Chapter 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building Overview
Chapter 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building Overview
Overview:
In a modern and innovative society, where advancements are plentiful and communication
is instantaneous, science and technology are a part of everyday life.
-Julie Payette
The quote above put emphasis on the great contribution of Science and Technology
on the advancement and betterment of our society, and nation as a whole. In this chapter,
you will learn how the developments in Science bring progress and changes in our nation,
making it more advance and modernize in this present time. As a future teacher you need to
learn the government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their
contributions to nation building, so that you will motivate and inspire your future students
on how they will use Science and Technology as a tool for improvement.
Learning Targets:
• discuss the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building;
• evaluate government Science and Technology Agenda and policies in terms of their
contributions to nation building;
• appraise the actual Science and Technology policies of the government and its impact
on the development of the Filipino nation; and
• analyze the indigenous science and technologies.
Concept:
The pictures which you analyzed a while ago, are some of the few inventions of our intelligent
scientists which truly helped us in our lives. Now let us learn more about the role of Science
and Technology in building a nation.
A. Innovation Culture
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B. The recent success of the saltwater lamp, salamander tricycle, and Diwata 1
microsatellite is a nice start, but it just shows that we have a long way to go before we
develop an innovation culture. It is only possible to build an "innovation ecosystem" if
there are enough scientists and technicians.
• Sustainable Alternative Lighting
(SALt) lamp. Aisa Mijeno, a Filipina
scientist, created the Sustainable
Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp with
the goal of “sustainably lighting the
remainder of the Philippines.” The
SALt Lamp is an environmentally
beneficial and long-lasting alternative
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/gadgets-and-
light source that runs on saltwater, tech/08/02/15/pinay-scientist-creates-lamp-runs-saltwater
making it ideal for coastal residents. It
can also be used in outlying areas. This environmentally friendly lamp can run for
eight hours with just two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water. The SALt
lamp is based on the chemical conversion of energy, according to Mijeno. The
SALt lamp uses the same scientific mechanism as a Galvanic cell, but instead of
electrolytes, it uses a saline solution, making it completely safe and non-toxic.
The SALt light is also a lot safer than a kerosene lamp, according to Mijeno,
because it doesn't have any components or compounds that could cause a fire. It
also produces no harmful emissions and has a small carbon footprint.
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• Diwata 1 Microsatellite.
Diwata-1 spent four years in
space, producing
photographs that have paved
the way for the use of space
technology in the Philippines
to assess environmental
change, contributing to
science-based conservation,
risk management, and
statewide mapping. https://www.geospatialworld.net/news/philippines-microsatellite-diwata-1-captures-
seaboard-of-isabela-during-test-run/
The microsatellite
orbited the Earth 22,643 times, passing 4,800 times over the Philippines. It took
45,572 photographs of the Earth, with 17,271 images from the Philippines. The
images covered a total area of 114,087 square kilometers (44,049 square miles),
or around 38% of the Philippines' land area.
Science and technology assist us in comprehending nature and the world around
us, as well as enabling us to live full lives through new and innovative methods. As a
result, we must develop our scientific and technological basis as Filipinos in order to
compete in an integrated ASEAN.
1. Stronger Research and Development in the regions, not just Manila. Increase
funding assistance for research and development through the DOST's sectoral planning
councils, such as PCIERD, PCAARD, and ASTI, in collaboration with universities in
the regions. The science program must be distributed to all regions, particularly those
where food production must be increased, industry must expand, and innovation must
flourish. In view of climate change, expensive electricity, and the need to distribute
industry and economic activity, this is crucial.
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Different programs and personalities contribute a lot in the advancement of our nation
today. These programs made our nation to be more innovative and productive. The
personalities in Science and Technology bring changes
in our lives with the help of their inventions and
discoveries.
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degree program, the scholar shall serve the country full-time only in his field of training for a
minimum period equal to the length of time he or she received the scholarship by organizing
technology-based livelihood activities or enterprises, teaching, or performing any other service
related to the course or training he or she has completed.
3. SETUP. SETUP is a national plan to encourage and support SMEs (small and medium
businesses) to use technological advances to improve their operations and, as a result, increase
their productivity and competitiveness. SETUP provides equipment and technical assistance to
micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help them increase sales and production,
streamline and improve overall company operations, upgrade product and service quality,
conform to national and international standards of excellence, and be competitive in their fields.
4. Balik Scientist Act. President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11035 on June 15,
2018. The Balik Scientist Act was another name for this act. The law aims to “strengthen the
scientific and technological human resources of the academe, public and private institutions,
including locally registered firms in order to foster knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow
of new technologies into the country,” according to the law itself.
5. Philippine Space Agency. The Philippine Space Body, or PhilSA, will be the principal
government agency responsible for all national concerns and operations relating to space
research and technology applications under Republic Act No. 11363. Among other things, the
PhilSA is entrusted with assisting the country in the design, development, and execution of
national and international space policies. It's also in charge of planning, directing, managing,
and implementing projects related to scientific space research and development, as well as the
country's use of space technology.
Now let us proceed to the major personalities in science and technology in the
Philippines:
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One of her notable inventions is Bamboo Incubator, wherein the Premature newborns
(those born before the mother's 37th week of pregnancy) are undeveloped and have a low body
fat content, making it difficult for them to maintain a healthy body temperature. This is
addressed by the modern medical incubator; nevertheless, not everyone who requires it has
access to such technology. This is an especially critical issue in rural areas, where such gadgets
are frequently unavailable. Fortunately, the first Filipino invention on this list provided a
solution: the bamboo incubator, which is widely regarded as the brainchild of Dr. Fe del
Mundo. This improvised gadget is generally inexpensive and simple to manufacture, making
it perfect for usage in rural communities and locations where advanced facilities are scarce.
Del Mundo intended to open her own pediatric hospital, Children’s Medical Center, after
becoming frustrated with the bureaucratic restraints of working for a government hospital. She
sold her house and obtained a loan to help her build her own hospital. The Children's Medical
Center, a 100-bed hospital in Quezon City, was founded in 1957 as the Philippines' first
pediatric hospital. In 1966, the hospital was enlarged by establishing an Institute of Maternal
and Child Health, which was Asia's first of its kind.
She is also the first woman to be named National Scientist of the Philippines in 1980.
She has received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for Outstanding Service to Mankind (1966),
the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Outstanding Public Service (1977), and the International
Pediatric Association's Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian Award (1977).
2. Gregorio Zara
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The Zara effect (physical law of electrical kinetic resistance), the wooden microscope,
the semi-automatic propeller-making machine, and an aircraft propeller made entirely of wood,
the solarsorber airplane fueled by alcohol, the earth induction compass, which pilots use for
direction, and the vapor chamber, which is used to visualize radioactive elements are among
his other contributions.
His scientific creations made him famous around the world, and he received several prizes
and medals throughout his lengthy career as an engineer, inventor, government official, and
educator. The Order of National Scientist, bestowed by then-Philippine President Ferdinand E.
Marcos in 1978, was the most distinguished of these honors.
3. Felix D. Maramba
The Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc. is led by Felix Maramba. “Biogas and
Waste Recycling, The Philippine Experience” and “Farm Management in the Philippines” are
two of his books. The Maya Farms Model was created by him.
Another astonishing invention of Dr. Maramba is the Coconut oil fueled generator.
Coconut oil is the principal source of fat for individuals in many places throughout the world.
Maramba has made an astonishing breakthrough by delivering energy from a commonly
available resource with his idea of developing a power generator using coconut oil as the source
of energy. People can make the most of a readily available resource by using coconut oil as an
energy source, and the coconut oil can be reused or recycled after being used for cooking. The
ability to supply a cheap and efficient source of energy that is easily available has made a huge
difference in the lives of many people. It is not only a cheap and easily available source of
energy, but it is also environmentally benign, which has been a major consideration throughout
his career. Millions of people's lives have been enhanced as a result of the generator's invention,
allowing them to focus their time and energy on other things.
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4. Rolando de la Cruz
Rolando de la Cruz is a barber in real life. Because the majority of his clients suffer from
fungal infections and other skin illnesses, he became aware of skin diseases while working as
a barber. Then there were two more events that prompted the creation of DeBCC cream. First,
when he was younger, he had a burning feeling after eating cashew nuts. When he told his
mother about it, she told him that the 'burning' was caused by the cashew seeds. After that,
when he was in high school, he had a friend who told him about the wart’s removal operation,
and the latter said he couldn't tolerate the discomfort, despite the fact that anaesthetic was used.
His classmate also mentioned that the method involves the use of heat. His early encounter
with the cashew nut inspired him, and the idea was formed. After earning awards for the
product, including international ones, he became successful. He referred to this as an
"accidental" creation. He founded RCC Amazing Touch International Inc. based on his
discoveries, but the product is now widely utilized for treatment.
5. Diosdado Banatao
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computer performance. This development has made it possible for computer users to use
images instead of the traditional textual commands seen on older systems. It has made data
processing a little faster while taking up very little space (small chips instead of large boards).
Every year, Banatao gives five educational scholarships to deserving Filipino students
with promising prospects in engineering and technology through his Dado Banatao Educational
Foundation. He also chairs the Philippine Development Foundation, which sends talented
young Filipino minds to school in order to maximize their potential for the Philippines' future.
The Philippines is making every effort to strengthen the country's science education. One
strategy is to construct science schools that will inspire kids to pursue careers in science and
technology and foster their gifted scientific potential.
In a deeper dive into the scientific education debate, John Dewey (2001) emphasized the
necessity of using the natural environment to educate students. As a result, nature must offer
its physical impulses in order for social activities and thought to create a plethora of meaning.
As a result, it is unsurprising that science education is crucial. Furthermore, according to Marx
(1994), science will be one of the most essential educational courses in the future.
The tremendous amount of scientific knowledge created in this domain justifies science
education, which prepares citizens for a scientifically and technologically oriented future.
Science education provides the skills and information essential for a person to exist in the age
of science, as Knight (1986) characterizes it, and to build a citizenry capable of achieving
science's aims in society (Tilghman, 2005). Hence, schools have a huge duty in fostering a
Science Culture.
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On the other hand, Science education in tertiary education is concerned with improving
students' comprehension and appreciation of scientific ideas and achievements. This is
accomplished by including basic scientific classes in the General Education program. It also
focuses on the training of science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in
sectors including engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. Scholarships are also
available from the state to encourage more students to enroll in science classes.
The development of science schools in various sections of the country is one exceptional
program for science education backed by the government. There are also various government
programs run by the Department of Education, as well as a few private science institutions: •
Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS), Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES)
Project, Quezon City Regional Science High School, Manila Science High School, and Central
Visayan Institute Foundation.
On October 1, 1963, the Manila Science High School (MSHS) was established. It is
regarded as the Philippines' first science high school. Science and mathematics are given a
higher priority in the organization and curriculum. Its goal is to create scientists who have
souls. The program includes humanities classes as well as other electives.
The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project, which was established in
accordance with DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008 and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010, is another
promising initiative. It began in 2007 with the designation of 57 primary schools across the
country as science elementary schools. The SSES Project intends to provide scientific and
technical information, skills, and values to Filipino children. Its mission is to provide a learning
environment for science-inclined youngsters through a customized curriculum that respects the
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learners' various intelligences, promote the development of lifelong learning abilities, and
foster the learners' holistic development. In here, Science and Health are taught in Grade I for
a longer period of time than other topics, 70 minutes for Grades I through III and 80 minutes
for Grades IV through VI. Different teaching approaches, such as the utilization of investigative
projects, are also used in the curriculum to accommodate the learners' learning styles and needs.
On September 17, 1967, a new Science high school, Quezon City Regional Science High
School, was formed. It was once known as Quezon City Science High School. In 1999, it
became the National Capital Region's regional science high school. The curriculum is focused
on Science and Technology, wherein students need pursue additional science and technology
disciplines.
Then, last is the Central Visayan Institute Foundation, it is the birthplace and innovator
of the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP), a well-known school-based invention. DLP is a
blend of classical and modern pedagogical methods that has been tailored to promote the
highest levels of learning, creativity, and productivity.
Filipinos have attempted to invent instruments that will aid them in their daily lives,
particularly in the past. They also came up with new theories for describing numerous events
and the environment around them. The foundation of indigenous science is indigenous
knowledge, which is a system of knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is rooted in regional,
indigenous, or local communities' cultural heritage. This oral knowledge system can be found
in their stories, poems, and songs. It's worth noting that this kind of knowledge also includes
superstitious beliefs and practices that may or may not be based on human imagination.
Indigenous technologies, on the other hand, are processes or products that have emerged
as a result of research into indigenous science. It is developed and manufactured in accordance
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with a people's culture, tradition, and needs, and then adopted for usage in that people's
surroundings.
While some indigenous sciences and technologies are now defunct, their significance
stems from the fact that they assisted early communities in understanding the natural world and
coping with daily life. These are, moreover, a part of our rich and diverse cultural history.
Years before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, medicinal plants were widely
used to treat illnesses, and there were various books that listed these plants. Medicinal plants
have been used for therapy in most countries from ancient times and continue to do so now. In
reality, the Department of Health has licensed ten medicinal plants (garlic, bittermelon,
sambong, and guava, to mention a few) for use in the prevention and treatment of various
ailments. True, the creation of modern medicine is built on plant-based traditional medicinal
techniques, as well as a century of beliefs and observations.
We also have a long list of traditional health practices that some of us continue to use
even today. Hilot is used to treat sprains and fractures, and tawas is used to establish the cause
and nature of acute diseases using potassium alum. Tuli is a well-known traditional ritual. This
practice was discovered to be non-religious in nature. It was done to commemorate a boy's
coming of age before the Spanish colonial period.
Drying, smoking, cooling, freezing, fermenting, salting, pickling, and canning are all age-
old food preservation procedures. One of the oldest ways of food preservation is drying and
smoking. It works because it removes a large portion of the water in the food, which prevents
microbial activity, as we all know.
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Classifying soils for agriculture was one of the early Filipinos' indigenous techniques.
Early Filipino farmers' soil classification criteria were based on their experiences and their
ability to observe soil resource features. This is how they determine the best usage and
management strategies for the soil resource.
You’ve finished reading examples of indigenous science used by our forefathers; now it
is time to look at the various indigenous technologies established in the country.
First, is the Pedro Flores' yoyo. You certainly did not anticipate
this. However, during the Spanish era, this toy played an important
function. It wasn't merely a toy made up of an axle, two disks, and a
string wrapped around the axle. It had previously been employed by
our courageous troops to combat intruders and Spaniards.
Dr. Fe Del Mundo utilized two laundry baskets, one inside the other, with hot water
running between them to provide warmth to the newborn babies.
It is an antibiotic that's used to treat a wide range of bacterial diseases, including skin
infections and infections of the upper respiratory tract. Abelardo Aguilar, a physician from
Iloilo, collected soil samples in his backyard to isolate microbes on a fateful day in 1949. He
had no idea that one of his isolates would lead to the development of Erythromycin, a powerful
antibiotic. Unfortunately, the patent was issued to his then-employer, a US pharmaceutical
firm, and he received no royalty or cut of sales, despite the fact that he was the one who obtained
the samples that led to the drug's discovery.
Ruperta David Javier (who was called Tentay for short), one day,
stored some salted fish in jars for a longer amount of time than was
necessary, and the salted fish crumbled into bits even before they dried.
The fish particles transformed into a liquid fluid that tasted like our
Patis today while in the jars.
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Rolando dela Cruz is a Filipino inventor who earned the gold award at the prestigious
International Inventor's Forum in November 2005 for developing an anticancer cream. It's
called "DeBCC" cream, and it's made from cashew nuts and various plants found in the area.
It is used to treat basal skin carcinoma (BSC), which is the most common type of skin cancer
in the world. He was also successful in developing a lotion that may be used to remove deep
growth moles and warts.
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