CHAPTER 5

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND

NATION BUILDING
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1. The Concept of Nation Building
2. S & T in Nation Building (Philippines
and Global Perspective)
3. The Philippine Government S & T
agenda
4. Personalities in S & T in the Philippines
5. Science Education and Selected
Indigenous Science and Technologies

Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human
mind is our fundamental resource.

John F. Kennedy
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. discussed the concept of nation building and its importance;
2. explained the relationship between development and nation-building;
3. discussed the role of S & T in the Philippines Nation Building;
4. evaluated the government policies pertaining to S & T in terms of their
contributions to nation-building; and
5. identified actual S & T policies of the government and appraise their impact on
the development of the Filipino nation.

INTRODUCTION

Ratnasiri (2006) in her editorial stated “It is a well-established fact that science
and technology impact all aspects of our lives as well as the planet we live on. The
science and technology induced changes have for the most part benefited mankind
although there is many a case where science and technology-based innovations have
been used for the detriment of mankind, pursued for either wealth and power or both.
It is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is used
wisely to benefit mankind.
The reality today is that most benefits accrued from science and technologies
have not reached the majority of people, particularly the poor in the developing
countries.
Science and Technology has been one of the main driving forces of the
economic growth of nations. Most developed countries have generated new
technologies with potential to result in dynamic economic performance. This however
has not been the case with most of the developing countries and their developmental
plans have not given adequate emphasis and importance to science and technology
and in particular to research in the science and technology aspects. Countries like
India, South Korea and Taiwan in the region have achieved much through science and
technology and stand out as having demonstrated the absolute importance of science
and technology for economic growth. These countries are examples for the developing
counties. The impact of technology on society without doubt is going to be even more
marked in the future.
It is then of paramount importance to generate and develop new knowledge in
science and technology for application nationally through our own research capability.
It is also necessary to concentrate on the rapid transfer and exchange of proven
technologies from other nations to reap the benefits of the global trends to stimulate
our economic growth.
That science and technology plays a decisive role in the economic growth of
nations in a foregone conclusion. It is then pertinent to also consider and rethink about
the role of scientists and technologists in stimulating the economic wellbeing of the
country. It is well accepted that scientists and technologists must necessarily generate
new knowledge by engaging in meaningful and appropriate research and
developmental activities. A question needs to be posed to the researches as to
whether their role should be limited to only the narrow confines of creation of new
knowledge. If scientists and technologists are to contribute significantly to social and
economic changes resulting in the development of the country, their role should
expand beyond generation of new knowledge and assume the role of advising the
decision makers and finally making the decisions on the science and technology
prospects, choices and priorities for the country.
How can scientists and technologists contribute to achieving this multiple role
which is a dire necessity for the economic development of the country?
As creators of new knowledge, the researchers must focus their work on
nationally and globally important and competitive areas of research which are
multidisciplinary in nature. This means that the research must be goal and result
oriented. The results of course must be tangible and significant. The advice of
scientists and technologists whose findings are of national and global significance will
no doubt be much sought after by the authorities. In view of this it is important that the
scientists and technologists on their part make a total commitment to add and develop
significantly to the knowledge base in science and technology aspects which are of
economic importance to the nation.”
Thus, this chapter will recognize the importance of providing profound
understanding of science and technology in nation-building. Specifically, it aims to
discuss the impact of scientific knowledge, efforts and even other influences in the
context of Philippine nation-building.

THE CONCEPT OF NATION BUILDING

Understanding the concept of nation building requires a prior concept of the

term nation. Early conceptions of nation defined it as a group or race of people who
shared history, traditions, and culture, sometimes religion, and usually language.
Generally, people of a specific nation share a common national identity. It may include
identity based on race or ethnicity, loyalty to a 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:

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 • 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 density, a collective
imagination of belonging. (para.1)

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)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NATION BUILDING: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Science and technology has an overwhelming impact to rapid development.

Implementation of science and technology in every nation in every aspect of life is the
greatest evidence of modernization. Convenience, simplicity, and easiness in
everyday living has been offered by the introduction of modern gadgets. The absence
of modern equipment, in all sectors and or any other field, the advancement and
benefits that is being experienced today would have not been possible. (Pujari, 2016)
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 a 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 and technology. It can be analyzed from various reports that countries which
have strong base in science and technology are the ones that developed faster.
Take a look at the classification in Figure 1 below 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.

Figure 1. Countries Grouped by United nations

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINE NATION BUILDING

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 1980’s, prioritize the initiatives on
promoting the role of science 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 the 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 agencies
play significant role in sustaining and promoting science and technology for the
progress of the country.
To live up to the goals of Science and Technology in the country, several
government agencies are formed. The mandate necessitates the assurance of proper
implementation of resources and manpower to utilize science and technology as a tool
for advancing the capability and capacity of the nation for the welfare of the Filipino
people. Here are some of the government agencies that promote and sustain scientific
and technological practices in the country:
• The Department of Science and Technology
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.
• Department of Trade and Industry
It is responsible for implementing industry-focused policies and with DOST
co-funds programs (with DOST as the coordinating agent).
• Commission on Higher Education
This agency is responsible for the formulation of policies, plans, and
programs for the development of higher education system in the country. It has
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 been mandated to promote quality education and ensures the implementation
of educational policies relevant to continuous advancement of learning.
• The National Economic and Development Authority
The National Economic and Development Authority is a government agency
responsible to formulate development plans and ensure that the 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 policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch.

THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENDA

The National Development Agenda

Philippine Development Plan (PDP) serves as the blueprint of programs and

administration’s plans for progress. This is anchored on the AmBisyon Natin 2040.
AmBisyon Natin 2040 represents the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the
Filipino people for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years. It describes the
kind of life that people want to live, and how the country will be by 2040. As such, it is
an anchor for development planning across at least four administrations.
AmBisyon Natin 2040 is the result of a long-term visioning process that began
in 2015. Accordingly, Filipinos envisions to have matatag, maginhanwa, at panatag na
buhay.

The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 serves as the country’s overall

blueprint in development planning for the next six years. It reflects the government’s
policies, strategies, programs, and legislative priorities in support of and consistent
with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Socioeconomic Agenda. The Plan is geared
toward the attainment of the country’s long-term vision, the AmBisyon Natin 2040,
where all Filipinos are envisioned to enjoy strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure
lives. Through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the PDP was
formulated in collaboration with national government agencies, local government units,
the private sector, stakeholders groups, civil society, and development partners.

What is the overall goal of the PDP 2023-2028?

The PDP aims to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering
the Philippine economy back to its high-growth trajectory and effect economic and
social transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society.

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Figure 4. PDP 2023-2028 Overall Strategic Framework

In the next six years, the development agenda of the Philippines will be guided by the
following headline socioeconomic targets:

1. Maintain annual economic growth rate between 6.0 to 7.0 percent in 2023 and
between 6.5 to 8.0 percent from 2024 to 2028.
2. Create more, better, and more resilient jobs.
3. Keep food and overall prices low and stable.
4. Enforce fiscal discipline.
5. Transform the production sectors through innovation.
6. All of our efforts are intended to significantly improve the welfare of Filipinos.
7. Reduce poverty incidence.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PERSONALITIES IN SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The National Scientists

DOST had launched programs to encourage Filipino scientists, technologists,

experts and professionals to continuously share their expertise towards accelerating
the STI development system and economic development of the country. Hence, S&T
personalities who contributed significantly in the development of the country, as well
as their works, deserved to be recognized.

The highest honor given by the President to an individual who had contributed
significantly to the fields of science and technology in the country is the order of the
National Scientists. A National Scientist receives an annual gratuity and other
privileges similar to those enjoyed by National Artists (Presidential Decree 1003-A).
Currently, there are 41 National Scientists, four of them were the most recently
conferred (2014) S&T personalities who were featured by Sabillo (2014) of Philippine
Daily Inquirer.
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Angel C. Alcala, Ph.D.

“He was recognized for his research on the ecology and diversity of Philippine
amphibians and reptiles, as well as marine biodiversity and conservation of marine-
protected areas. His work has led to a national policy on marine no-take zones or
protective areas, which has become a model of coastal resource management that
has been adopted by other countries”. (para. 8)

Ramon C. Barba, Ph.D.

“He was recognized for his achievements in the field of plant physiology,
especially the induction of flowering of mango and micro propagation or the rapid
multiplying of stock plant of important crop species”. (para. 14)

Edgardo D. Gomez, Ph.D.

“He is known for his research and conservation efforts in invertebrate biology
and ecology. He was pivotal in the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage
to coral reefs, resulting in international conservation initiatives such as the Global reefs
and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the International Coral
Reef Action”. (para. 20)

Gavino C. Trano Jr., Ph.D.

“He was cited for his outstanding contributions in the field of tropical marine
phycology, focusing on seaweed biodiversity.
He published extensive studies on the culture of seaweed species that
benefited the livelihood of coastal populations and was the first to report the occurrence
of “ice-ice” disease that affected many seaweed farms. (para. 25)

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Keeping up with the rapid advancement of science and technology all over the
world is crucial. Advancement nowadays cannot be limited to acquiring advance
facilities and technologies but more on the acquisition and enhancement of knowledge
and skills essential in meeting the demands of the highly competitive and scientific-
based society.
In the Philippines and around the world, science and technology-based and a
knowledge-based economy are the common concerns. Living in such an 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 a 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 the direction of science
education?
In all fairness with the Philippine government, efforts to improve quality
education have always been part of its plan of action. 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 Education Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH). The said
undertaking stated on February 2011 is to secure affirmation of basic of basic
education reforms (curriculum structures and contents) towards meeting the demands
of 21st century.
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 Fensham (2006) (as cited in SEI-DOST & UP NISMED, 2011) explained that
traditionally, science content areas such as life science, physical science, and earth
and space science, are presented as “separate subjects” to achieve mastery on
concepts, principles, and processes (Figure 6). The new science education curriculum
shows a revolutionized inclusion of the three content areas to accentuate the
“understanding of the connections and interrelationship” of various science concepts.
Added to this are the themes which are valued in “real-life contexts” namely,
“maintaining good health and living safely; utilizing energy and coping with changes
and conserving and protecting the environment”. This implies that learning how to
apply the concepts shall be pursued further towards more meaningful learning.
Such arrangement of the curriculum has been founded in the true aim of
education. It can be traced back in 1996, when the International Commission on
Education for the 21st Century to UNESCO, headed by Jacques Delors, identified
learning throughout life as a key to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Delors
further presented the framework based on the “Four Pillars of Education – learning to
know, learning to live together, learning to do, and learning to be”. The report,
highlighted the need for individuals to “learn how to learn” for them to manage the rapid
changes and challenges of the present and the future. Thus, suggesting lifelong
learning that involves the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and valued
throughout one’s life – from early childhood through adulthood. (SEAMEO INNOTECH,
2012)

Figure 6. The significant connections of inquiry skills, scientific attitudes, and

contact in supporting holistic development of a scientifically literate individual.

SELECTED INDEGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Can you still imagine how your life be without electricity? How about riding using
carabaos or barely walking along the street instead of riding cars or jeepney? 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 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.

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The following are some of the latest Filipino inventions:
1. Aerogas Catalytic Combustor (ACC) – an anti-pollution, ecofriendly made by
Engr. Marinto C. Martinez. It is a fuel saver and power booster engine device
which can be practically used on all types of internal combustion engines like
engines of jeeps, cars trucks, ships and motorcycles and even gas fired power
plants. Aside from its economical cost, it also supports the implementation of
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
2. SALT (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) – an environmental-friendly lamp
that runs with just two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water created
by Aisa Mijeno. This invention made it possible for those who live in costal
areas and remote barrios to have light source.
3. SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle – a six-person seating capacity (four in
water), amphibious tricycle powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc
gasoline motor invented by Atoy Llave. The invention is desired to address the
problems of many commuters in a flood-prone country. The invention was
featured in Top Gear.com.ph in 2015.
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.
Indigenous technologies and practice reflect not just ways of working but also
the ways of knowing and thinking of people in the community. People are amazed by
how these indigenous systems, which have no equivalent in the modern science,
empowered other societies or even nation to live quite successfully for many
generations. Indeed, the role of indigenous science and technology in nation building
shall not be neglected and overshadowed by the other kind of modernity introduced in
the world today.

SUGGESTED READINGS / WEBSITE/ VIDEOS/ FILM CLIPS

i. Bautista, D.H., N.S. Burce, J.M. Dungo, C.S. Garcia, J.B. Imson, R.A.
Labog, F.J.B. Salazar and J.L. Santos (2018). Science Technology and
Society. MaxCor Pub. House, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines
ii. Nalini Ratnasiri. Editorial: The Role of Science and Technology in Nation
Building. J.Natn.Sci.Foundation. Sri Lanka 2006 34(3): 113.
iii. Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 ABRIDGED VERSION
http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Abridged-PDP-2017-
2022_Final.pdf
iv. ..\Phil.S&T agenda\Competitiveness_Rankings_of_the_Philippines_2011-
2017.pdf
v. ..\Phil.S&T Harmonized_National_RD_Agenda_2017-2022_final_v2.pdf
vi. ..\Phil.S&T agenda\Global_Innovation_Index_2013-2016.compressed.pdf
vii. The Global Competitiveness Report, 2014-2015 Methodology
http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2014-
2015/methodology/?doing_wp_cron=1600353033.6471540927886962890
625
viii. Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-2022.
www.dost.gov.ph.
ix. 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines - Chan Robles Virtual
Law Library.
https://www.chanrobles.com/article14sciencetech.htm#.X2MjMWgzbIU

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x. Countries grouped by United Nations. https://vividmaps.com/countries-
grouped-by-united-nations/
xi. DOST Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-
2022
https://www.dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Journals/HNRDA_boo
klet_FINAL3_2018-10-23.pdf
xii. Science Framework for Philippine Basic Education. Department of Science
and Technology, Science Education Institute, University of the Philippines
National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development
http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/publ/sei_scibasic.pdf

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