SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY

AND SOCIETY

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 III. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND
NATION-BUILDING

After successful completion of this module, the student can be able to:
Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building;
Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of
their contribution to nation-building; and
Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise
their impact on the development of the Filipino nation.

Activating Prior Learning

Now, let us see what you know about the role of science and technology by
completing a concept map below. But before that, you may want to watch the movie
clips listed below to get some ideas. Happy watching!

Activity No. 3

Questions to Ponder:
1. What roles do science and technology play in the developmental progress of
the country?

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 Watch: 1. Science and Technology: Moving the Philippines Forward
Link: https://youtu.be/9li8S3L5p2Q
2. The State of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Link: https://youtu.be/_ttaqZf-SMg

From the videos you watched, complete the concept map below by enumerating the
roles of science and technology in shaping the nation. Then, choose one from your
list and explain it below.

Role of S&T in
Nation Building

Based on the lists you provided, choose one and explain.

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BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Even before the Spain colonized the country, some indigenous science and
technology has already existed with regards to agriculture like farming, animal
raising, and the utilization of plants and herbs as medicines. The use of
technology is evident in the handicrafts, pottery, weaving and tools used by
ancient Filipino in their everyday life.
Innovation and ingenuity were unmistakable by the way native Filipinos built
the rice terraces by hand. They also developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, fishing, and also for fighting enemies during tribal conflicts. They
used indigenous technology in building houses, irrigations and transportation,
both on land and on waterways.
The ancient practices in science and technology by our ancestors are now
considered as indigenous science of folk science.

COLONIAL PERIOD

Spanish colonization paved way to modern means of construction. Roads,

bridges, churches, and other large infrastructures were built with more
sophistication using some engineering skills and tools brought by the
Spaniards. In addition, Spanish colonizers developed health and education
system in the country.
The American colonial rule modernized almost all aspects of life in the
country. They established the Bureau of Science to initiate the development
in the field of science and technology.

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After achieving independence from the colonial masters, the Philippines,

under different administrations, continued to pursue programs in science and
technology. Each leadership had its own S&T agenda. However, it is
important to note that some Philippine presidents introduced more
developments in the field than others, which you will find out soon as you
course through this topic.

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 FILIPINO PRESIDENTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

▪ Directed the DepEd to revitalize the

FERDINAND MARCOS
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL
science in public high schools
▪ Lack of support if experimental ▪ Channelled additional funds to
work support projects in applied sciences
▪ Marginal budget of scientific and science education
research ▪ He proclaimed 35 hectares in
▪ Low salaries of scientists Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal as the site of
employed by the government Philippine Science Community
▪ Established the National Science ▪ Scholarships for graduate and
Development Board undergraduate science scholars, and
workshops on fisheries and
oceanography
▪ Added the Philippine Coconut
Research Institute to the NSDB to
modernize the coconut industry.
▪ Support for the promotion of scientific
research and invention with PD No.
49, s. 1972
▪ P.D. 1003-A, s. 1976 to establish the
National Academy of S&T

▪ National Science and Technology ▪ Significant increase in personnel

CORAZON AQUINO
Authority was replaced by the FIDEL V. RAMOS specializing in the science and
Department of Science and technology field
Technology. ▪ Addition of Philippine Science High
▪ Science and technology’s role in Schools in Visayas and Mindanao
economic recovery and sustained ▪ Government provided 3,500
economic growth was highlighted scholarships for students who were
▪ Created the Presidential Task Force taking up professions related to S&T
for Science and Technology which ▪ Schools were becoming more
came up with the first Science and modernized and updated with the
Technology Master Plan (STMP) addition of high-tech equipment for
▪ E.O. 128 abolished R.A. 3859, also student
known as the “Philippine Inventors ▪ Priority for S&T personnel increased
Incentive Act” when Magna Carta for Science and
▪ Gave assistance to Filipino inventors Technology Personnel was (R.A. No.
through giving financial aid, patent 8439) established
application assistance, etc. ▪ Enacted the Intellectual Property
▪ R.A. 6655 of the Free Public Code of the Philippines (R.A. No.
Secondary Act of 1988 opened doors 8293)
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 ▪ Launched a full-scale program based ▪ The science and technology sector of
JOSEPH ESTRADA on cost-effective irrigation GLORIA ARROYO the Philippines was dubbed as the
technologies “golden age” during her term
▪ Establishment of one science high ▪ Numerous laws and projects that
school in every province concerns both the environment and
▪ Advancement of industries and science to push technology as a tool
schools into the Internet age to increase the country’s economic
▪ Passage of the e-Commerce Act level
▪ The term “Filipinnovation” was the
coined term used in helping the
Philippines to be an innovation hub in
Asia
▪ Science Technology and Innovation
(STI) was developed further by
strengthening the schools and
education system such as the
Philippine Science High School,
which focuses in science, technology
and mathematics in their curriculum

▪ New National Scientists were named. ▪ Science and Technology sector is

RODRIGO DUTERTE
BENIGNO AQUINO III The following were: seen to be a priority based on the
1. Gavino C. Trono (Marine Biology) budget of research and development
2. Angel Alcala (Biological Science) (R&D) that grew by nearly six times
3. Ramon Barba (Horticulture) over the same period.
4. Edgardo Gomez (Marine Biology) ▪ DOST focus was set to put results of
R&D into commercialization in order
to gain new intellectual properties.
▪ Philippine Space Technology
Program – launched Diwata 2 in
2018 after the launch of Diwata 1 in
2016 that displayed the Philippine
flag in space.

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 GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs,

projects, and policies to boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to
prepare the whole country and its people to meet the demands of a technologically
driven world and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science.

Padilla-Concepcion (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN

2015 Agenda, the government, particularly the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), has sought the expertise of the National Research Council of the
Philippines (NCRP) to consult various sectors in the society to study how the
Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASAN 2015 Goals.

The NCRP clustered the policies into four, namely:

1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance

• Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding to the
curriculum
• Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue
• Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband
• Local food security

2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics
• Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities
• Outright grants for peer monitoring
• Review of R.A. 9184
• Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of
development

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-
harmonized standards by full implementation of the Food and Drug
Administration
• Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of
pharmaceutical services and care
• Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based
research as pool of information
• Allocating two percent of the GDP to research
• Legislating a law supporting human genome projects

4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

• Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing
laws
• Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
• Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s
conservation
• Formulation of common food and safety standards

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 There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government
through the DOST. Some of these projects are the following:

• Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and
technology. The government funds basic and applied researches. Funding of
these research and projects are also from the Overseas Development Aid
(ODA) from different countries.
• Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in
the field of science and technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the country
needs to produce more doctoral graduates in the field of science and
technology, and produce more research in the fields, including engineering.
• Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System for
training young Filipinos in the field of science and technology.
• Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry
partnerships.
• Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come home
and work in the Philippines or conduct research and projects in collaboration
with Philippine-based scientists.

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE, 2008)

identified several capacity-building programs such as:

• Establishment of national centers of excellence

• Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering
and Science Education Programs (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in
science and engineering
• Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the
country in different research and development areas
• Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise,
and incubate technopreneurship ventures
• Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science
High School system

In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were

created to develop the scientific literacy of the country. Special science classes were
organized and special science elementary schools were established in different
regions. Aside from these, science and mathematics in basic education were
continuously improved. The current K to 12 education program included Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as one of its major tracks in the
senior high school program to encourage more students to enroll in science-related
fields in college.

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to
embark various research and projects. The following are some of them:
1. Use of alternative and safe energy
2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness

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 4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and
technology which serves as a legal framework. These laws vary according to different
themes such as: conservation, health-related, technology-building, and supporting
basic research, among others. Some laws and policies are in line with international
treaties such as the UN, UNESCO, ASEAN and other international agencies.

National Goals

International SCIENCE AND

Treaty TECHNOLOGY
• Policies
Legal • Programs
Frameworks • Projects

Social Needs,
Issues, and
Problems

As shown in the diagram, the development of policies in science and technology

is shaped or influenced by several variables: policies need to be aligned to national
goals, consider international commitments based on legal frameworks, and respond
to various social needs, issues, and problems.

FAMOUS FILIPINOS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba – for his outstanding research on tissue

culture in Philippine mangoes.

2. Josefino Cacas Comiso – for his works on observing the

characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images.

3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. – known internationally in the field of

electrical engineering; was elected as officer of the famous Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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 4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz – notable for her research on sea snail
venom

5. Fabian Millar Dayrit – for his research on herbal medicine

6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III – for doing research on plant

biotechnology

7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. – for inventing the meconium drugs

testing

8. Lilian Formalejo Patena – for doing research on plant

biotechnology

9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz – for being an outstanding educator

and graph theorist

10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan – for his research in the field of

communication technology

There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and
abroad for their outstanding contributions in science:

1. Caesar A. Saloma – an internationally renowned physicist

2. Edgardo Gomez – famous scientist in marine science

3. William Padolina – chemistry and president of National

Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-Philippines

4. Angel Alcala – marine science

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 There are other scientists in the Philippine who were not identified in the list.
Yet, the Philippines still need more scientists and engineers, and there is a need to
support scientific research in the country. The University of the Philippines – Los
Baños is a science paradise for agriculture, forestry, plant and animal science, and
veterinary science. It has produced numerous scientists and research in the fields
mentioned. The University of the Philippines-Visayas is also a national center for
marine science, fisheries, and other related sciences.

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 Science, Technology and Nation-Building
o The influence of science and technology in the development of the
Philippines as a country. Even before the time of Spanish colonization in the
Philippines, various people and communities already practiced science.
o The growth of science and its development as a field in the country is a hybrid
of indigenous and foreign ideas. Spain and the United States, being the
former colonial masters of the country, played an important role in building
the foundation of science in the Philippines, the government establishes
various science programs.
o Many Filipinos were able to establish themselves as scientists and science
educators in various scientific areas and fields. Invention and innovations
were done by these Filipino scientists.
o The demands of globalization, especially the ASEAN economic agenda,
prompted the Philippines to invest in science and technology programs and
projects.

Janice Patria Javier Serafica, Greg Tabios Pawilen, Bernardo Nicolas Caslib,
Jr., Eden Joy Pastor Alata. Science, Technology, and Society. First Edition.
ISBN 978-971-23-8671-8

https://www.slideshare.net/memijecruz/historical-antecedents-of-science-
and-technology-152541982

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/bulacan-state-university/science-
technology-and-society/lecture-notes/module-1-historical-antecedents-in-
the-course-of-science-and-technology/9147102/view

https://www.scribd.com/document/429431394/Science-Technology-and-
Society-Module

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 A. Direction: Utilizing internet resources, find photos of modern Filipino scientists and
their respective interventions/ discoveries. Describe the inventions and their major
contributions in the development of our nation.

B. Direction: List some policies/programs of the government that steers the nation’s
Science and Technology forward. Describe these policies briefly, and give their Pros,
as well as their Cons. Support your claims by citing examples of their positive/negative
impact to our nation’s development.
Policy/ Program Pros (with Positive Cons (with Negative
Impacts) Impacts)
1.

2.

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 REFLECTION

Think about these:

1. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions? Why?
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2. What could be the consequences if these major intellectual revolutions did not
take place?
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3. Did science and technology change your way of life? Was it in a good way,
otherwise, or both? Explain how.
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4. How do social and human issues influence science?

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