Gen Ed 008- Science, Technology and Society

LESSON 4- Science and Technology and Nation Building

Learning Objective:
The discussions in this lesson are geared toward engaging students in a critical analysis
of science and technology as a tool for nation building.
- This Lesson situates STS in the context of the Philippine nation building. It initially surveys
contributions of Filipino scientists to science and technology. It then traces the historical
development and impact of science and technology on the various segments of Philippine
society.
Pre-colonial Times
- Science and technology in the Philippines had its beginnings during the pre-colonial times.
- People used herbal medicine to treat illnesses.
- Filipinos used writing, numerical treatment, measurement, and calendar systems to facilitate
trading.
- Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving was developed by Filipinos during this period ( the
Banaue Rice Terraces was built during this period)

Spanish Colonial Period

- Science and technology was developed through the establishment of formal education
institutions and the launching of scientific organizations.
- Schools were mandated to teach religion, reading and writing, music and arts, and health and
sanitation.
- Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and training institutions.
- The natives were trained to use innovative approach in farming; engineering was also
introduced for constructing buildings, churches, bridges, roads, and forts.
- Rapid development of scientific principles influenced by Western culture during the Spanish
colonial period was short-changed.
- Trade was more prioritized compared to agriculture and industrial development because it’s
potential to gain large profits.

American Period
- Reorganized institutions for science and technology were reorganized.
  Laboratorio Municipal
 Bureau of Government Laboratories (under US Department of Interior).
The Bureau of Government laboratories was established for the purpose of studying tropical
diseases and pursuing other related research projects; eventually became Bureau of Science
which became the main research center of the Philippines.

1933
- The National Research Council of the Philippines was established.
- Development during the American regime was focused on agriculture, medicine and pharmacy,
food processing, and forestry.

1946
- The Bureau of Science was replaced by Institute of Science.

Ferdinand E. Marcos
- During the time of the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the role of science and
technology in national development was emphasized.
- Mandated the Department of Education and Culture, now known as the Department of
Education (DepeD), to promote science courses in public high schools.
- Additional budget for research projects in applied sciences and science was granted.
- In 1968, Taguig was proclaimed as the Philippine Science Community, now the site of
Department of Science and Technology.
- The Philippine Coconut Institute (PHILCORIN) was tasked to promote modernization of the
coconut industry.
- Several institutions were also established. The following were:
1. Philippine Textile Research Center
2. Philippine Atomic Energy Commission Philippine Nuclear Institute
3. National Grains Authority National Food Authority
4. Philippine Council for Agricultural Research Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic,
and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)
5. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
6. Philippine National Oil Company
7. Plant Breeding Institute
8. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
9. Bureau of Plant Industry
10. Bureau of Forest Products
11. National Committee on Geological Sciences
- The National Science Development Board was reorganized as the National Science and
Technology Authority (NSTA)
- In 1976, the National Academy of Science (NAST) was established to be the reservoir of
scientific and technological expertise in the country.

Corazon Aquino
- NSTA was renamed as DOST in 1986 under President Corazon Aquino.
- This was done in order for the S&T sector to be represented in the cabinet.
- The Science and Technology Master Plan by the DOST aimed to update the production sector,
improve research activities, and develop infrastructures for the science and technology sector.

Fidel V. Ramos
- During the time of President Fidel V. Ramos, the Philippines had approximately 3000
competent scientists and engineers.
- The Doctors to the Barrio program made health care accessible even in far-flung areas.
- The National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and Technology was created for
high school students who wanted to major in science and engineering in college.
- Several laws and statutes related to the science and technology sector were mandated:

1. R.A. 8439 ( Magna Carta for Scientist, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and
Technology Personnel in Government)
2. R.A. 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994)
3. R.A. 7559 (Inventors and Inventions Incentive Act)
4. R.A. 8293 (The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines)

Joseph Ejercito Estrada

- R.A. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) and R.A. 8792 (Electronic Commerce Act of 2000) were
both signed and mandated during the term of President Joseph Estrada.
- Responsible for implementing cost-effective irrigation technologies and providing health care
services for those who could not afford them.

Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo

- Filipinnovation was coined to refer to the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia.

- Promulgation of R.A. 9367 (Biofuels Act) to utilize indigenous materials as sources of energy;
was not successful due to the lack of technology to source raw materials.
- R.A. 10601 (Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law) was passed to modernize
agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment.

Benigno Aquino III

- New National Scientists were named in 2014. The following were:

1. Gavino C. Trono (Marine Biology)
2. Angel C. Alcala (Biological Science)
3. Ramon C. Barba (Horticulture)
4. Edgardo D. Gomez (Marine Biology)

Rodrigo Duterte

- Science and Technology sector is seen to be a priority based on the budget for research and
Development (R&D) that grew by nearly six times over the same period.
- DOST focus was set to put results of R&D into commercialization in order to gain new
intellectual properties.
- Philippine Space Technology Program launched Diwata- 2 in 2018 after the launch of
Diwata-1 in 2016 that displayed the Philippine flag in space.

Science and Technology in the Philippines and the Environment

S&T has brought about numerous contributions the society. This is especially true in the
agricultural sector and food production. These include:
1. Mechanization of Farming
- Tools such as pumps and sprinklers help in managing the damaging effects of heat brought
about by the changing climate patterns
2. Genetically Modified Crops
- Grow faster and are resistant to pests
3. Fertilizers
- Increase nutrients in the soil; enhances growth and yield of crops
However, these technologies may also affect the environment negatively. For example,
research has shown that pesticides contain chemicals that are not environment-friendly. In case
of GM crops, only a few studies have been published in terms of their long-term effects on the
environment partly because it is still a relatively new technology.
Science and technology has improved transportation by land, air, and sea.
Communication has also improved through technological advancements. These contributions of
S&T always come with adverse impacts including resource depletion.
The increasing number of new and advanced technologies in the production and
manufacture of different goods and services result in the depletion of the planet’s natural
resources. Furthermore, wastes are also generated as these technologies are developed,
eventually contributing to increased air, land, and water pollution.

Ponder:

Think about a situation where S&T has caused negative impacts to the environment.
Present key points and discuss different situations with one another
 Related Readings and Videos

1.The shrinking of the Aral Sea - "One of the planet's worst environmental disasters" Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_mlKJiwxg

2.Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know Link: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/flint-

water-crisis-everything-you-need-know

3.The Impact of Technology on the Environment and How Environmental Technology Could
Save Our Planet Link: https://bit.ly/2E3eT2s
Module 1

Ref.: Quinto, EJM & Nieva, AD. 2019. Science, Technology and Society –Outcome-Based
Module. C & E Publishing , Inc. pp 1-pp217.

Ronald F. Clayton info@pdfcoffee.com Retrieved 9/15/22