Science and Technology and Nation Building: Chapter Outline
Science and Technology and Nation Building: Chapter Outline
Science and Technology and Nation Building: Chapter Outline
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CHAPTER OUTLINE
The Concept of Nation Building
Science and Technology in Nation Building: Global Perspective
Science and Technology in Philippine Nation Building
The Philippine Government Science and Technology Agenda
Major Development Programs and Personalities in Science and Technology in the Philippines
Science Education in the Philippines
Selected Indigenous Science and Technologies
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
4. evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to nation
building; and
5. identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on the
development of the Filipino nation.
“ Nation –building is a never ‘done deal’ confined to history already established.”
Aberjanhi 2012
Historical development is science and its application showed the rapid pace of changes. Natural sources with
their limitations were supplemented through revealing its optimum capacity and role in the society. In the
beginning of the 20th century, the progress in the society has been closely linked with technological
advancement and the linkage continuously intensified the following decades. ( nap.edu, 2017)
The role of individual inventors which triggered the great introduction of organized scientific researches and
technological innovations flourished from then on. The accumulation of scientific knowledge and the
application of it has transformed human life and provided help in addressing human needs and standards of
society towards development.
Development is always associated with technology and the latter “happens when there is advancement in
science”.” Pajuri, 2016,p.1) development is required in every individual to every nation in all aspects.
Accordingly, it is a requirement that science and technology goes hand in hand to make development happen
and nation building possible. On the other hand difficult questions on how to use science and technology most
effectively for addressing not only the human but the society, has been introduced.
Understanding the concept of nation building requires a prior concept of the term nation. Early
conceptions f nation defined it as a group or race of people who shared history, traditions, and culture,
sometimes religion, and usually language. Generally, people of specific nation share a common national
identity. It may include identity based on race or ethnicity, loyalty to set of political ideas, and institutions, and
the linkage of citizenship to nationality.
Fagoyinbo (2013) explained that "the word nation is often used synonymously with state, as in the
United Nations. But a state is more properly the governmental apparatus by which a nation rules itself" (p.411).
In approaching the question of nation-building, and its relationship to state-building, it is important to keep in
mind that this definition specifies the "legitimate use of force". (Stephenson, 2005)
Many aspects shall be considered in achieving a strong nation. As Prof. Gambari (2008) enumerated, these
aspects include:
• building a political entity (territory, rules, norms, principles and common citizenship);
• building institutions (symbolizes political entity- institutions such as a bureaucracy, an economy, the
judiciary universities, a civil service, and civil society organizations); and
• building a common sense of purpose, a sense of shared destiny, a collective imagination of belonging. (para.].)
The impact of a welfare-centered developments aimed to address the basic needs of the people to be
free from poverty, inequality, unemployment, on the one hand, or by desire to compete for resources and power
either internally or in the international system, is indeed necessary. Thus, it doesn't only include developments
in terms of human rights but also most importantly, development of education towards democratic state to
promote welfare. (Barbanti, 2005)
In the 19th century, development was philosophically understood as the improvement of humankind.
Likewise, it can be understood, in a more practical way, by political elites as social engineering of emerging
national societies. (McMichael, 2004)
Reisman (2008) distinguished development as "decision processes and decision outcomes" which makes
it effective in influencing in all ways the values and culture of global communities. This makes changes and
dynamism in the society as important distinguishing feature of development. On the other hand, he further
explained that:
...development, implies specific scope values with respect to which strategies for securing selective
changes are invented and against which change-flows in decision structures and in the production and
distribution of values are constantly evaluated. Thus, from a policy-oriented perspective, not all change is
development; changes incompatible with human dignity can be characterized as retrogressions or as "dis
developmental" (para.1). (Reisman, 2008)
Promoting scientific and technological advances is seen essential as an instrument for building a
strong nation. On the other hand, the rise of science and technology in this aspect could be the fall of other
related aspects for it could a potential contributor to the dehumanization of man and to the degradation of his
environment.
Thus, Cowa and Shennton as cited in McMicheal, (2004) elucidate that development meant
balancing the apparent inevitability of technological change with social intervention (p.2). Idealistically, it
means “ assisting human society” in its development and perhaps realistically as managing citizens- subjects
experiencing “ wrenching social transformation(p.2).
In a global perspective, moving on with the flow of modernity determines the nation’s capability to
sustain its people’s lives. Such is the influence of science and technology for the development of nation. The
question now is how shall a nation be assessed on its capability?
Countries are being categorized today based on economy and the application of science of science and
technology. It can be analyzed from various reports that countries which have a string based in science and
technology are the ones that developed faster.
Economic Situation
The development field has been highly influenced by economic thought, as exemplified by the fact that
development has been primarily measured by increases in Gross National Product ( GNP) and or the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP).
The global economic situation has become a basis for determining the classification of countries. The
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA), the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions, including Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched the World Economic Situation and
Prospects (WESP) reports. This provides annual reports on world economic trends in different dimensions. It
also serves as basis for classifying countries around the world as to developed economies, economies in
transition and developing economies. Many nations continuously strive to attain "developed" category which
motivates them to strengthen their own economic dimensions. The WESP report 2018 stated that an "improved
global economic situation" offer the best chance for countries to address "longer-term issues" which hinders
development. The said issues include low carbon economic growth, reducing inequalities, economic
diversification and eliminating deep-rooted barriers. (United Nations, 2018)
Take a look at the Figure 5.1 to see the classifications of the countries made by the United Nations.
The major developed economies include Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and
United States. Moreover, developing countries can be found at the regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and
the Caribbean. Conversely, least developed countries can also be found in those regions.
Determining the competency of a country in science is not easy task. Certain criteria must be
considered in evaluating this aspect. Parameters involving management of scientific knowledge and
implementation of these knowledge are given focus in this sense.
The scientific American published its Global Science Scorecard which serves as the basis for
ranking the performance of various countries in the field of science. Along with the launching is an interactive
table of top 40 countries ranking in 2012, the Global Science Scorecard. United States got the top most rank
then by Germany, China, Japan, the UK., France Canada, South Korea. Italy, and Spain.
The said scorecard necessitates not only the scientific outputs but also the process of utilizing this
scientific knowledge directly affecting the lives of the people in real world. (Guterl.2012)
The importance of science and technology in addressing the national and international issues
necessitates the promotion of various science and technology program throughout the developing countries.
Accordingly, developing countries realize the importance of benchmarking and learning best practices
from the developed nations to eventually produce a localized science and technology programs. ( National
Academy of Sciences, 2006)
Ateneo de manila University (2008) quoated former Senator Edgardo J. Angara who stressed that
“Investments on research and development (R&D) and education”, realted to the “ emerging trends” in various
field of applied sciences, evidently considers “ Science and Technology Innovations (STI) as a driving force
behind the success of Asian neighboring countries” ( para.2.) He further enumerated the factors which
contribute to the economic successes of theses Asian countries:
Government investment in public goods and services such as roads, clean water, health and
education;
Support for small and medium- scale enterprises;
Support for higher education institutions, science and engineering sectors and industry and trade
associations;
Inter-institutional linkages between universities, industries, government agencies and non-
government organizations; and
Good governance.
Generally, it is recognized that nations and communities who aim for a good standing in the world economy
must either possess or seek to acquire a home-grown, self-generating capability in science and technology.
Citizens, government and every individual effort in advancing the status of science and technology in a nation
are important towards promoting a nation to a more advanced level of competency, competitiveness and
capability.
Philippines is one of the developing countries that is continuously addressing the persistent problems of
inequality and poverty. How the Philippines responds to these challenges will determine whether the country
will experience rapid, inclusive, and sustained growth and development.
The Philippine government, as early as the 1980s, prioritize the initiatives on promolinwe and technology
in the national development. The declarations in the 1987 Constitution, Article XIV acknowledges the
significant role of science and technology:
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.
Section 11: The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, --- to encourage private
participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of
incentives shall be provided to deserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and
specially gifted citizens.
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. –
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 may be provided by law.
This mandate necessitates the assurance of implementing efforts in. utilizing science and technology as a tool
for advancing the capability and capacity of the nation for the welfare and condition of its people. Hence, The
Philippine government for the play significant role, in sustaining and promoting science and technology or the
progress of the country.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the primary science and technology body in the country
responsible for providing central direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological
activities, and of formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development.
The development of DOST can be traced to the Board, created on June 13, 1958, later reorganized on March
17, 1982 into the National Science and Technology Authority. NSTA was eventually elevated to cabinet level
based on Executive Order No. 128 signed by President Corazon Aquino on January 30, 1987. This marked the
mainstreaming of science and technology in the governments' policymaking and service delivery processes.
DOST is composed of councils and agencies with specific responsibilities as well. The said councils and
agencies are:
• sectoral planning councils
• research and development institutes
• S&T service institutes
• collegial bodies
• regional offices
• provincial S&T centers
Jointly created by the Senate and the House of representatives, this commission serves as an advisory and
the policy making body that aims to strengthen the linkage with all the sectors related to science and technolovy
in pursuit of its objectives. (Sea-eu. Net, 2017)
It is responsible for implementing industry-focuse policies and with DOST co-funds programs (with DOST
as the coordinating ad gent).
This agency is responsible for formulation of policies, plans, and programs for the development of higher
education system in the country. It has been mandated to promote quality education and ensure the
implementation of educational policies relevant to continuous advancement of learning.
The National Economic and development Authority is a government agency responsible to formulate
development plans and ensure that plan implementation achieves the goals of national development. It is
regarded as the country’s premier socioeconomic planning body, an authority in macroeconomic forecasting
and policy analysis and research. It provides high level advice to policy makers in Congress and executive
branch.
Science and Technology Competitiveness of the Philippines
To determine capability and competitiveness of a country, the world Economic Forum’s Global
Competitiveness Report Indicators includes 12 pillars to be considered which can be seen in Figure 5.2.
Basic Requirements
Institutions Key for factor driven
Infrastructure
economies
Macroeconomic environment
Health and primary education
Efficacy enhancer
Higher
Good market efficiency Key for efficiency- driven
Labor market efficiency economies
Financial market development
Technological readiness
Market size
Philippine Development Plan (PDP) serves as the blueprint of programs and administration's plans for progress.
NEDA recently launched in 2016, the PDP 2017-2022 which is part of four medium-term plans anchored on the
Ambisyon Natin 2040. It aims to realize the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years thus articulating that. By
2040, the Philippines is a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor. People live long, and healthy lives, and
are smart, and innovative. The country is a high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and
resilient communities" (NEDA, 2016). To visualize such plan, take a look at the Overall Framework of the PDP 2017-
2022 in Figure 5.3.
This long-term aim may be too ideal for many since this will not automatically transform our country into becoming
one of the so called "developed country". In reality, global transformation will require long time frame and more tedious
process and would, therefore, play a minimal effect in the national development; This is because transformation is gradual
process undertaken through holistic strategies for national development. ( Bornon,V.; Dela Cruz, Maa. E Flores, R.;
Gerona medina, Z, and Lee, A., 2000). Furthermore, these strategies shall be translated down socio economic progress.
Hence, how relevant are the following pillars to the main aim of the government’s plan?
Leyco(2018) In his article shared the three main pillars from which the PDP 2017- 2022 is founded:
Pillar of Development
1. Malasakit. Regain people’s trust in public institutions and cultivate trust among fellow Filipinos.
2. Pagbabago. Inequality- reducing transformation through increasing opportunities for growth of output and income.
3. Patuloy na Pag-unlad. Increasing potential growth through sustaining and accelerating economic growth. (para.3.)
a. A well-defined national science and technology plan and its relation to global socio
economic development strategies;
b. Science and technology interaction with the nation’s socio political, economic, educational,
and cultural asoects;
c. Development of institutional science and technology infrastructure;
d. Local generation of science and technology capacity; and
e. Resources availability for science and technology.
In this connection, the DOST ensures that policies, efforts, and plans include in the science and
technology agenda is closely linked to the national development plan. The DOST prepared the Harmonized
National R&D agenda (HNRDA) 2017-2022 to ensure the result of science and technology endeavors are
geared towards and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefit for the people. What are the
priority areas included in the S &T agenda 2017 -2022? Take a look at the HNRDA 2017-2022
The Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) is divided into five sectors.
The agenda is founded on the three pillars of development which is aligned with the AmBisyon Natin 2040
and each sector has six issue-based National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) programs
respectively.
Specific priority programs, to promote and support the NIBRA programs, were also included in the HNRDA
2017-2018.
The DOST launched in its “8- point action agenda”, initially in 2006, to better promote and support science,
technology, and innovation. The strategy is relevant in the Philippine’s system, and were hoped to be sustained
with commitment and better integration into national policies. As generalized in the SEA-EU –NET (n.d.), this
includes:
1. Science based know how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to raise productivity to world-
class standards;
2. Innovative, cost- effective and appropriate technologies that enable MSMEs to develop and produce
competitive products that meet world- class standards.
3. State of the art facilities and capabilities that enable local industries to more up the value chain and
attain global competitiveness.
4. Idea of the Philippines as a global leader in Information Technology Business Process Managament
Services generating direct employment of 1.3 million (520,000of which in the countryside).
5. ICT- based transformation of governance broadening access to government services ( i.e. health and
education) for those in the countryside (to bring the Philippines in the top 50 global ranking of e-
government by 2016).
6. Improved quality healthcare and quality of life thru science, technology, and innovation.
7. Highly skilled and globally competitive S&T human resources in support of the national S&T
programs.
8. Science –based weather information and climate change scenarios with associated impact
assessments that enable concerned agencies to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for disaster
and climate change resilient Philippines.
A number of DOST programs are being enhanced and continued as mandated by enabling laws and
executive orders up to this time. Implementations of these programs are being made possible in partnership with
other related government agencies. In summarized scope this includes program in R & D, S& T human resource
development, agriculture development, health and nutrition, environment sustainability, and disaster
preparedness and hazard mitigation.
One of the most promising strategy in breaking the barriers that hinder Philippines progress, in terms of
science, Technology., and Innovation (STI), enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s science and
technology human resources. This strategy recognizes the role of every individual inventors whose works
became the womb of the new innovated scientific knowledge honed towards sustaining the advancements
necessary for building the nation.
In the Philippines an around the world, science, and technology- based and a knowledge- based economy
are the common concerns. Living in such environment requires expectations and skills to survive. ( SEI-DOST
& UP NISMED, 2011) the effort of investing in science, Technology, and innovation shall be supported and
sustained through breaking resource gaps, specifically in the education sector.
As John F Kennedy, former US President, said, “ our progress as nation can be no swifter than our
progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” That is, in meeting the demands of the
21st century world, what should be direction of science education?
The Department of Education, through the National Education for all committee ( NEC), engaged in
benchmarking strategy with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for
Educational Innovation and Technology ( SEAMEO INNOTECH). The said undertaking stated on February
2011 is to secure affirmation of basic education reforms ( curriculum structures and contents) towards meeting
the demand 12st century.
Take a look at the Science Education Curriculum Framework in Figure 5.5. Does it support the achievement
of the 21st century demands?
Figure 5.5 The conceptual framework of Science Education in the Philippines designed towards developing productive members of
the society who are scientifically, technologically, and envoronmentally literate.
Can you still imagine how your life without electricity? How about riding using carabaos or barely walking
along the street instead of riding cars or jeepneys? Or being engaged in traditional ways of living?
Many people would appreciate the advancements in science and technology for providing them with
comforts and conveniences in everyday living. Lives have been saved by medical breakthroughs and people
enjoy good productions of food, clothing and the materials that they need in building shelters. Behind these
advancements, S&T products and innovations are developed in countries known for their excellent application
of science. Can you think of some inventions that have its genesis due to Filipino creativity and scientific
initiatives?
SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle Was featured in Top Gear.com.ph in 2015. Atoy Llave, who's engaged
in car customization and desired to address the
problems of many commuters in a flood-prone
country, invented this tricycle. It can travel
both on land and in water. The Salamander has
two power plant choices: one electric and one
internal-combustion. Boasting a six-person
seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious
tricycle is powered by either a 5kW electric
engine or a 250cc gasoline Motor. He made this
in partnership with a new company called H20
Technologies, developing it in particular with
the firm's technical head, Lambert° Armada.
(Same, 2015) The Salamander, Amphibious Tricycle source: TopGear.com.ph
All these and many other Filipino inventions are continuously flourishing it reflects the wisdom of
Filipinos in dealing with scientific knowledge and their environment. These are not only products of influence
from other western cultures but said to be products of traditional science.