Course Description:

The course deals with interactions between science and technology and social,
cultural, political, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them.
(CMO No. 20, series of 2013)

This interdisciplinary course engages students to confront the realities

brought about by science and technology in society. Such realities pervade the
personal, the public, and the global aspects of our living and are integral to
human development. Scientific knowledge and technological development
happen in the context of society with all its socio-political, cultural, economic,
and philosophical underpinnings at play. This course seeks to instill reflective
knowledge in the students that they are able to live the good life and display
ethical decision-making in the face of scientific and technological
advancement.
This course includes mandatory topics on climate change and environmental
awareness.

Definition of Terms
What is Science?
Science can be defined in three ways:
1.​ A body of knowledge: Science seeks to understand and explain the natural
world. Examples include explaining phenomena like pollination, volcanic
eruptions, and constellations.
2.​ An intellectual activity: This refers to the systematic and objective
investigation of the natural world, which includes observation and
experimentation.
3.​ A personal and social activity: Science allows humans to understand
themselves and their world, and it is connected to everyone's life and society.
What is Technology?
Technology can also be defined in three ways:
1.​ As artifacts: Technology refers to products, inventions, and outputs, such as a
microscope, a solar panel, and a light bulb.
2.​ As a technique: This definition refers to practices, methods, or steps, such as
genetic engineering, rice planting, and welding.
 3.​ As a personal and social activity: Technology is a tool for humans to improve
their lives and is connected to society and everyone's daily life.
Science, Technology, and Society
●​ Science and technology have a dual interaction, meaning they influence each
other. Science is necessary for developing technologies, and technology is
needed to advance science.
●​ Given that both science and technology are social activities, they also have dual
interactions with society. This creates a triangular relationship between
science, technology, and society.
 Unit I: General Concepts inScience,
Technology, and Society
I.​ Historical Antecedents in Which Social
Considerations Changed the Course of
Science and Technology
A.​Ancient Times
During ancient times, people were concerned with various aspects of life, which drove
technological and scientific development. Key areas of focus included:
●​ Transportation and Navigation: People needed to travel to find food, discover
new settlements, and trade. Navigation was essential for finding their way home
after journeys.
●​ Communication and Record-keeping: Essential for trading, preventing
conflicts, and establishing cultural identity.
●​ Mass Production: As populations grew and resources became scarce, there was
a need to produce more food and other necessities with less effort and time.
●​ Security and Protection: The development of weapons and armor was a
significant achievement due to the constant risk of conflict between different
groups and nations vying for resources.
●​ Health, Aesthetics, and Architecture: Science and technology were vital in
finding cures for illnesses. Engineering and architecture were developed to
create protective structures and a symbol of technological advancement.
Humans also developed technology for aesthetics to improve their appearance.
Sumerian
The Sumerians, located in ancient Mesopotamia, made several significant
contributions:
●​ Cuneiform: The first writing system, which used word pictures and triangular
symbols carved on clay tablets.
●​ Uruk City: Considered the world's first true city, it was built with sun-baked
bricks made from a mixture of mud and reeds.

●​ The Great Ziggurat of Ur: A massive sun-baked brick structure that served as
a temple for their chief god.
 ●​ Irrigation and Dikes: Created to address food demands and environmental
challenges like flooding and water scarcity, allowing for year-long farming.
●​ Sailboats: Developed for transportation and trade over long distances, which
helped foster the exchange of culture and information.
●​ Wheel: Initially invented for farm work and food production, the wheel made
mass production easier.
●​ The Plow: A farm technology that enabled farmers to cultivate large areas of
land faster and with less effort, leading to mass food production.
●​ Roads: The first roads were developed using sun-baked bricks and bitumen,
facilitating faster and more organized travel, especially during the rainy season.
Babylonian Civilization
●​ Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Although its existence is debated, this structure
is a legendary example of Babylonian engineering and architecture.
Egyptian Civilization
The Egyptians are known for their engineering feats and other practical inventions:
●​ Paper or Papyrus: A plant processed to produce thin, light sheets for writing,
making record-keeping and communication easier than with heavy clay tablets.
●​ Ink: Invented by combining soot with different chemicals to produce various
colors. The ink was designed to be tamper-proof for important records.
●​ Hieroglyphics: A system of writing using symbols, believed by the Egyptians to
be provided by their gods.

●​ Cosmetics: Used for both health and aesthetic purposes, such as kohl for
preventing eye diseases and wigs for protection from the sun.
●​ Wig: Worn by the wealthy to protect their shaved heads from the sun and
prevent head lice.
●​ Water Clock/Clepsydra: A timekeeping device that uses the flow of water to
measure time.
Greek Civilization
The Greeks, known for their contributions to philosophy and mathematics, also
developed several inventions:
●​ Alarm Clock: Invented by the ancient Greeks, this device used a complex
mechanism of dropping small stones or sand into drums to sound an alarm.
●​ Water Mill: A device for agricultural processes like milling grains, making mass
production of food easier and requiring less effort from farmers.

Roman Civilization
The Roman Empire was a cradle of politics and governance, and their inventions
reflected this:
●​ Newspaper: The first newspapers, known as gazettes, contained
announcements of the Roman Empire and were engraved on metal or stone
tablets before the invention of paper.
●​ Bound Books or Codex: Julius Caesar started the practice of stacking papyrus
to form pages of a book, which were then bound with covers made from animal
skin for protection.
●​ Roman Architecture: Characterized by sturdy and elaborate designs, Roman
architecture was a continuation of Greek architecture but adapted new building
and engineering technologies. Examples include aqueducts, coliseums, and
amphitheaters.
●​ Roman Numerals: A number system devised to address the need for a standard
counting method for communication and trade.
Chinese Civilization
The Chinese civilization, one of the oldest in Asia, is known for its significant
contributions:
●​ Silk: The Chinese were the ones who developed the technology to harvest and
process silk, which became a major product for trade. The silk trade facilitated
cultural, economic, and scientific exchanges.
●​ Tea Production: The Chinese developed a machine using a wheel-based
mechanism to shred tea leaves, increasing its production and making it one of
the most popular beverages worldwide.
●​ Great Wall of China: A massive infrastructure built with stone, brick, and
other materials to keep out foreign invaders and control the borders of China.
●​ Gunpowder: Accidentally invented by Chinese alchemists searching for an elixir
of life, gunpowder was a black powder that could generate a large amount of
heat and gas instantly. It was used in war and for fireworks.

Modern Times
The booming world population in the 19th century drove a demand for more efficient
production, transportation, and communication.
●​ Pasteurization: Louis Pasteur invented the process of heating dairy products to
kill harmful bacteria, which allowed milk to be stored and consumed for a
longer period.
●​ Petroleum Refinery: Samuel M. Kier invented a process for refining kerosene
from petroleum, which was used for lighting and later for powering automobiles
and factories.
●​ Telephone: Alexander Graham Bell developed the telephone, which allowed
people to easily maintain connections and communicate in real-time over long
distances.
●​ Calculator: The modern calculator was developed to compute more complicated
equations, paving the way for more complex processing machines like the
computer.
Philippine Inventions
The Philippines, despite being a developing country with limited resources, has made
notable innovations:
●​ Salamander Amphibious Tricycle: Invented by H2O Technologies (headed by
Dominic N. Chung and Lamberto Armada) and Chief Designer Victor "Atoy"
 Llave, this tricycle can travel on both flooded streets and bodies of water.​

●​ SALT Lamp: Aisa Mijeno invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt)
lamp, an environmentally-friendly light source that runs on saltwater, a
material abundant in the Philippines.

●​ Medical Incubator: Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first
Asian woman admitted to Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator
from indigenous and cheap materials that didn't require electricity.
 ●​ Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System: The Department of Science and
Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI)
introduced a trap system that uses natural ingredients to kill mosquito eggs
and larvae, making it safer for humans and the environment.

●​ Ejeepney: To counter the disadvantages of the diesel-powered jeepney, the

electric jeepney (ejeepney) was developed as an environment-friendly mode of
transportation that doesn't emit smoke or noise.

II. Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

Paradigm Shift
A paradigm shift is a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental
🔄
practices of a scientific discipline. It's a significant and often sudden change in the
way something is done, thought about, or understood, replacing a former way of
thinking or organizing with a new and different one.
It's a term popularized by American physicist and philosopher Thomas Kuhn in his
1962 book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, where he described it in the context
of scientific progress. However, the term is now used in many other contexts to
describe a profound change in a system, way of thinking, or organization.

Key Characteristics of a Paradigm Shift

●​ Radical Departure: It represents a break from existing norms, theories, or
practices, rather than a gradual evolution.
●​ Fundamental Change: It alters the core assumptions and frameworks that
guide a particular field or area.
●​ Incommensurability: Old and new paradigms can be so different that they are
difficult to compare directly, and often involve different sets of problems,
solutions, and standards.
●​ Resistance and Acceptance: New paradigms often face initial resistance from
those deeply invested in the old ways but eventually gain acceptance as they
prove more effective or explanatory.
Some paradigm shifts
Heliocentric vs Geocentric
The geocentric model and the heliocentric model are two historical astronomical
models that describe the structure of the solar system. Their shift from one to the
other is one of the most famous examples of a scientific paradigm shift.

Geocentric Model 🌍
●​ Core Idea: The Earth is at the center of the universe, and all other celestial
bodies, including the sun, moon, stars, and planets, revolve around it.
●​ Key Proponents: This model was the dominant view for over 2,000 years,
largely championed by ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Ptolemy.
●​ Ptolemaic System: Ptolemy’s detailed model from the 2nd century AD was the
most sophisticated version. It used complex systems of epicycles (small circles)
and deferents (larger circles) to explain the observed retrograde motion of
planets, where they appear to move backward in the night sky.
●​ Support: It aligned with common sense observations (the Earth feels stationary,
and the sun appears to move across the sky), and it was also supported by the
religious and philosophical beliefs of the time.
Heliocentric Model ☀️
 ●​ Core Idea: The Sun is at the center of the solar system, and the Earth and
other planets revolve around it. The Earth also rotates on its axis, causing the
apparent movement of the sun and stars.
●​ Key Proponents: While ancient Greek astronomers like Aristarchus of Samos
proposed it, the model was formalized and popularized by Nicolaus Copernicus
in the 16th century.
●​ Revolutionary Science: Copernicus's model provided a much simpler
explanation for planetary motion, eliminating the need for complex epicycles.
●​ Further Development: Johannes Kepler later refined the model by showing
that planets move in elliptical orbits, not perfect circles. Galileo Galilei's
telescopic observations of the phases of Venus and Jupiter's moons provided
crucial evidence that contradicted the geocentric model.
●​ Acceptance: The heliocentric model faced significant resistance from both
scientific and religious authorities for many years before eventually becoming
the accepted view of the solar system.
Darwinian Revolution
The Darwinian Revolution refers to the paradigm shift in biology that occurred with
the publication of Charles Darwin's book On the Origin of Species in 1859. This
revolution fundamentally changed our understanding of life, moving from a view of
species as static and divinely created to one where they are mutable and have evolved
over vast periods of time through natural processes.

Key Principles of the Darwinian Revolution

●​ Evolution: The idea that species change over time. This wasn't entirely new,
but Darwin provided a compelling mechanism.
●​ Common Descent: The concept that all life on Earth shares a single common
ancestor. This implied that all living things are related and form a single "tree of
life."

●​ Natural Selection: This was Darwin's most revolutionary idea. It's the process
by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and
 produce more offspring. This is the primary mechanism driving evolution. The
four main components of natural selection are:
1.​ Variation: Individuals within a population have different traits.
2.​ Inheritance: These variations can be passed from parents to offspring.
3.​ High Rate of Population Growth: More offspring are produced than can
possibly survive.
4.​ Differential Survival and Reproduction: Due to the struggle for
existence, individuals with traits that give them an advantage in their
environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those
traits to the next generation.
●​ Gradualism: The idea that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over long
periods, rather than in sudden leaps.

The Shift from the Old Paradigm

Before Darwin, the dominant view, often called the creationist paradigm, held that:
●​ Species were created in their current form and did not change.
●​ The world was relatively young, with a timeline of thousands of years.
●​ Humans were a special creation, separate from the animal kingdom.
The Darwinian Revolution replaced this with a new paradigm based on:
●​ A much older Earth (geological evidence from people like Charles Lyell
supported this).
●​ The mutability of species.
●​ A shared ancestry for all living organisms, including humans.
This shift had profound and lasting impacts not only on biology but also on
philosophy, religion, and society at large.
Freudian

The Freudian Revolution represents a major paradigm shift in psychology and how
we understand the human mind. Led by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early
20th centuries, this shift introduced the concepts of the unconscious mind and
psychoanalysis, fundamentally changing the focus of psychological study from
conscious experience to the hidden, internal drives and conflicts that shape human
behavior.

The Shift from the Old Paradigm

Before Freud, psychology was heavily influenced by philosophy and was just beginning
to emerge as a scientific discipline. The dominant view was that the mind was
primarily a conscious entity, and that human behavior was a result of rational
thought.
Freud's work challenged this by proposing that the human mind is like an iceberg,
with the conscious mind being the small, visible tip and the vast unconscious mind
residing below the surface. He argued that this unconscious part of our mind, filled
with repressed desires, memories, and traumas, is the true driver of our actions,
thoughts, and feelings.
Key Concepts of the Freudian Revolution
●​ The Unconscious Mind: The most revolutionary of Freud's ideas. He believed
that the unconscious mind contains thoughts, feelings, and memories that are
not directly accessible to us but still powerfully influence our behavior. This
includes repressed desires, fears, and traumatic experiences.
●​ Psychoanalysis: This is both a theory of the mind and a therapeutic method.
As a therapy, it seeks to bring unconscious material into conscious awareness
to help resolve internal conflicts and alleviate psychological distress.
Techniques include dream analysis (interpreting dreams as a window to the
unconscious) and free association (saying whatever comes to mind without
censoring it).
●​ Structure of the Personality: Freud proposed a three-part model of the
human psyche:
○​ Id: The primitive and instinctual part of the mind that contains sexual
and aggressive drives and hidden memories. It operates on the pleasure
principle, seeking immediate gratification.
○​ Ego: The realistic part that mediates between the desires of the id and
the constraints of the real world. It operates on the reality principle.
○​ Superego: The moral conscience that internalizes societal and parental
standards of right and wrong.

●​ Psychosexual Stages: Freud theorized that personality develops through a

series of childhood stages (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital), with each
 stage focusing on a different erogenous zone. He believed that unresolved
conflicts in any of these stages could lead to fixations and personality issues in
adulthood.
Freud's theories were highly controversial and have been criticized and revised over
the years, particularly for their lack of empirical evidence. However, his work was
instrumental in shaping modern psychology and therapy, popularizing the idea that
psychological issues could be treated through talk therapy and laying the groundwork
for many of the psychological theories that followed.

III. Science, Technology, and Nation-Building

Science and Technology in the Philippines
Science and technology in the Philippines has a long history, starting before the
Spanish colonial period and continuing to develop through the present day.
●​ Pre-Spanish Colonial Period: Indigenous technology was already in use for wet
and dry rice agriculture, handicrafts, pottery, weaving, metalware, and boats.
Filipinos were also aware of the medicinal properties of plants and had a system
of writing, counting, and weights and measures. The Banaue Rice Terraces are
a notable example of pre-Spanish engineering.
●​ Spanish Colonial Period: The Spanish introduced formal education and
scientific institutions. They taught sanitation and advanced agricultural
methods, and established colleges and universities, including the University of
Santo Tomas. The study of medicine was prioritized, and engineering was
advanced through the construction of government buildings, churches, roads,
and bridges. The Manila Observatory was founded by the Jesuits in 1865 to
promote meteorological studies.
●​ American Period and Post-Commonwealth Era: The progress of science and
technology continued under American rule. The Bureau of Government
Laboratories was established in 1901 and later replaced by the Bureau of
Science in 1905, which focused on tropical diseases. The National Research
Council of the Philippines was recognized in 1933. However, a lack of focus on
industrial technology development was due to a free trade policy with the U.S.
that nurtured an economy based on agriculture and trade. In 1958, the Science
Act of 1958 established the National Science Development Board.
●​ Marcos Era and Martial Law: Science was given importance during this period,
with the 1973 Philippine Constitution declaring that the "advancement of
science and technology shall have priority in national development". Laws were
enacted to promote science and technology, and funding was channeled to
support applied sciences and science education. Marcos also established the
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission to explore the uses of atomic energy for
 economic development. Other agencies created during this time include the
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) and
the Philippine National Oil Company.
●​ Fifth Republic (Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno C. Aquino):
○​ Corazon Aquino: The National Science and Technology Authority was
replaced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The
"Science for the Masses Program" was implemented to achieve scientific
and technological literacy among Filipinos.
○​ Fidel V. Ramos: There was a significant increase in personnel
specializing in science and technology. The Science and Technology
Agenda for Development (STAND) was initiated to achieve newly
industrialized country status by the year 2000.
○​ Joseph Estrada: Signed the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and the
Electronic Commerce Act of 2000.
○​ Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: This was called the "golden age" of science
and technology, with numerous laws and projects aimed at increasing
productivity from Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI). The term
"Filipinovation" was coined to help the Philippines become an innovation
hub in Asia.
○​ Benigno C. Aquino: Republic Act 10601 was passed to improve the
Agriculture and Fisheries Sector through Mechanization (AFMech). He
also signed the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010 and the DICT Act of
2015.
Famous Filipino Scientists
●​ Ramon Cabanos Barba: Known for his research on tissue culture in Philippine
mangoes.
●​ Josefino Cacaso Comiso: For his work observing the characteristics of
Antarctica using satellite images.
●​ Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.: Known internationally in the field of electrical engineering.
●​ Lourdes Jansuy Cruz: Notable for her research on sea snail venom.
●​ Caesar A. Saloma: An internationally renowned physicist.
●​ Edgardo Gomez: A renowned marine scientist.
●​ William Padolina: A chemist and president of the National Academy of Science
and Technology (NAST)-Philippines.
●​ Angel Alcala: A marine scientist.
Science and Technology Policies
The Philippine government has implemented several programs and policies to boost
science and technology. These policies are clustered into four areas:
 1.​ Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and
Governance: Includes integrating ASEAN awareness into education,
emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue, and developing school
infrastructure with ICT broadband.
2.​ Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences,
and Mathematics: Focuses on degrees, licenses, and employment
opportunities, and harnessing science and technology as an independent driver
of development.
3.​ Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Aims to ensure
compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN standards, standardize
pharmaceutical services, and empower food and drug agencies to conduct
research.
4.​ Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry: Involves protecting
biodiversity, using biosafety and standard models by ASEAN countries, and
promoting indigenous knowledge systems.
The government also supports other programs, such as providing funds for basic and
applied research, offering scholarships for science and technology students, and
establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System. The "Balik
Scientist Program" encourages Filipino scientists abroad to return and work in the
Philippines.

The Philippine Government S&T Agenda

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the primary government
agency responsible for the Philippines' science and technology agenda. Its main goal is
to provide leadership, direction, and coordination for all scientific and technological
efforts to ensure they contribute to the country's economic and social development.
The DOST's agenda is often articulated through the Harmonized National Research
and Development Agenda (HNRDA), which aligns the country's R&D priorities with
the national development plan.
The Department has eighteen (18) attached agencies. Grouped into sectors
with their functions, these are as follows:
Sectoral Planning Councils
These three councils are responsible for strategic planning and funding in their
respective fields. Their primary functions include:
●​ Formulating policies, plans, and programs for S&T development.
●​ Allocating funds for research and development (R&D) projects.
●​ Monitoring the progress of R&D initiatives.
 ●​ Generating external funds to support their programs.
The councils are:
●​ Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD): Focuses on R&D for
agriculture, fisheries, and the management of natural resources.
●​ Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD):
Manages research in the health and medical sciences.
●​ Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
Research and Development (PCIEERD): Oversees R&D in industry,
energy, and new technologies.

Research and Development Institutes

DOST has seven institutes that conduct basic and applied research in specific
fields. These institutes are the backbone of the country's scientific inquiry.
They include:
●​ Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI): Specializes in
advanced computing and information and communications technology
(ICT).
●​ Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI): Conducts research on
food science and nutrition.
●​ Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI):
Focuses on the efficient and sustainable utilization of forest products.
●​ Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI): Develops
technologies for various industries.
●​ Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC):
Supports the metals and engineering industries.
●​ Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI): Explores the peaceful
applications of nuclear science.
●​ Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI): Conducts R&D on textile
technologies.

Scientific and Technological Services

These six agencies provide essential services to the public and other
government units, helping to apply science and technology in daily life and
governance. They are:
●​ Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA): Provides weather forecasts and monitors
atmospheric and astronomical phenomena.
●​ Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS):
Monitors volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
●​ Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS): An educational
institution that provides a specialized curriculum to gifted students in
science and mathematics.
●​ Science and Technology Information Institute (STII): Acts as the
information and public relations arm of the DOST.
●​ Science Education Institute (SEI): Manages scholarship programs and
promotes science and technology education.
●​ Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI): Assists in
the commercialization of local inventions and technologies.

Collegial and Scientific Bodies

These two bodies serve crucial functions for the scientific community,
including:
●​ Providing assistance and advisory services.
●​ Recognizing outstanding scientific achievements.
●​ Establishing international linkages and collaborations.
They are:
●​ National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST): The country's
premier recognition and advisory body on S&T.
●​ National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP): Supports and
promotes basic research in the country.
The Balik Scientist Program
The Balik Scientist Program (BSP) is the brain gain initiative of the government
which aims to tap into the ingenuity and expertise of Filipinos abroad and to
strengthen the S&T capabilities of local researchers in the academe, public and
private sectors, and industry.
BSP was established in 1975 and was later reinstated in DOST in 1993.
Through the efforts of Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV and
Congressman Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, their co-author, Congresswoman
Divina Grace Yu, and all the legislators in the Senate and Congress, the
Republic Act 11035 also known as an “Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist
Program” was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on June 15, 2018.
The enacted law strengthened the implementation of BSP by giving better
incentives and benefits to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and
engineers who would return and share their expertise.

Order of the National Scientist

PD 1003-A intended to create a body to recognize outstanding achievements in
science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those
engaged in scientific and technological research. In doing so, it also created the
distinction of National Scientist, the highest honor given by the President of the
Republic of the Philippines to a Filipino man or woman of science in the
Philippines who has made significant contributions in one of the different fields
of science and technology.
National Scientists are recommended annually by NAST “for distinguished
individual or collaborative achievement in science and/or technology” and are
accorded rank and title by the President. According to PD 1003-A, National
Scientists “shall each be given a gratuity in such amount to be fixed by the
Academy and shall be entitled to other privileges as are enjoyed by the
‘National Artists’.”
In 2003, EO 236 was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It codified
the system of Philippine Orders and State Decorations, and elevated the
standing of the National Scientists into the Order of National Scientists, with
the Order defined as such:
… an award that grants membership in an exclusive association of honored
individuals, and which by tradition carries with it distinctive insignia to be
worn by recipients.
Since 1978, the President of the Philippines has conferred the rank and title of
National Scientist on 35 Filipinos, 14 of whom are still living.
PD 1003-A defines a scientist as an individual who has earned a doctoral
degree in any field of the sciences in an accredited university, and has
demonstrated and earned distinction in independent research or significant
innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences, including
agricultural, engineering, medical sciences, and mathematics, as manifested by
his/her published works in recognized scientific and technical journals. The
decree stated however that “in highly meritorious and extremely exceptional
cases the foregoing doctoral degree requirement may be waived.”
Process of naming a National Scientist
1.​ Members of NAST nominates for consideration
2.​ Members of NAST votes on the names to be recommended to the
President
3.​ NAST deliberates the nomination
4.​ President issues a Presidential Proclamation naming the National
Scientist
5.​ The order of the National Scientist is conferred during the ceremonies

Small & Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program

(SETUP)
The Small & Medium Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is
a flagship program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the
Philippines. Its primary goal is to assist small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their operations,
increase productivity, and become more competitive.
How SETUP Works
SETUP provides a package of interventions to help businesses. These
interventions are often tailored to the specific needs of the SME and typically
include:
●​ Technology Upgrading: The program helps firms acquire and adopt
appropriate technologies, such as new equipment, machinery, and
software, to modernize their production processes.
●​ Technical Assistance: It offers expert advice on various aspects of a
business, including product development, process improvement, and
quality control.
●​ Training and Consultancy: SETUP provides training programs and
consultancy services on topics like food safety, good manufacturing
practices (GMP), and quality management systems.
●​ Product Packaging and Labeling: The program helps SMEs improve the
design and quality of their packaging and labeling to make their products
more appealing and marketable.
●​ Linkages with R&D Institutions: It connects businesses with DOST's
research and development (R&D) institutes and other partners to help
them develop new products or improve existing ones.

Objectives of the Program

The main objectives of SETUP are to:
●​ Encourage local entrepreneurs to adopt new technologies.
●​ Improve the quality and increase the quantity of their products.
●​ Provide a platform for SMEs to access technical support.
●​ Increase the competitiveness of local industries.
 ●​ Create new job opportunities and promote economic growth in the
countryside.
SETUP is a crucial program that bridges the gap between scientific research
and its practical application in the business sector, particularly for SMEs that
may not have the resources to invest in technology on their own.

Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards)

Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) is the
Philippines' primary disaster risk reduction and management program. It was
originally a project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from
2012 to 2017, but it is now managed by the University of the Philippines.

How Project NOAH Works

Project NOAH's main goal is to use science and technology to provide accurate
and timely hazard and risk information to the public, local government units,
and other stakeholders. This is done to help communities prepare for and
mitigate the impacts of natural hazards like floods, landslides, and storm
surges. Key components of the project have included:
●​ Hydrometeorological Devices: Installation of automated rain gauges
and water level monitoring stations in major river basins.
●​ LIDAR Mapping: The use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
technology to create high-resolution, three-dimensional flood and
landslide hazard maps.
●​ Storm Surge Modeling: Generation of models to predict coastal hazards
and storm surges.
 ●​ Mobile and Web Applications: The development of user-friendly
platforms that allow the public to access hazard maps and real-time
weather information.
The program was launched in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong to
create a more responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system for the
country.

Philippine Space Program

The Philippine Space Program is the country's initiative to develop its own
space science and technology, a program primarily spearheaded by the
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST). This program focuses on developing and launching
satellites, building local capabilities in space technology, and using satellite
data for national development.
The program has already produced and launched several satellites, including:

Diwata-1
●​ Type: The Philippines' first microsatellite.
●​ Launch Date: March 23, 2016
●​ Purpose: Diwata-1 carried a high-resolution camera, a Space-borne
Multi-spectral Imager, and a Wide-field Camera. Its main mission was to
capture images of the Philippines for various applications, including:
○​ Environmental monitoring
○​ Disaster risk reduction
○​ Agricultural productivity assessment
The satellite successfully completed its mission and re-entered Earth's
atmosphere in 2020.

Diwata-2
●​ Type: The Philippines' second microsatellite.
●​ Launch Date: October 29, 2018
●​ Purpose: Diwata-2 is a successor to Diwata-1 with enhanced
capabilities. It was also designed for Earth observation and carries a
similar payload, but it has a built-in amateur radio unit that can be used
for disaster communication. Its mission includes:
○​ Providing high-resolution images for environmental and disaster
management.
○​ Enhancing communication during emergencies through its
amateur radio payload.

Maya-1
●​ Type: The Philippines' first nanosatellite or CubeSat.
●​ Launch Date: June 29, 2018
●​ Purpose: Maya-1 was a student-designed CubeSat. Its mission was to
test the functionality of a low-cost amateur radio payload and a small
camera for taking images of the Earth. It served as a vital educational
platform for Filipino engineers and scientists. It re-entered the
atmosphere in 2020.
These satellites mark the Philippines' entry into the space age, demonstrating
the country's growing capability in satellite technology and its commitment to
using space science for national benefit.

Science Education in the Philippines

Science education in the Philippines aims to create a scientifically literate
citizenry and prepare students for careers in science and technology. The
curriculum is designed to be learner-centered and inquiry-based, emphasizing
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key Aspects of Science Education
●​ Curriculum: The K-12 science curriculum is a spiral progression model,
where foundational concepts are taught in earlier grades and revisited
with increasing complexity in higher grades. It integrates science with
technology, society, and the environment.
●​ Government Initiatives: The government, particularly through the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), plays a significant role in
promoting science education.
○​ DOST Scholarship Programs
■​ The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the
Philippines offers a variety of scholarship programs to
support students who wish to pursue degrees in science and
technology. These programs aim to produce a critical mass
of scientists and engineers who can contribute to the
country's development.
●​ DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship​
This is the most well-known scholarship program,
administered by the Science Education Institute
(SEI), an agency of the DOST.
○​ Target: Top high school students who are
entering college.
○​ Eligibility: Students must be in the top 5% of
their class or have high grades in science and
math. They must also pass a qualifying
examination.
○​ Benefits: The scholarship provides financial
assistance for tuition and other school fees, a
 monthly living allowance, book allowance, and
one economy-class round-trip fare for those
studying outside their home province.
○​ Service Obligation: Scholars are required to
work in the Philippines for a period equivalent to
the number of years they enjoyed the
scholarship after graduation. This is to ensure
that the country benefits from their expertise.
●​ Merit Scholarship Program​
This program is similar to the undergraduate
scholarship but is specifically for talented and
deserving students who are pursuing priority science
and technology courses. It does not have the
requirement of being in the top 5% of the graduating
class, making it accessible to a wider pool of students.
●​ Graduate Scholarship Programs​
The DOST also offers scholarships for students
pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in priority S&T
fields. These programs are designed to develop
high-level S&T professionals and researchers.
○​ Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor's or
master's degree in a relevant field and meet the
university's admission requirements.
○​ Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition fees, a
monthly stipend, book and research allowances,
and travel expenses.
○​ Programs: Examples include the Accelerated
Science and Technology Human Resource
Development Program (ASTHRDP) and the
Engineering Research and Development for
Technology (ERDT) consortium.
Philippine Science High School System
The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System is a network of specialized
public high schools administered by the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST). Its primary mission is to identify and nurture gifted Filipino students in
science and mathematics. There are 16 campuses (one per region).
Key Characteristics
●​ Scholarship Program: PSHS is a government-funded scholarship program that
provides free tuition and other benefits to its students.
●​ Specialized Curriculum: It offers a curriculum that is more advanced than a
regular high school, focusing on subjects like science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM).
●​ Admissions: Students are admitted through a highly competitive entrance
examination called the National Competitive Examination (NCE).
●​ Objectives: The PSHS system aims to produce graduates who will pursue
careers in science and technology and contribute to nation-building. Many of its
alumni have gone on to become successful scientists, engineers, and
researchers both in the Philippines and abroad.

Regional Science High School (RSHS) Union

The Regional Science High School (RSHS) Union is a collective of specialized science
high schools in the Philippines. While the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)
System is a single system with multiple campuses directly under the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), the RSHS Union is composed of science high schools
that are managed by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Key Characteristics of RSHS
●​ Focus: Like PSHS, RSHS schools provide a specialized curriculum with an
emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
●​ Admission: They also have competitive entrance examinations to select
students who are academically gifted in these fields.
●​ Purpose: The RSHS schools aim to develop a strong science and technology
culture at the regional level, serving as centers of excellence in their respective
areas. They produce graduates who are prepared for higher education in S&T,
contributing to regional and national development.
The RSHS Union complements the efforts of the PSHS System by expanding access to
a high-quality science education for talented students across different regions of the
country.