LESSON 3: Science, Technology and Nation Building

Introduction:

The Philippines, like all the other countries, aims to have a robust economy. Economic
growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services over time. There are several
factors that influence the economic growth of a country, and these factors may vary from one
country to the other depending on the condition of its properties, including the manpower and the
natural resources that the country is gifted with. In this chapter, we will focus on the role of science
and technology in strengthening the economy and in nation-building. Generally, to generate
economic growth, the country should have an increase in the amount of physical capital goods,
which also increase the productivity of labor. The population size of a country may also have an
impact on the economy but to a varying extent. For example, a country with few people may mean
low labor force and will require the import of workers, which can be costly. A country with many
people could imply a rich labor force, but an overpopulated one may cause a scarcity of resources.
It is, therefore, a matter of effective economic administration of the government. Another method
of producing economic growth is technological improvement, which relies also on the condition of
the science and technological foundation of the country. This chapter will tackle how science and
technology has evolved in the Philippines over time and how it has become instrumental for
nation-building.

Learning Outcomes:
After completing this chapter, the students should have developed the ability to:
1) Explain how the Philippines has evolved in terms of its scientific and technological
development;
2) Identify significant historical events that became instrumental in the development of
science and technology in the country;
3) Evaluate how science and technology is vital to nation-building; and
4) Appreciate the Filipino scientists and inventors who have contributed to the development
of science and technology in the Philippines.

Course Materials:

The Science and Technology in the Philippines before the Spanish Colonization
 Malay people are members of an ethnic group that are
believed to have originated in the coastal Borneo. This ethnic group
had a trading and seafaring way of life. With their mobility, via seas,
they reached the neighboring regions of the east coast of Sumatra
(a large island in Western Indonesia), Malay Peninsula (West
Malaysia), and the smaller islands in between where they became
successful inhabitants. About 2300 years ago, Malay people from the
Asian mainland (Indonesia) arrived in the Philippines. Though they
were not the first people to set foot on the Philippine Islands they
were believed to be more civilized than the prior inhabitants. History
books tell us that Aetas (or Atis) were the first people who came to
the Philippines. They came across land bridges from the mainland
Asia about 25,000 years ago. They wandered in the forests and lived
by hunting animals, fishing, and gathering wild plants and fruits.
Aetas with simple dwellings and practicing
They used bow and arrow for hunting, and they did not have any hunting of animals for food
sense of residency. Historians described Aetas as small people (less than 5 feet tall), and dark
skin with kinky hair.
Indonesians were considered the first immigrants to the Philippines. They arrived by the
sea from South Asia 5000 years ago. Indonesians were more advanced than Aetas in terms of
their way of life. They lived in permanent homes and used fire to cook their foods. Like the Aetas,
they also lived by hunting animals and fishing, but they had already practiced small farming and
crop cultivation. Indonesians were described by the historians as tall, with light skin, large
forehead, long nose, and thin lips. One interesting trait of Indonesians, which made them more
advanced than Aetas, was their ability to construct festivities by painting their bodies with colorful
figures.
In the aspect of Science and Technology, the lives of the Malay could be considered
remarkable. Malays introduced formal farming, various building techniques, iron melting, pottery,
and an incredible rice field system. They were believed to have carved out the spectacular rice
terraces of North Luzon 2000 years ago. They prospered from the first century until the Spaniards
colonized the country in the 16th century. They were skillful sailors, potters, weavers, and tool-
wielders.
 This phenomenon of migration from the mainland Asia to the Philippines was
called Wave Migration Theory. It was believed that Malays arrived in three
ethnically diverse waves. The first wave laid the foundation of Bontoc
and the other tribes of North Luzon, the second wave established
the indigenous groups of Bicolano, Bisayan, and Tagalog, and the
third wave gave rise to the Muslim Malays.
Some records have shown intricate practices of Science and
Technology in the Philippines before the Spanish colonization. Here
is the list of some skills and tools that had already emerged during
the early Filipino times.

• Sowing and polishing stone The Malays with their more

• Production of adzes ornament made of seashells intricate clothing and tools

• Pottery
• Production of plant extract as medicine
• Alphabet
• Counting methods
• Measurement system
• Calendar system based on the motion of the moon

The Philippine Science and Technology During the Spanish Regime

There was a great leap in the status of Science and Technology in the Philippines during
the Spanish regime. The education system largely improved with the development of schools in
the later part of the 16th century. Some of these schools included:

• Colegio de San Ildefonso (Cebu, 1595)

• Colegio de San Ignacio (Manila, 1595)
• Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Rosario (Manila, 1597)
• Colegio de San Jose (Manila, 1601)
• University of Santo Tomas (UST)
UST, which was built in the 19th century after the colonial authorities issued a royal degree to
reform the educational system. In 1871, the school of medicine and pharmacy was opened. After
15 years, it produced 62 licensed professionals in the field of medicine.
Hospitals were built, including the San Juan Lazaro Hospital in the Far East in 1578. There
was also an emergence of formal research in agriculture and industry, which promoted the
cultivation of indigo, cotton, cinnamon, and silk. It was governed by the Real Sociedad Economica
de los Amigos Del Pais del Filipinas founded by Governador Jose Basco y Vargas in 1780.
The world trade and commerce were expanded in the country during the latter part of the 19th
century. It led to the rapid development of Manila as a cosmopolitan center. Together with this
development, modern amenities emerged, including steam tramways, waterworks, electric lights,
and even banking system. The Jesuits also promoted meteorological studies, founding Manila
observatory at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1865.
The urbanization of Manila became promising during this period. Aside from the
established colleges and universities, government establishments were also improved. Churches,
roads, bridges, and forts were developed to promote global trading. The fields of science, biology,
botany, chemistry, and medicine were prioritized. The Suez Canal was built, giving access to the
Filipino people to visit European countries. This ability to open the minds of the Filipinos about
the western ideals strengthened the further development of Science and Technology in the
country.

Science and Technology in the Philippines during the American Era

In 1898, the United States of America declared war on Spain that gave rise to the Treaty
of Paris. Spain agreed to give up the islands of the Philippines in exchange of $20,000,000.00.
Conflicts were formed between Americans and Filipinos during the early years, but they agreed
on a favorable relationship during World War I. When the WWI had ended, the USA continued to
rule over the Philippines and eventually win the hearts of the Filipinos. Some of the notable
changes in the Philippines was the freedom of the Filipinos to choose religion other than
Catholicism. It was also noticeable that the Filipino clothing and fashion complemented the
fashion statement of Americans with belts, bonnets, hats, high heels, polo shirts, short skirts, etc.
Submarines were used in trading, war, and international transportation. Railways improved going
to and from the different points of the Philippines. In terms of education, Americans introduced
the idea of free education, and the teachers serving under this system were called “Thomasites.”
During this time, the English language was taught in the schools and communication devices, like
the wireless telegraph, telephone, radios, and movies, were introduced. There were also
significant milestones in the field of Science and Technology, and here are some of the notable
changes.

Date Milestone of Science and Technology in the Philippines

July 01, 1901 The Bureau of Government Laboratories was established by

the Philippine Commission. It served purpose of studying tropical
diseases in the country.

1905 The Bureau of Government Laboratories was replaced by the

Bureau of Science. It became the primary research center of the
country.

December 8, 1933 The National Research Council of the Philippines was

established. The scientific research during the American period
was inclined toward agriculture, food processing, forestry,
medicine, and pharmacy.

1946 The Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science.

1958 The “Science Act of 1958” was enacted by the Philippine

Congress with the goal to establish the National Science
Development Board.

The Science Education in the Philippines

In the pursuit of alleviating the condition of the Philippine economy, all sectors of the
country are doing their best to be a contributor to the country’s economic growth. The Philippines
has invested resources and energy in science and technology since the 20th century as it has a
promising return of investment if managed effectively and efficiently. The former President
Ferdinand Marcos believed that the advancement of science and technology is instrumental in
the national development. He also believed that the progress of science and technology starts in
school. In 1970, he emphasized the need to upgrade the science curriculum and science teaching
equipment/apparatus not only in tertiary education but also in public high schools. In 1986, he
established the Philippine Science High Schools in the Visayas and Mindanao. These high
schools encourage the youth to choose the careers that are aligned to science and technology,
such as biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, etc. The aim of these schools is to awaken the
scientific interest of the young people and tap their potentials for scientific innovation and
development.
Some of the Science schools in the Philippines, supported by the government, include the
following:
• Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)
• Manila Science High School
• Central Visayan Institute Foundation
• Quezon City Regional Science High School

These schools are said to be homes of the talented and/or gifted young people in terms
of science and technology. Their end-goal is to prepare their students for a science-related career
in the future by inculcating a scientific mind and profound passion for excellence. The schools still
teach the basic education courses as prescribed by the Department of Education; however, there
are additional subjects in science and technology that the students need to take.
Manila Science High School (MSHS) was the first science high school in the Philippines
established on October 1, 1963. Its aim is to produce future scientists, but it also serves as a great
avenue for extracurricular activities. MSHS administers an entrance examination for the aspiring
students. It is called Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT), and it contains five
parts: aptitude test in Science, aptitude test in Mathematics, problem solving test in Science and
Mathematics, and proficiency examination in English. Like the other science high schools, MSHS
has produced outstanding alumni in various fields of science, mathematics, and technology.
During the 5th republic, the support of the government to the students taking science and
technology was intensified. During this period, there were 3,500 scholars who were being
supported in their studies. Several schools were also equipped with modern equipment needed
for science and technology instruction.

Government Policies on Science and Technology

Government agencies under the science and technology had already existing before the
start of the fifth republic. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) was established during the Marcos Era. It is a Philippine national
institution dedicated to providing flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and
advisories, and some other related information and services. In 1976, the National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST)was established. It is another national institution supporting and
promoting the endeavors of Filipino scientists in the fields of microbiology, botany, chemistry,
physics, etc.
To establish the goals and aspirations of science and technology in the country, the
government as adopted different policies that support and promote it. Here is the summary of the
policy frameworks and programs of the Philippines for science and technology across different
leadership of the republic (As presented by Fortunato T. de la Peña, Undersecretary for Science
and Technology, DOST):

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo* Provision

Science and Technology Master It shows the direction and desired goals of
Plan Philippine Science and Technology for both
public and private sectors.
(1991-2000)

RA 6959 – Establishment of An act establishing provincial centers for Science

Provincial Centers for Science and and Technology in all provinces of the Philippines
Technology and appropriating funds therefore.

President Fidel V. Ramos Provision

Stand Philippines

RA 7459 – Inventors Incentive Act One of its salient provisions is a cash reward to
be granted to a patented invention in the
Philippines.

RA 7687 – Science and Technology It provides scholarship slots to poor but deserving
Scholarship Act students whose families' annual gross incomes
do not exceed the poverty threshold limit.
RA 8439 Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers,
Researchers, and other Science and Technology
Personnel in the Government

RA 8496 – Philippine Science High Integrating Philippine Science High School

School (PSHS) System Act of 1997 System campuses into one system of
governance

President Joseph Ejercito Provision

Estrada

Department of Science and It presents the three-pronged approach which the

Technology (DOST) Medium-Term science department shall adopt to realize this
Plan (1999-2004) vision.

Crafted the vision of a competent and competitive

science community with a social conscience

President Gloria Macapagal- Provision

Arroyo*

SETUP – Small Enterprise It serves as a primary means to reach out to

Technology Upgrading Program Filipino entrepreneurs in the Metro Manila to
support the growth of micro, small, and medium
enterprises and to address the needs of local
businesses to avail themselves of appropriate
technologies.

TECHNICOM - Technology It aims to fast track the transfer and

Innovation for Commercialization commercialization of locally developed
innovations and technologies through financial
and technical support from DOST.
 SUPRE-GOV Technology Support for E-Governance

Republic Act 9036 An act strengthening the governance and

defining the scope of the Philippine Science High
School System, amending for the purpose of RA
8496

Republic Act 9107 - Philippine An act promoting and preserving the science and
Science Heritage Centre Act technology resources of the country establishing
for this purpose the Philippine Science Heritage
Center fund appropriation

Policy Statement and Framework Promotes the safe and responsible use of
on Modern Biotechnology modern biotechnology and its product as one of
the means to achieve food security, equal access
to health services, a sustainable and safe
environment, and industry development

Republic Act 9236 - The National An act establishing a national measurement

Metrology Act of 2003 infrastructure system (NMIS) for standards and
measurements, and for any other purpose

Republic Act 9242 An act prescribing the use of the Philippine

Tropical Fabrics for uniforms of public officials
and employees for some other purposes

RA 9376 – The Biofuels Act The act promotes the development and usage of
biofuels (cheaper alternative to gasoline)
throughout the country.

RA 10601 – Agricultural and An act promoting agricultural and fisheries

Fisheries Mechanization Law mechanization development in the country

* considered as the golden age for science and technology in the Philippines
 The Philippine government has several other programs, projects, and policies that
strengthen the science and technology in the country. The overarching goal of these programs is
to make the Filipino people competitive in the field of science and technology and prepare them
for the demands of a progressive world driven by scientific innovations and modern technologies.
With the active participation of various government and nongovernment organizations, the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plays a significant role as far as the mobility of
science and technology in the country is concerned. To ensure the aptness of the department to
global standards without compromising the country’s own needs, it has drafted reasonable, timely,
and sensible driving agenda.

DOST Eight-Point Agenda:

1) Putting in place five comprehensive priority research and development programs:
• Biotechnology
• ICT
• Environment
• Pharmaceuticals
• Basic Research
2) Expanded implementation of existing SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading
Program), TECHNICOM–Technology Innovation for Commercialization, and Techno
Gabay Program
3) Implementation of high-impact programs in each region
4) Better ways of helping inventors
5) Launching of Innovation Promotion Program
• Business Plan Competition
• Success stories of Filipino technology entrepreneurs
• Networking with Filipino Science and Technology experts
• Conducive financial and legal framework for business start-up
6) Innovative human resources development programs
7) Upgrading of facilities
8) Policy development and advocacy program
• Groundwork for comprehensive technology transfer legislation
• Revisit Science and Technology parks program
• Evaluation of DOST programs
 • DOST Rationalization Program
• International cooperation

DOST plays an important role in leading the country toward a goal of making the
Philippines at par with the neighboring countries in terms of science and technology. The
Philippines should be able to present desirable outcomes of these various efforts. Two of the
indicators of vibrant scientific and technological yields in a country are through its number of
scientific publications and patents granted.
Scientific publication – It refers to the reporting of a new scientific knowledge derived from
intense research. The research findings are disseminated globally through scientific journals that
are usually specialized for different academic disciplines or subdisciplines. The type of scientific
publication may include original research, review of literature with meta-analysis, evidence-based
opinion or perspective, short communication, and so on. In a scientific publication, a manuscript
is scrutinized for its acceptability in both academic and moral standards.
Patents granted – A patent is an exclusive legal right of the owner of a new invention to prevent
others from using, reproducing, retailing, and smuggling the new technical solution to a common
problem. Patents maybe granted for inventions in the field of technology, such as a new material,
equipment, and even a chemical compound produced through a certain process. Patent is usually
granted within a limited time from the application date (generally 20 years).
According to the report of SCImagoJournal and Country Rank for the greatest number of
scientific publications by a country from 1996-2017, the Philippines is ranked 68th with a total of
27,811 scientific papers that appeared in reputable scientific journals. We are behind the ranking
of Indonesia (75,220 scientific papers), Thailand (156,829 scientific papers), Malaysia (248,457
scientific papers), Singapore (265,452 scientific papers), among others, with the United States
(11,036,243 scientific papers) and China (5,133,924 scientific papers) leading the list. SCImago
is a reputable organization acknowledged worldwide that runs an algorithm of the information
contained in major scientific journals across the globe. Meanwhile, the country is also behind the
other neighboring countries in terms of the number of patent applications. In 2015, the Philippines
had 375 patent applications while Thailand and Malaysia had 1,006 and 1,272 patent applications,
respectively. This has an important implication in terms of the amount of effort we need to exert
to strengthen science and technology output in the country. To deal with this challenge, DOST
provides funds for an individual or an institution to conduct basic and applied research and
produce scientific papers and patents related to science and technology. Scholarships are also
given to undergraduate and graduate students to maximize the production of scientific and
technological outputs.

FAMOUS FILIPINO SCIENTISTS

The scientific publications and patents granted are also instrumental in identifying key people
in the field of science and technology. Their contributions to the body of knowledge get recognition
based on their impact on the people’s quality of life, conservation of the ecosystem (or in the wider
scope, the planet earth), advancement of existing theories and laws, and many other reasons that
are needed to be heard not only by the Filipinos but by the entire humanity. Below is the list of
some Filipino scientists who have significant contributions to their respective fields:

1) Alfredo C. Santos is a Filipino chemist who obtained a BS degree in Pharmacy at the

University of the Philippines. He was awarded as Outstanding Pharmacist Researcher of
the Philippines in 1953, Magsaysay’s Distinguished Service Star in 1954, and PhilAAS
Outstanding Scientist in 1973, but his great contribution was his discovery of
paheantharine, an effective medicine for high blood pressure.
2) Angel C. Alcala is the Filipino biologist behind the invention of artificial coral reefs and
sanctuaries that promote aquatic biodiversity in the Philippines and in the other parts of
Southeast Asia. He was named National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014. Among his
notable awards is the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1992 for his pioneering scientific
leadership in restoring and conserving the coral reefs in the country.
3) Arturo P. Alcaraz is an alumnus of Mapua Institute of Technology (BS, 1937). He is a
Filipino volcanologist who is known for specializing in geothermal energy development.
He received a Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1982.
4) Benjamin G. Almeda, Sr. is known as the “Father of Filipino Inventors,”. He invented and
designed several food-processing machines, including a rice grinder, meat grinder,
coconut grater, ice shaver, waffle cooker, hotdog griller, barbecue cooker, and portable
toaster. His inventions had important contributions to the food industry in the Philippines.
He was awarded a gold medal by the World Intellectual Property Organization of the
United Nations, which encourages creativity and promotes the protection of intellectual
property throughout the world.
 5) Eduardo Quisumbing y Arguelles is a Filipino biologist and a noted expert in the medicinal
plants of the Philippines. He obtained his BS degree at the University of the Philippines in
1918, his MS in Botany at the same university, and his PhD in Plant Taxonomy at the
University of Chicago. Quisumbing was an author of taxonomic and morphological papers
regarding orchids and many other medicinal plants. Saccolabium quisumbingii, a fleshy-
leaved small growing orchid, has been named in his honor.
6) Fe Villanueva del Mundo is a Filipino pediatrician who founded the first pediatric hospital
in the Philippines. She was given a Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1977
and was conferred the title National Scientist of the Philippines in 2010. She was credited
with studies leading to the invention of an improved incubator and a jaundice-relieving
device.
7) Felix D. Maramba, Sr. is an engineer and an inventor who built a coconut oil-fueled power
generator and developed one of the world’s most profitable biogas systems.
8) Francisco O. Santos studied the nutritional problems associated with the Filipino diet. He
is remarkable for his concern for the improvement of nutrition of the Filipino people,
especially in the deprived areas. He demonstrated the anti-beriberi content of sweet potato
and advocated home gardening with fruits and vegetables as a good source of vitamin
supplements. He was conferred the National Scientist Award in 1983.
9) Josefino C. Comiso is a Filipino physicist who generated the first detailed maps of surface
temperatures in the Polar Regions as derived from thermal infrared satellite data. He was
the chief scientist in many NASA aircraft missions and has been giving cautionary advice
to the world about global warming. He got a Balik Scientist Award in 2010.
10) Pedro B. Escuro is best known for his significant contributions on rice breeding and
isolation of nine rice varieties. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, for which
he was awarded Magna Cum Laude, at the University of the Philippines in 1952, his
master’s degree at Cornell University, USA, in 1954, and his doctorate for genetics and
plant breeding at the University of Minnesota in 1959.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING

As a brief review of the Philippines, having evolved as a nation, it was colonized from 1565
to 1898 by Spain, from 1898 to 1946 by the United States of America, and from 1941 to 1945 by
Japan. It was on July 4, 1946 when it gained independence from the US and from then on, it has
yearned for economic independence. Ferdinand Marcos became the President of the Philippines
in 1965. During his reign, several scientific and technological programs were implemented to help
advance our economic condition. On September 21, 1972, Marcos declared Martial Law, as he
faced continuing problems of dissidence, corruption, and poverty. It was his aim to build a “new
society,” but history changed the path as many critics became outspoken about his outlandish
administration. Corazon Aquino became victorious at the following presidential election. Marcos
called for a snap election because of Aquino’s threat to his presidency, and his massive cheating
in this election led to the EDSA Revolution on February 22-25, 1986. It signaled the return of
democracy, and a new constitution under Aquino’s presidency was adopted. History has shaped
the kind of nation we have today. Fidel Ramos (Philippine President, 1992-1998) launched a plan
at achieving industrialized status by the year 2000. It is the goal of our nation-building to gain the
ideals of liberty, equality, and economic growth.

Science and Technology has significant roles in the nation-building. Modernization has a
great trace in the development of many aspects of a nation, and the level and quality of
modernization is parallel to the level and quality of science and technology. The ability of a nation
to move according to the flow of modernity determines its capability to sustain the people’s quality
of life. This chapter has presented various efforts of the government to advance the status of our
science and technology. There are great people, whom we call inventors and scientists, who have
contributed to the advancement of our scientific knowledge, which has great influences in
sustaining a good life (see Unit 2) in our country. Here are some of the conditions where we can
consider science and technology as a driving force for the success of a nation:
• Progressive scientific knowledge aids in the production of a healthy society through
developments in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors;
• A world-class quality of technologies improves the good and services the drives of the
economy through roads, clean water, suitable devices, and equipment that reinforce
the production of goods;
• Technological innovations enhance communication, trading, international relationship,
education, and so on;
• Good governance and many more.
To promote science and technology in the national development of the Philippines, the
following are stipulated in the 1987 Constitution:
Article XIV Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national development
and progress. The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation,
and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and services. It shall
support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their
application to the country’s productive systems and national life.
Article XIV Section 11. The Congress may provide incentives, including tax deductions,
to encourage private participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research.
Scholarships, grant-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to deserving science
students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and specially gifted citizens.
Article XIV Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation
of technology from all sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation
of private groups, local governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and
utilization of science and technology.
Article XIV Section 13. The state shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of
scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations,
particularly when beneficial to the people, for such period as maybe provided by the law.
To live up to the goals of science and technology in the country, several government
agencies are formed. The mandate necessitates the assurance of proper implementation of
resources and manpower to utilize science and technology as a tool for advancing the capability
and capacity of the nation for the welfare of Filipino people. Here are some of the government
agencies that promote and sustain scientific and technological practices in the country:
Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is the primary science and technology
body in the Philippines. It provides central direction toward an effective leadership and
coordination of all scientific and technological activities in the country. It is also leading in
formulating policies, programs, and projects related to science and technology with the aim of
supporting national development.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is responsible for implementing policies that
are focused on the efficient trading, commerce, and industrial activities in the country. It is a
coordinating body of DOST.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The commission is mandated to promote
quality education through the formulation of evidence-based policies, plans, and programs for the
development of higher education in the country. It ensures that all the educational policies and
programs are efficiently promoted in the entire country.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). It is a government agency responsible

for formulating socioeconomic development plans, macroeconomic forecasting, policy analysis,
and economic research. It ensures that its entire program helps achieve the goals for national
development.

Activities and Assessment:

1. What do you think can you do after you graduate from college to help in the advancement
of science and technology in the Philippines?
2. How do you see the status of our nation 10 years from now? Is science and technology
an important aspect of your vision? Is it in a positive or a negative note? If it is in a negative
note, do you think you can do something to improve it?