Economics Relations with the US: BELL MISSION

SLIDE 12
On the whole there has been little innovation in the education and training of scientists and engineers since
independence in 1946. Since there are no enough resources and fund to supply the said matters, an
agreement of the country’s economic relations with the US happened which is known as the Bell Mission or
also known as The United States Economic Mission to the Philippines which surveyed Philippine economic
conditions at the request of President Quirino and made specific recommendations for cooperative measures
to improve such situation.

SLIDE 13
Scientific work in government suffered from a lack of support, planning and coordination during the early
postwar years. Hence, recommendations of the Bell Mission. The purpose of this agreement is to develop the
economy of the nation. The bell mission recommended among other things, the systematic exploration of the
country’s natural resources to determine their potentialities for economic growth and development.

SLIDE 14
Due to the bell mission, there is an increased in economic aid from the U.S where they would provide funds
and technology while the Philippines would supply manpower. Having both of these working greatly affected
the rate of development in the country.
The survey precisely was able to adequately understand the problems confronting the nation and find
appropriate means of solving them. Thus, whatever criticisms the report contains, they were made in the best
faith and with an intention to be helpful. Today, we can still see this kind of approach when UN experts release
a report and urge Phil. to stop unlawful killings under the current administration and so on.

REORGANIZED THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

DURING THE EARLY POSTWAR YEARS
SLIDE 15
Former Pres. Quirino also reorganized the dynamic relationship between science, technology and society
during the early postwar years.
Following the Bell Mission’s Report, the Institute of Science was reorganized in 1951 and was renamed as
Institue of Science and Technology. The improvement of industrial processes and technological development
are the main goal and the most focused areas.

SLIDE 16
Quirino declared Philippine National Science Week, which aims not just to celebrate but to engage and inspire
people of all ages with science, engineering and technology. From this, brilliant minds of people especially
students, can be beneficial and help the field of research and advancement of technology just like the robotics
and research course in the academic curriculum nowadays. It is also intended to demonstrate the importance
and relevance of science to the future development of our society and economy.

SLIDE 17
In addition, during the Quirino administration under RA No. 766 (1952), Commission on Volcanology
(COMVOL) was created. Its function was primarily basic research on volcanology since Philippines is located
along a typhoon belt and the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast Pacific Ocean region where many of Earth's
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Today, it is known as the PhilVolcs or Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology under DOST which is responsible on formulating and adopting a comprehensive
National Science and Technology Plan, and monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation; as well as
to implement disaster prevention and mitigation.

SLIDE 18
With all these S&T-related policies and laws under Quirino’s administration, we saw improvement in scientific
experimental work and the well cared for appropriation in the national budget for scientific research, including
the low salaries of government scientists.
Moreover, we saw how scientific research transformed the nation, and technology-driven tools could help
restore the Filipino Nation after World War II. Indeed, S&T holds the key to the progress and development of
any nation.

SLIDE 19
Although new problems were emerging for the country, there was a lot of optimism in 1953 and new horizons
for development were opening up driven by science and technology which have been an effective tool for the
country’s progression.