional development; 141