Module 5

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PERSONALITIES IN

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
OBJECTIVES
1. Provide the learners knowledge on the significant contributions of young and
brilliant Filipino scientists and experts whose exposure to foreign studies
contributed to the field of science and technology.
2. Appreciate the scientific skills possessed by these scientists and apply these in
every life.
INTRODUCTION
This module discusses the major development programs in science and technology as
well as the prominent and famous personalities which contribute to the development of
science and technology in the country. Further, the readings about their profile will
hopefully inspire the students to strive hard especially in the field of science. Whatever
information they will get from this module may be used to uplift oneself especially in
raising their socioeconomic status.
Major Development Programs in Science and Technology in the Philippines
According to Ariola (2018), there are several major development programs in terms of
Science and Technology in the country which were instituted by USAID in partnership
with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The US-Philippines Science
and Technology Agreement was signed by former US Secretary Hillary Clinton and
Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario. These development programs
are:

  Storm Surge modeling, training, and study visits to National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) scientific centers.
 Registered 1.3 million fisherfolk to give them access to Government of the
Philippines (GPH) basic services and help in fisheries conservation.
 Use of renewable energy and environment-friendly alternative energy to realize
the guiding vision which is “Energy Access for More”.
 Addressed increasing levels of emission due to rapid urbanization.
 Assisted Batangas City in more effective and sustainable local planning.
 Helped the Philippines to improve its ability to respond to natural disasters and
adapt to the negative impacts of climate change by setting up EWS in flood and
landslide prone communities.
 Introduced mobile and web-based applications of technology.
 Promoted digital literacy.
 Helped create an electronic medical record system, which facilitated access to
300,000 patients and generated 700,000 patient consultations which improve
delivery health services.
  Initiated support for researching utilization of oxytocin in Uniject, a free-filled,
exact dose of oxytocin that provides an efficient alternative to prevent post-
partum hemorrhage.
 Supported research in tuberculosis (TB) in children and the relationship of
tobacco and TB to children.
On the other hand, Bautista, [Link] (2018) also presented major development programs
in ST in the country. This is known as the DOST’s “8-point action agenda” which was
initially launched by the agency in 2006 to promote and support science, technology,
and innovation. These agenda include:
 Science-based know-how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to raise
productivity to world class standards.
 Innovative, cost-effective and appropriate technologies that enable micro, small
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop and produce competitive products
that meet the world-class standards.
 State-of-the-art facilities and capabilities that enable local industries to move up
the value chain and attain global competitiveness.
 Idea of the Philippines as a global leader in Information Technology- Business
Process Management Services generating direct employment of 1.3
million(520,000 of which in the countryside)
 ICT-Based transformation of governance broadening access to government
services (i.e. health and education) for those in the countryside (to bring the
Philippines in the top 50 global ranking of e-government by 2016).
 Improved quality healthcare and quality of life thru science, technology, and
innovation.
 Highly skilled and globally competitive S&T human resources in support of the
national S&T programs.
 Science-based weather information and climate change scenarios with
associated mitigation strategies for a disaster and climate change resilient
Philippines.
Prominent and Major Personalities in Science and Technology in the Philippines
Though the Philippines is still classified as a Third world country, we cannot deny there
are Filipinos who excel in other areas like boxing as in the case of Senator Manny
Paquiao and in the field of beauty contest where several Filipinas won as Miss
Universe. In the field of Science there are also great ideas shown by young and brilliant
scientists and experts. Their achievements are not limited to local setting only but they
became famous in other countries as well. They have excelled in different fields of
sciences such as astrophysics, geophysics, meteorology, archaeology, and
anthropology as well as in biology.
Regine Cabato of CNN Philippines Life documented 7 Filipino scientists who are
changing the world as quoted by Ariola (2018).
List of Major Filipino Scientists in ST in the Philippines
Filipino Scientists Profession
1. Reina Reyes Astrophysicist
2. Irene Crisologo Radar Meteorologist
3. Julius Sempio Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing
Specialist
[Link] Carillo Astrophysicist
[Link] Ng Molecular Epidemiologist
[Link] Canilao Anthropologist and Archaeologist
[Link] Jaye Oliva Geophysicist
In 2014, four Filipino scientists were recognized in the field of biology. Some of their
contributions earn recognition not only in the Philippines but also abroad. Some serve
as basis for policy formulation. In the field of biology, there are other prominent Filipino
scientists.
List of National Scientists
National Scientists Significant Contributions
Angel C. Alcala, PhD  Research on ecology and diversity
of Philippine amphibians and
reptiles, as well as marine
biodiversity and conservation of
marine-protected areas.
 His research led to the national
policy on marine no-take zones
Ramon C. Barba, PhD  Achieved 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.
Edgardo D. Gomez, PhD  Research and conservation efforts
in invertebrate biology and
ecology.
 Pivotal in the world’s first national
–scale assessment of damage to
 coral reefs, resulting in
international conservation
initiatives such as Global Reefs
and Risks Analysis, Global Coral
Reef monitoring Network and the
International Cora Reef Action.
Gavino C. Trono Jr.,PhD  With outstanding contributions in
the marine phycology, focusing on
marine biodiversity.
 Published extensive studies on the
culture of seaweed species that
benefited the livelihood of coastal
populations.
 First to report on the “ice-ice”
disease that affected many
seaweed farms.