Lesson 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

The need to develop a country's science and technology has generally been recognized as
one of the imperatives of socioeconomic progress in the contemporary world. This has become a
widespread concern of governments especially since the post-world war II years. Among Third World
countries, an important dimension of this concern is the problem of dependence in science and
technology as this is closely tied up with the integrity of their political sovereignty and economic self-
reliance.
Science and Technology in the Philippines
The Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines is a government agency tasked
with overseeing and managing national technology development and acquisition, undertaking
technological and scientific research and promoting public consciousness of science and technology.
DOST is responsible for formulating and adopting a comprehensive National Science and
Technology Plan for the Philippines, and to subsequently monitor and coordinate its funding and
implementation.
The DOST undertakes policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical
studies and maintains a national information system and databank on science and technology.
HISTORY OF S & T in the PHILIPPINES
1. PRECOLONIAL (50, 000 years ago)
 herbs served as sources of medicine
 Filipinos had alphabet (Baybayin), measuring system, calendar
 Barter and trade were common
 Farming, weaving, iron smelting, tool crafting. (Banaue Rice terraces as an example)
2. SPANISH ERA
 Religion and scholasticism brought about modern S&T in the Philippines
 Formal education was offered by priests Schools and institutions offered basic education
(Elementary, secondary, and college) - University of Santo Tomas being one of the oldest
(1611).
 Engineering, agriculture, pharmacy were the courses available Agricultural engineers served
as professors
 Study of medicine in the Philippines was given priority in the Spanish era, especially in the
later years
 Biology was given focus
 Contributors to science during the 19th century were Botanists Fr. Ignacio Mercado, Dr.
Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, and Dr. Leon Ma. Guerrero; Chemist Anacleto del Rosario, and
medicine scholars Dr. Manuel Guerrero, Dr. Jose Montes and Dr. Elrodario Mercado
 Galleon Trade (Manila-Acapulco trade) - opened opportunities to greater profit
3. AMERICAN ERA AND POST-COMMONWEALTH PERIOD
 Private, non-sectarian institutions were established
 Research agencies focused on science were created
 Primary education was made free
 English was the medium of instruction
 University of the Philippines was established
 Private colleges increased tremendously by the 1920s
 Bureau of Science was developed (geared towards agriculture, food processing, forestry,
medicine and
 pharmacy).
 And the following were also established: Philippine General Hospital (1907), Bureau of Health,
Weather Bureau, Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Forestry, Bureau of Agriculture, Bureau of
Animal Industry, and Bureau of Plant Industry.
B.1. The Philippine Government Science and Technology Agenda
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENDA
1. Innovation Culture
What recent success we have with the saltwater lamp, the salamander tricycle and the Diwata 1
microsatellite is a good start but only indicates that we have a long way to go before we create an
innovation culture. Innovation can only happen with enough scientists and technologists to develop
an "innovation ecosystem."
2. ASEAN Integration requires competitive technology
Science and technology help us understand nature and the world, and enables us to lead full lives
through new and innovative means. It therefore requires that we as Filipinos, expand our science and
technology base to enable us to compete in an integrated ASEAN.
Two major approaches
1. Stronger Research and Development in the regions, not just Manila
Expand research and development initiatives by providing more grant support for R and D through
the DOSTS sectoral planning councils such as PCIERD, PCAARD and ASTI in cooperation with
universities in the regions. The science initiative must be distributed to the regions especially those
where food production needs to be improved, industry needs to grow and where innovation needs to
be developed. This is critical in light of climate change and expensive electricity and the need to
disperse industry and economic activities.
2. Strategic projects in five areas:
(a) Renewable energy- we need new technologies to enable high electricity yields in limited space
with less dependence on natural resources to enable us to meet our COP 21 commitments, while
lowering the price of electricity.
(b) S and T for industry development- we need stronger participation of our scientists and engineers if
we want to revitalize our basic industries such as the steel industry. Faster and cheaper internet - we
have Asia's slowest internet, yet our archipelago needs it bridge gaps and build networks.
(c) Increased food production- given limited lands, technology is needed to expand yields while
increasing quality of output and being less dependent on foreign inputs like fertilizers.
(d) Climate change adaptation- We need cutting edge technology to enable our farmers to adapt to
changing climates and the need to do away with technologies that destroy the capacity for good
healthful yields.
(e) Enabling mechanisms and specifics
1. More Research grants through the DOST and its sectoral planning councils and institutes
2. Strengthen the Balik-Scientist Program and retention program for current young scientists our
young scientists must be engaged through actual research projects. Many of our scientists and
engineers are OFWS who support our candidacy. We need their help to uplift our country's
technology and we hope they come back.
3. Science and Technology cooperation within ASEAN- especially on the space program and climate
change adaptation.
4. Cooperation between industry and the science community by involving them in the sectoral
planning councils. DOSTS programs for SMEs (Such as SET-UP) needs to be replicated further.
B.2. Major Development Programs and Personalities in Science and Technology in the
Philippines
Scientists and technologists are essential in a developing world. They are one of the key
players in a country's quest for Industrialization. They are the lifeblood of research, innovation and
have important roles in the industry and the manufacturing sector. Together with their roles in nation-
building, scientists, too, have a responsibility to advocate for the betterment of S&T in their countries.
For the Philippines, in order to halt the vicious cycle of technological backwardness and
poverty, it is important that scientists and technologists themselves be aware of the sad plight of S&T
in the country and to advocate for its improvement.
FAMOUS FILIPINOS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE
1. RAMON CABANOS BARBA- for his outstanding research on tissue culture in the Philippine
mangoes. 2. JOSEFINO CACAS COMISO- for his works on observing the characteristics of
Antarctica by using satellite images.
3. JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR.-known internationally in the field of electrical engineering.
4. LOURDES JANSUY CRUZ- notable for her research on sea snail venom.
5. FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT- research on herbal medicine
6. RAFEL DINEROS GUERRERO III- for his research on tilapia culture
7. ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA JR.- for inventing the meconium drug testing.
8. LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA- for doing research on plant biotechnology
9. MARI-JO PANGANIBAN RUIZ- for being an outstanding educator and graph theorist
10. GREGORY LIGOT TANGONAN- for his research in the field of communications technology

OUTSTANDING FILIPINO SCIENTISTS WHO ARE RECOGNIZED HERE AND ABROAD

1. CESAR A. SALOMA-an internationally renowned physicist
2. EDGARDO GOMEZ-famous scientist in marine science
3 WILLIAM PADOLINA- chemist and president of National Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST)-Philippines
4. ANGEL ALCALA- marine science

B.3. Science Education in the Philippines

Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this area
that prepares citizens in a scientifically and technologically driven world Science education provides
skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live. The Philippines is trying its best to
improve the state of science education in the country.
THE CONCEPT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
 Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science
 Exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and
process effectively.
 Marx (1994) stated that "science is going to be one of the most important school subject in the
future.”
 Science education provides skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live in the
age of science and to develop a citizenry that will meet the goals of science in the society.
QUESTIONS:
1. What are/is the concept of science being taught in basic education?
2. How about in tertiary education?

SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM (PSHSS)
 A service institute of the Department of Science and Technology [DOST) whose
mandate as to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with special
emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences.
 PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science scholars with
scenic minds and passion for excellence.
 SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT
 This project started in June 2007 with 57 identified elementary schools that
participated
 The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and
technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to:
 Provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a
special curriculum clan that recognizes the multiple intelligences of the
leaners,
 Promote the development of lifelong learning skills
 Foster the holistic development of the learners

 QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

 This school was established on September 17, 1967
 It was turned into a regional science high school for the NCR in 1999
 The school was a product of a dream to establish a special science school for
talented students in science and mathematics.

 MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

 The school was established on October 1, 1963.
 It is the first science high school in the Philippines
 The organization and curriculum of the school puts more emphasis on science
and mathematics.
  CENTRAL VISAYAN INSTITUTE FOUNDATION
 It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as
the Dynamic Learning Program
 The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modem pedagogical theories adapted to
foster the highest level of learning, creativity and productivity.
 The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics
B.4. Selected Indigenous Science and Technologies
Filipinos, especially during the early times, toed to invent tools that will help them in everyday
the They also developed alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and in explaining the
world around them. This system of knowledge is called indigenous knowledge, which is the
foundation of indigenous science.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM
 Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals behavior
and celestial bodies;
 Using herbal medicine;
 Preserving food;
 Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties,
 Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting:
 Using indigenous technology in daily lives:
 Building local irrigation systems:
 Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties;
 Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits; and
 Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
 Indigenous science is a part of the indigenous knowledge system practiced by different groups
of people and early civilizations.
 According to Cajete (2004), indigenous science includes everything, from metaphysics to
philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous peoples both past and
present.
 laccarino (2003) explained that science is a part of culture, and how science is done largely
depends on the cultural practices of the people.
 Pawilen (2005) explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse structures
and contents through the interplay between the society and the environment.
 Sibisi (2004) pointed out that indigenous science provides basics of astronomy, pharmacology,
food technology, or metallurgy, which were derived from traditional knowledge and practices.

FRAMEWORK IN UNDERSTANDING INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

1. Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.
2. Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as the following
 The land is a source of life.
 The Earth is referred as "Mother Earth"
 All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have a
responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and
communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
astronomy.