MODULE 1 – GENERAL CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Lesson 2: Government Laws, Policies, Plans and Projects Pertaining to Science and Technology
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
1. describe the science and technology environment from
identify government laws, policies, plans and projects pertaining to science and technology
3. have a glimpse of the status of science and technology and plans for its development under
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
4. appraise their contribution to the development of science and technology in the country.

Introduction
The role that science and technology has played in improving the life and conditions of people in the
world is vivid. Because the Philippines is a developing country, the status of science and technology in our
country is still below par when compared with countries like Japan and USA. There is a great need therefore to
enact more laws and strengthen existing ones to improve science and technology including research and
development in the country.
Science and Technology Environment From 1986 to 2016
President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino highlighted the importance of science and technology in achieving
economic progress. She helped establish the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which formulated
the Science and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000. At that time, the Philippines aimed to be a Newly
Industrialized Country (NIC)
Succeeding presidents have had their fair share of policies geared towards improving the sector.
President Fidel V. Ramos introduced laws on inventors' incentives and science and technology scholarships
while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. adopted policies focusing on a national innovation system and
promoted technological entrepreneurship under the Medium-Term Development Plan 2004-2010.
The most recent National Science and Technology Plan 2002-2020 is largely focused on building
technological self-reliance. Meanwhile, the Harmonized Agenda for science and technology presented to
President Benigno Aquino in 2014 highlighted two critical issues: inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction.
Critical technologies to address these issues have been developed and this include LiDAR processing,
remote sensing and microsatellites (DIWATA-1).
Government Policies and Laws Pertaining to Science and Technology
To improve and strengthen science and technology including research development, it is necessary that
government enact laws. Several laws have been enacted by Congress since 1958 to present. They are as follows:
 R.A. 2067 - "Science Act of 1958”- An Act To Integrate, Coordinate and Intensify Scientific and
Technological Research and Development and lo Foster Invention To Provide Funds Therefore and for
Other Purposes
 R.A. 3589 - An Act Amending RA 2067 Modifying the National Science Development Board, National
Institute of Science and Technology, and the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, Extending Tax
Exemption, Privileges and Grants, Requests and Donations for Scientific Purposes to Private
Educational
 R.A. 5207 – An Act Providing for the Licensing and Regulation of Atomic Energy Facilities and Materials,
Establishing the Rules of Liability for Nuclear Damage and for Other Purposes.
This Act was approved June 15, 1968 to encourage, promote, and assist the development and use of
atomic energy for peaceful purposes as a means to improve the health and prosperity of the inhabitants of the
Philippines and to contribute and accelerate scientific, technological, agricultural, commercial, and industrial
progress.
 Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 established the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services (PAGASA). Its function was to provide environmental protection and to utilize
scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.
 Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973 created the Philippine National Oil Company to promote industrial
and economic development through effective and efficient use of energy resources.
 RA. 8749 - The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was enacted by Congress on June 23, 1999 to protect
and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources.
 RA. 8792 - An Act Providing for the Recognition and Use of Electronic Commercial and Non-Commercial
Transactions and Documents, Penalties for Unlawful Use Thereof and For Other Purposes passed in
June 15, 2000.
 This Act aims to facilitate domestic and international dealings, transactions, assignment, agreements,
contracts and exchanges and storage of information through the utilization of electronic, optical and similar
medium mode, instrumentality and technology to recognize the width and reliability of electronic documents
related to such activities and to promote the universal use of electronic transactions in the government and the
general public.
• R.A. 9367 - "Biofuels Act of 2006" - An Act to Direct the Use of Biofuels, Establishing for this Purpose the
Biofuel Program, Appropriating Funds
Therefore, And For Other Purposes.
This Act was enacted by Congress on June 12, 2007 to develop and utilize indigenous and sustainable
sources, clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.
• R.A. 9513 - "The Renewable Act of 2008” was passed by Congress to accelerate the development of the
country's renewable energy resources by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private investors
and equipment manufacturers/fabricators/suppliers.
• R.A. 10175 - Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 passed September 12, 2012. An Act Defining
Cybercrime, Providing for the Prevention, Investigation, Suppression and the Imposition of Penalties
Therefore and For Other Purposes.
• R.A. 10612 – An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program and
Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools and For Other Purposes.
This Act shall be known as the Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2018. It shall
strengthen the country's Science and Technology education by in secondary schools throughout the country.
Towards this end, scholarships shall be provided to finance the education of talented and deserving students in
the third year of college and pursuing a degree or training in the areas of science and technology and to provide
incentives for them to pursue a career in teaching in high schools in their home regions.
R.A. 10844 - An Act Creating the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)
which was signed into law on May 23, 2016.
In accordance with the law, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
shall be the primary policy planning, coordination, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive
branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda.

Major Science and Technology Development Plans

• Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP). This plan was submitted to the President in March
1989 by the presidential task force composed of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation
and Communication (DOTC), as well as the presidential adviser on public resources and three academic
institutions directly involved in S & T. The development of fifteen (15) leading edges to steer the
country toward industrial development were: (1) aquaculture and (2) marine fisheries, (3) forestry and
(4) natural resources, (5) process industry, (6) food and (7) feed industry, (8) energy, (9)
transportation, (10) construction industry, (11) information technology, (12) electronics, (13)
instrumentation and control, (14) emerging technologies, (15) pharmaceuticals.
To attain the objectives set in the STMP the following strategies were pursued: modernize the
production sectors through massive technology transfer from domestic and foreign sources; upgrade
the R & D capability through intensified activities in high priority sector and S&T infrastructure
development such as manpower development; and develop information networks, institutional
building and S&T culture development.
• Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) Philippines 2000. This plan
was initiated during the term of President Ramos and it embodied the country's technology
development plan in the medium term, in particular, for the period 1993-1998. The STAND identified
seven export winners, 11 domestic needs, three other supporting industries, and coconut industry as
priority investment area. The seven identified export winners were computer software; fashion
accessories; gifts, toys, and houseware; marine products; metal fabrications; furniture; and dried fruits.
The domestic needs included food, housing, health, clothing, transportation, communication, disaster
mitigation, defense, environment, manpower development and energy. Because of their linkages with
the above sectors, three additional support industries were included in the list of priority sectors,
namely: packaging, chemicals, and metals. Lastly, because of its strategic importance, the coconut
industry was included in the list.
• National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP 2002-2020). The Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), with the mandate of formulating S&T policies, programs, and projects in support of
 national development priorities has remained, driven by these guiding visions stated in the NSTP
mainly:
By 2004, S&T shall have contributed significantly to the enhancement of national productivity
and competitiveness and to the solution of pressing problems.
By 2010, the Philippines shall have earned niches and become a world class knowledge
provider and user in selected science and technology areas, and shall have developed a vibrant S&T
culture.
By 2020, the Philippines shall have developed a wide range of globally competitive products and
services which have a high technological content.
The 12 priority areas for S&T development are:
a) Agriculture, forestry & natural resources;
b) Health and medical services;
c) Biotechnology;
d) Information and Communication Technology
e) Microelectronics;
f) Materials, science and engineering;
g) Earth and marine services;
h) Fisheries and aquaculture;
i) Environment;
j) Natural disaster mitigation;
k) Energy; and
l) Manufacturing and service engineering

Status of Science and Technology and Plans for Development under President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte
The Duterte administration reassured its commitment to science, technology and innovation sector.
This was established in the increase in the budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In a
speech of President Duterte delivered by Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno during the opening of the
National Science and Technology Week 2017, he stated that the budget of DOST has quadrupled in the last
seven years "from P50 billion in 2010 to P208 billion in 2017. The budget for research and development grew
by nearly 6X over the same period of time from P1 billion in 2009 to P5.8 billion in 2017. This was disclosed in
his speech during the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week at the World Trade Center in
Pasay City on July 11, 2017.
In the 10-point economic agenda, the promotion of science, technology and creative arts was included
to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards selfsustaining inclusive development. S&T must create an
avenue for development in various sectors, such as in the economy.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena identified the focus of the Department as technology transfer and
commercialization thus ten percent of its overall budget was allocated for technology transfer. This resulted to
generation of 1000 new intellectual properties that can be adopted in just one year.
Major accomplishments of the Duterte administration are:
• Entry into the frontiers of space through its support to the Philippine Space Technology Program.
DIWATA-1 satellites which was launched in 2016 was made by Filipino scientists who were trained in
Japan. The DIWATA-2 which will be launched in 2018 has improved the capabilities to better monitor
the country. This was made by another batch of Filipino scientists. These space technologies can also be
utilized in other sectors, such as in agriculture and disaster preparedness
• A Memorandum of Agreement between Russia and the Philippines regarding the space program will
soon materialize.
• Republic Act 11035 “An Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program" was signed into law by the
President on June 15, 2018. This law would give more incentives to returning Filipino experts,
scientists, inventors, and engineers who would share their expertise in the country.
• On telecommunication, Department of Information and Communication Technology, National
Telecommunication Commission and telecommunication companies have agreed to standardize voice
call charges to P2.50.
• On weather, 271 new weather stations were installed by the Department of Science and Technology
throughout the country. The Zamboanga Doppler Weather Radar System was also installed.

Activity 1: Write your personal reaction to the major accomplishments of the Duterte administration
on its plan for development. Write your answer on a 1 whole sheet of paper.
MODULE 2 – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

LESSON 1: The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to:
1. define human flourishing

2. interview different people about human flourishing;

3. differentiate western and eastern philosophy about human flourishing;
4. cite the importance of Human flourishing.

“All the world's a stage, And all the men and women'merely players; They have their exits and entrances, and
one man in his time plays many parts...

-William Shakespeare

Introduction

Every living creature is meant to become what it is meant to be. The caterpillar is meant to become a beautiful
butterfly; a small seed into a full-grown herb, bush or tree; and a human baby into a mature person, the person
"who is fully alive, the glory of God" in the words of St. Irenaeus. (Corpuz, 2015).

As we grow and develop there are different factors that affect us, there are different questions that need to be
answered and there are steps and actions that need to be undertaken. Flourishing is the highest good of human
attempt to achieve his/her goal. It is a success as a human being when he/she achieved it for the betterment of
his/her life. The best life is one of excellent human activity. "Eudaimonia”, literally "good spirited” is a term
connected by renowned Greek Philosopher Aristotle (385-323B.C.) to describe the peak of human's happiness
that can be attained. The big question is "How?". How