Topic 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students must have:

Explained the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building;

Listed noteworthy inventions, with their inventors, and give their major contributions
in shaping the Filipino nation;
Identified science and technology policies of the government;
Appraised the impact of these policies on the development of the Filipino nation;
and
Recognized the need for balance between freedom and responsible behavior
during the exchange of ideas.

Key terms: Science and Technology, Nation Building, Innovation, Norms,

Culture, Colonization

Activating Prior Learning

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

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

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

Read: 1. Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation building.
Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka,
34(3), p.113. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640

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

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 Role of S & T in
Nation Building

Good job! Let’s learn more as you go through this lesson.

Presentation of Contents

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 in handicrafts, pottery, weaving, and tools used by ancient Filipinos 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 or 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.

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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.

Filipino Presidents and their Contributions in the Development of Science

and Technology in the Philippines

Philippine Presidents and the Status of S&T during their administration

Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (1957 - 1961)

-lack of support of experimental work

-marginal budget for scientific research
-low salaries of scientists employed by the government
-established the National Science Development Board

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos (1965 - 1986)

-directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science

courses in public high schools
- channelled additional funds to support projects in applied sciences
and science education
- he proclaimed 35 hectares in Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal as the site of the
Philippine Science Community
- scholarships for graduate and 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 Presidential
Decree No. 49, s. 1972
- he enacted a law under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, s. 1976 to establish the
National Academy of Science and Technology
- He enacted a law on the completion of the National Agriculture and Life
Sciences Research Complex at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños
(Executive Order No. 840, s. 1982)
- he established the Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science
High School to encourage careers in science and technology
-established other research institutes like PAGASA, National Grains Authority,
Philippine Council for Agricultural Research, Philippine National Oil Company
among others

Pres. Corazon Aquino (1986 - 1992)

- National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the

Department of Science and Technology
- science and technology's role in economic recovery and sustained
economic growth was highlighted
- created the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up
with the first Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP
- Executive Order No.128 abolished R.A. No. 3859, also known as the “Philippine
Inventors Incentive Act.”
- gave assistance to Filipino inventors through giving financial aid, patent
application assistance, legal assistance, and to help inventors market their
products domestically and abroad

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- R.A. 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 opened doors to free
education up to the secondary level
- “Science for the Masses Program” which aimed at scientific and technological
literacy among Filipinos

Pres. Fidel V. Ramos (1992 - 1998)

-significant increase in personnel specializing in the science and

technology field
-addition of Philippine Science High Schools in Visayas and
Mindanao
- government provided 3,500 scholarships for students who were
taking up professions related to S&T
- Schools were becoming more modernized and updated with the addition of high-
tech equipment for student
- Priority for S&T personnel increased when Magna Carta for Science and
Technology Personnel (Republic Act No. 8439) was established
- award was published in order to give incentives and rewards for people who
have been influential in the field of S&T (Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act or
Republic Act No. 7459)
- programs such as National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and
Technology
-enactment of a law creating a nationwide system of high schools specializing in the
field of science and engineering (Science and Technology Scholarship Law of 1994)
- enacted the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No.
8293)

Pres. Joseph Estrada (1998 - 2001)

launched a full-scale program based on cost-effective irrigation

technologies
- establishment of one science high school in every province
- advancement of industries and schools into the Internet age,
-passage of the e-Commerce Act

Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001 - 2010)

- the science and technology sector of the Philippines was dubbed

as the "golden age“ during her term
- Numerous laws and projects that concerns both the environment
and science to push technology as a tool to increase the country's
economic level
- the term "Filipinnovation" was the coined term used in helping the Philippines to be
an innovation hub in Asia
- Science Technology and Innovations (STI) was developed further by
strengthening the schools and education system such as the Philippine Science
High School (PSHS), which focuses in science, technology and mathematics in
their curriculum
- imposes Republic Act 10601 which improves the Agriculture and Fisheries
Sector through Mechanization (AFMech)

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Filipino Scientists and their Inventions

Here is a list of some Filipino scientists and inventors, together with their
contributions in shaping the science and technology of the Filipino nation.

Dr. Arturo Alcaraz

Dr. Arturo Alcaraz is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal

energy development. In 1967, Arturo Alcaraz and team powered an
electric light bulb using steam-powered electricity. This was the first
geothermal power generated in the Philippines.

Julian Banzon (1908 - 1988)

Filipino chemist, Julian Banzon researched methods of producing

alternative fuels. Julian Banzon experimented with the production of
ethyl esters fuels from sugarcane and coconut.

Pedro Escuro (1923 - )

Filipino scientist, Pedro Escuro is best known for his isolation of nine rice
varieties, thus was renowned by developing rice breeding in the
country. The Pedro Escuro rice varieties are: Milpal 4,
HBD-2, Azmil 26 and C-22 and C-18, C4-63, C4-137, C-168 and C-12.

Dr. Francisco Fronda (1896 - 1986)

Dr. Francisco Fronda is known as the Father of poultry science in the

Philippines. Francisco Fronda has improved methods of production for
the poultry and livestock industry.

Felix Maramba

Felix Maramba built a coconut oil-fueled power generator. He also is

the developer of one of the world's most profitable biogas systems.

Luz Oliveros Belardo (1906 - 1999)

Filipino chemist, Luz Oliveros Belardo researched the phytochemical

properties of plants in the Philippines for natural products, essential oils,
and the medicinal qualities.

Emerita De Guzman

Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation

of pure macapuno trees. Her research led to the faster
propagation of pure macapuno trees and increased macapuno
nut production from 3-5 macapuno nuts to 14-19 nuts (1980). She
also invented tissue culture techniques for the rapid propagation
of abaca and banana plants.

Dr. Fe Del Mundo (1911 - 2011)

Filipino doctor, Fe Del Mundo is credited with studies that lead to

the invention of an improved incubator and a jaundice relieving
device.

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 Gregorio Zara (1902 - 1978)

Famous Filipino Scientist, Gregorio Zara invented, made

improvements to, or discovered the following: invented the two-
way television telephone or videophone (1955) patented as a
"photo phone signal separator network"; discovered the physical
law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect (around 1930); invented
an airplane engine that ran on plain alcohol as fuel (1952).

For more information, please go to the links provided below, then watch and read the
following:

Watch: 1. Juan’s Top 5 Filipino Inventions at https://youtu.be/RU21nUiKaoc

Read: 1. The Philippine Men and Women of Science.

http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/manuscript/PMWS27.pdf 2. Philippine Great
Inventions

Application

Let’s have some practice, shall we?

Activity 1: Take a Roll on the Roles

Form groups of 5 and choose 1 role of S & T from the diagram you did at the beginning
of this topic, then perform a simple role-play that manifests the role of S & T that you
have picked. Below is a rubric to rate your performance. Do this within 15 minutes.
Enjoy acting!

Exceeds Expectation Meets Expectation Needs Improvement

Criteria
(3 points) (2 points) (1 point)

Factual information Factual information is Information is

Understandi is accurate mostly accurate inaccurate
ng of Topic Indicates a clear Good Presentation is off
understanding of understanding of topic topic
topic
Accepts ideas Accepts most Group does not work
of others; able to ideas without together
Teamwork compromise negative comments; One person does all
All members able to compromise the work
contribute Some members
contribute
Shows Shows some Portrayal stalls
confidence confidence Lacks information
Informative Presents some Audience bored
Presentation Entertaining; information Mumbles
engages audience Engages Body language is
Speaks loudly audience Can be lacking; inappropriate
and heard Some use
clearly of body
Appropriate use of language
body language

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Activity 2: Back Through Time

A. This activity is meant for you to revisit our country’s rich historical background on its
journey to scientific and technological progress. Your class will be divided into 5
groups, where each group shall choose one period to elaborate the development
of S&T in each period and its contributions and implications to the present society.
Complete the table below.

a. Early Filipino/ Pre – colonial period

b. Spanish Colonization
c. American Regime
d. Japanese Colonization
e. Post – colonial period

Science Implications of
Contribution of culture and S&T and science
State of S&T the period in practices/ culture of each
Period during the the Society’s period to the
period development norms during present
of S&T the period

Note: Please read the article below for additional information

A History of Science and Technology in the Philippines by Olivia C. Caoili Link:

https://tuxdoc.com/download/history-of-science-and-technology-in-the-
philippines_pdf#download-require

A. Retaining your group, make a 3 – 5-minute skit portraying the development of S&T
in the period/era you are working on. Present

your skit to the class next meeting. The rubrics below will serve as your guide, and basis
for rating your performance.
Exceeds Expectation Meets Expectation Needs Improvement
Criteria
(3 points) (2 points) (1 point)

Factual Factual information Information is

Understandi information is is mostly accurate inaccurate
ng of Topic accurate Good Presentation is
Indicates a understanding of off topic
clear topic
understanding
of topic
23
 Accepts ideas Accepts most Group does not
of others; able ideas without work together
Teamwork to compromise negative One person does
All comments; able all the work
members to compromise
contribute Some
Shows members
Shows some Portrayal stalls
confidence contribute
confidence Lacks
Informative Presents some information
Presentation Entertaining; information Audience bored
engages audience Engages Mumbles
Speaks loudly audience Can Body language
and be heard Some is
clearly use of body lacking;
Appropriate use language inappropriate
of
Activity 3: New body
Generation
language Science Genius

Utilizing internet resources, find photos of modern Filipino scientists and

their respective inventions/ discoveries. Describe the inventions and
their major contributions in the development of our nation.

Feedback

1. 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.

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 Policy/ Program Pros (with Cons (with
Positive Impacts) Negative
1. Impacts)

2.

3.

4.

2. Take photos that depict the use of science/technology in your community, and
compile them to make a photo album. Upload your work in social media, and try to
elicit comments from the viewers, then have a sharing with the class next meeting.

Summary

In this unit, you have learned the different contributions to Science and
Technology of each epoch of human history- Ancient, Medieval and Modern
Times. Necessity and adversity drive people to think and invent technology to
address the needs and problems they encountered in everyday life. These
inventions paved way to major developments from ancient to modern society
and along with it, the transmission of scientific and technological knowledge
that influenced our very own notion of the world.

The advent of technology opens the door for more scientific endeavors in the
quest of unravelling the mysteries of the natural world, and hence the birth of
scientific revolution. The revolution had sparked human creativity and critical
thinking, and by this time, many a discovery and scientific ideas were
developed, and new scientific paradigms were generated which had
overthrown previous paradigms. This manifests that scientific knowledge is not
permanent, and subject to constant change through careful research and
experimentation.

In the Philippines, even before period of colonization, our society has been faring on
its improvement in terms of Science and Technology especially in agriculture,
handicraft and medicine. During colonization, there was a slow growth of S&T since
majority of its sophistication is brought about by the foreign invaders. The establishment
of Bureau of Science by Americans paved the way for the initial growth of S&T in the
country. During post-colonial period where Philippines had given the autonomy for
executive, administrative, judicial and legislative operations, different programs and

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policies of the government gear towards reinforcing progress of S&T. Many Filipinos
were renowned not only in the national but also around the global society for their
outstanding feat.

Reflection

Think about these

1. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions? Why?

2. What could be the consequences if these major intellectual revolutions did not
take place?

3. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions? Why?

4. What could be the consequences if these major intellectual revolutions did not
take place?

5. Did science and technology change your way of life? Was it in a good way,
otherwise, or both? Explain how.

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References:

A History of Science and Technology in the Philippines by Olivia C. Caoili Retrieved

from: https://tuxdoc.com/download/history-of-science-and-technology-in-the-
philippines_pdf#download-require

McNamara, D., Valverde, V., & Beleno, R. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society
(1st ed., pp. 1-128). Quezon City: C&E Publishing Inc.

Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation building. Journal of
the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 34(3), p.113. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640

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VEA4gKHUNtA-
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Science and Technology: Moving the Philippines Forward. Retrieved from

https://youtu.be/9li8S3L5p2Q

The State of Science and Technology in the Philippines. Retrieved from

https://youtu.be/_ttaqZf-SMg

Juan’s Top 5 Filipino Inventions at https://youtu.be/RU21nUiKaoc

The Philippine Men and Women of Science. Retrieved from:

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