Science and Technology

and Nation Building

LESSON 1a: THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY AGENDA

ENGAGE: How important is the role of Science and Technology in nation building?

`In the present world, science and technology (S&T) play an important role in nation
building; this can be observed from the gap between developed and developing countries that is largely due to
differences in S & T achievements and applications (Anaeto, et al., 2016). S & T advances have brought about
human lives that are healthier, longer, wealthier, and more productive; they are key ingredients in poverty
alleviation and economic growth (Anaeto, et al., 2016). Thus, science, technology and innovation (STI) have an
important role in nation building particularly in economic and social development (Guevarra & Dela Pena,
2021).

Influences in the Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines.

Generally, science and technology in the Philippines, like in other countries, are shaped by human and social
activities. S & T are generally influenced by (a) national goals, (b) international treaties, (c) legal frameworks,
and (d) social needs, issues and problems (Serafica, et al, 2018).
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
In our country, the foremost government agency in charge of science, technology and innovation (STI) efforts is
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It was established by the Science Act of 1958 as the
National Science Development Board (NSDB). DOST has two mandates:
1) provide direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities; and,
2) formulate policies, programs and projects to support national development (DOST, 2014a). Its mission is ‘to
direct, lead, and coordinate the country's scientific and technological efforts geared towards maximum
economic and social benefits for the people’ (DOST, 2014b).

In order to fulfill its mandates, DOST follows eleven strategies (DOST, 2017):
1. Pursue research and development (R&D) to address pressing national problems.
2. Conduct R&D to enhance productivity and improve management of resources.
3. Engage in R&D to generate and apply new knowledge and technologies across sectors.
4. Strengthen and utilize regional R&D capabilities.
5. Maximize utilization of R&D results through technology transfer and commercialization.
6. Develop STI human resources and build a strong STI culture.
7. Upgrade STI facilities and capacities to advance R&D activities and expand science and technology (S&T)
services.
8. Expand STI assistance to communities and the production sector, particularly micro, medium, and small
enterprises (MSMEs).
9. Provide STI-based solutions for disaster risks and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
10. Strengthen industry-academe-government and international STI collaboration.
11. Enhance effectiveness of STI governance.

Philippine Government Policies and Programs

Government policies and programs have to be geared towards reaping benefits from the use of science and
technology (Anaeto, et al., 2016). In the Philippines, these are about: (a) expansion of existing research and
development (R&D) programs; (b) introduction of new programs in areas of defense and security, space science
and technology, and artificial intelligence; and, (c) strengthening of R&D and S&T services in the regions
through infrastructure and human resource development, technologies for creative, tourism and services
industries, and new and emerging technologies (Guevarra & Dela Pena, 2021). Moreover, in the post-pandemic
world, S & T can show directions for sustainable solutions to upcoming challenges and eventualities (e.g., travel
restrictions); and, they can provide leaders with informed and science-based choices (e.g., on disease prevention
and control) (DOST, 2021).
The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which is a comprehensive development roadmap
containing actionable policies/ programs/ legislative priorities, has identified strategies for advancing research
and development, technology, and innovation (Chapter 8). This is part of fostering an enabling environment for
social and economic transformation. In the end, the PDP calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all
sectors–social, economic, institutional, and environmental – in order to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate
poverty reduction toward a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society (PDP, 2023).
Philippine Government Policies and Programs in Science and Technology
Government Policies in Science and Technology. The primary S&T policy of the Philippines is embodied in
Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports) of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution:
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, grantsin-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.

In consonance with the above mandate are enabling S&T-related laws or policies. Examples are:
Science Act of 1958. Republic Act No. 2067. An Act to integrate, coordinate, and intensify scientific and
technological research and development and to foster invention; to provide funds therefor; and for other
purposes.
Presidential Decree No. 1003. September 22, 1976. Creating the National Academy of Sciences [Section 1…
composed of outstanding scientists to serve as reservoir of competent scientific and technological manpower for
the country…]
Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.
Republic Act No. 8439. An Act providing a magna carta for scientists, engineers, researchers and other science
and technology personnel in government
Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994. Republic Act No. 7687. An Act instituting a science and
technology scholarship program and for other purposes.
Republic Act No. 3661. An Act to establish the Philippine Science High School.
Philippine Innovation Act: Republic Act No. 1129. An Act adopting innovation as vital component of the
country’s development policies to drive inclusive development, promote the growth and national
competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.
Investors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 7459. An Act providing
incentives to Filipino investors and expanding the functions of the technology application and promotion
institute, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.
Philippine Space Act. Republic Act No. 11363. An Act establishing the Philippine space development and
utilization policy and creating the Philippine Space Agency, and for other purposes.
Republic Act No. 6959. An Act establishing provincial centers for Science and Technology in all provinces of
the Philippines and appropriating funds therefore.
Government Programs in Science and Technology. The Harmonized National Research and Development
Agenda (HNRDA) 2022 – 2028 serves as a guide for the prioritization of research programs and projects
funded by the Philippine government in the coming years (DOST, 2021). Spearheaded by DOST, HNRDA
2022-2028 was formulated in order to direct and ensure that results of STI endeavors are geared towards and are
utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefit for the people (DOST, 2021).
The HNRDA 2022-2028 considers five areas:
1. NIBRA or National Integrated Basic Research Agenda
2. HEALTH
3. AANR or Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
4. IEET or Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
5. DRR CCA or Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

The details are:

1. NIBRA or basic research. For this, the priorities are specified in the National Integrated Basic Research
Agenda (NIBRA) 2022 – 2028 of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). The NRCP is
mandated (9th Philippine Legislature Act No. 4120, dated December 8, 1933) to promote and support
fundamental and basic research in the country, as well as to provide advice on problems and issues of national
interest; It is composed of over four thousand researchers, scientists, experts, and artists (DOST, 2021).
NIBRA 2022 – 2028 is in line with the Philippine Development Plan, Sustainable Development Goals, the
National Security Plan, and the Science for Change Program of the Department of Science and Technology. The
components are: a) pure basic research; b) issues-based research; and, c) policy-oriented research.
For these components, NIBRA is divided into 6 sections (NRCP, 2023): (1) Sustainable Community (SAKLAW
Program), (2) Food and Nutrition Security (SAPAT Program), (3) Water Security (TUBIG Program), (4) Clean
Energy (ALERT Program), (5) Inclusive Nation Building (ATIN Program), (6) Health Sufficiency (LIKAS
Program).
(1) The SAKLAW Program (Sustainable Community) focuses on assessment studies of vulnerable
ecosystems particularly lakes, and mined-out areas. Research topics include risk-assessment, social and
environmental (water quality parameters and biomonitoring indicators), carrying capacities, hydrological
dynamics (surface waters, flood and sediment), and economic resource valuation for the lakes, as well as the
reduction of heavy metals exposure among communities and policy studies on bioremediation strategies for the
program on Greening the Mined-out Areas in the Philippines (GMAP). It also focuses on risk communication
studies for disaster management which will generate risk communication plans and strategies for local
government units. The expected deliverables include assessment reports of vulnerable ecosystems, remediation
strategies, and policy recommendations for development and conservation as well as inclusive and sustainable
development.
(2) The SAPAT Program (Food and Nutrition Security) focuses on food safety of raw or processed food
products (particularly on contaminants and adulterants. It likewise includes taxonomic studies of flora and fauna
(e.g. genetic analysis, morphological, allelopathic, bioecology studies) for food security and sustainability
which will generate policy recommendations. The expected deliverables are regulatory policies and policy
recommendations.
(3) The TUBIG Program (Water Security) puts its efforts on studies of water quality, and its accessibility and
availability for safe drinking purposes. It also includes characterization of water resources
(pollutants/contaminants/toxicity, physico-chemical, socio-economic, biological and morphological). It will
address impacts of La Nina, El Nino, Climate Change threats, regional climate and salt water intrusion on
potable water supply. The deliverable outputs will eventually address water quality issues for policy
recommendations per geographical area, and may generate standards on water availability and quality indices.
(4) The ALERT Program (Clean Energy) covers resource assessment of potential alternative sources of
energy (wind, solar, biofuels, hydro and others) for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
The expected output includes prototypes of commercially viable alternative energy technology.
(5) The ATIN Program (Inclusive Nation Building) gives attention on documentation on Philippine
indigenous knowledge, culture, and heritage; national security and sovereignty studies; Filipinnovation of Arts,
Culture and Heritage for Creative Industries; and Kapakanan ng Tao sa Oras ng Pandemya (KTOP) research
initiatives dealing with the social dimensions of the pandemic. The expected deliverables include creative works
(i.e. documentaries, monographs, dictionaries and others), models and systems, case studies, assessment reports
and policy recommendations.
(6) The LIKAS Program (Health Sufficiency) concentrates on fundamental and taxonomic studies on
potential sources of natural products from rare environment (e.g. volcanoes, caves, mudsprings, lahar, marine
sediments, mined out areas, mesophotic reefs, mangroves and others), and also on basic veterinary studies –
zoonotic diseases (etiology, transmission and control). The deliverable outputs will be policy recommendations,
and new bio-active compounds for potential medicinal use.
2. HEALTH, which has 10 priority areas: a. Tuklas Lunas (Drug Discovery and Development); b. Functional
Foods; c. Nutrition and Food Safety; d. Re-Emerging and Emerging Diseases; e. Diagnostics; f. Omic
Technologies for Health; g. Biomedical Devices Engineering for Health; h. Digital and Frontier Technologies
for Health; i Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation in Health; and, j. Mental Health.

3. AGRICULTURE, AQUATIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES (AANR) which involves: a) crops; b)

livestock; c) aquatic resources; d) forestry; e) natural resources and environment; f) climate change adaptation
and mitigation and disaster risk reduction; g) technology transfer; h) socio-economics, policy research and
governance; i) human development, science communication and knowledge management; j) facilities
development management; k) human resource development.

4. INDUSTRY, ENERGY AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY (IEET), which includes Food and Nutrition
Security, Countryside Development, Competitive Industries, Delivery of Social Services, Intelligent
Transportation Solutions, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Solutions, and Human Security.

5. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION (DRR CCA), which
includes Observation and Monitoring Networks, Technology Development and Application for Monitoring,
Modeling and Simulation for Improvement of Monitoring and Forecasting, Warning and Risk Communication,
and Technology Development and Application for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

References
Anaeto, F. C., Asiabaka, C. C., Ani, A.O., Nnadi, F. N., Ugwoke F. O., Asiabaka I. P., Anaeto, C. A. and Ihekeronye N.
2016. The roles of science and technology in national development, Direct Research Journal of Social Science and
Educational Studies, 3 (3), 38-43.
Arayata, M.C. (2020). Look at this: 11 Filipinos among Asia's top 100 scientists. Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118115
DOST 2014a. Department of Science and Technology, History and Logo.
https://www.dost.gov.ph/transparency/about-dost/history-and-logo.html
DOST 2014b. Department of Science and Technology, Mandate, Mission and Vision.
https://www.dost.gov.ph/transparency/about-dost/mandate-mission-and-vision.html
DOST 2017. Department of Science and Technology, Strategies.
https://www.dost.gov.ph/transparency/about-dost/strategies.html
DOST, 2021. Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) 2022 - 2028. Philippines: Department
of Science and Technology. 208pp.
Guevarra, R.C., and Dela Pena, F. 2021. Science for Change. Philippines: Department of Science and Technology. 208pp.
NRCP, 2023. NRCP call for proposals 2023 opens in May.
https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/latest-news/702-nrcp-call-for-proposals-2023-opens-in-may
Panela, S. (2021). 8 Filipino scientists recognized in Asian Scientist 100. 8 Filipino scientists recognized in Asian
Scientist 100 (rappler.com)
PCO (Presidential Communications Office), n.d.,
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/lists/national-scientists-of-the-philippines/)
PDP (Philippine Development Plan) 2023-2028. Philippine Government.
Resurreccion, L. (2021). 8 Filipinos listed among 100 outstanding Asian scientists.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/02/8-filipinos-listed-among-100-outstanding-asian-scientists/
Serafica, J.P.S., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B.N., and Alata, E.J.P. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Rex Book Store,
Inc., Philippines)
UPD 2021, National Scientists, https://upd.edu.ph/national-scientists/