Topics:
Science & Technology (S&T) and Nation Building
A. Ambisyon Natin 2040
B. DOST HNRDA
● Basic research
● Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources
● Health
● Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
● Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
Learning Objectives:
[Link] the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building
2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to
nation building
3. Identify actual science and Technology development
A. Ambisyon Natin 2040
Ambisyon Natin 2040 is the long-term vision of the Philippines that serves as a guide for
development planning. It represents the collective aspiration of Filipinos to have a strongly rooted,
comfortable, and secure life by the year 2040. The vision highlights the importance of inclusive growth,
poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
Science and Technology (S&T) plays a central role in achieving this vision. Through innovations in
agriculture, health, industry, and disaster risk reduction, S&T contributes to building a resilient economy and
improving the quality of life of every Filipino. Government policies aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040 aim to
harness research, innovation, and technological advancement to strengthen nation building.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: Ambisyon Natin 2040 recognizes that technological progress is
essential for economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
2. Evaluation of government policies: The government integrates S&T strategies in national
development plans to achieve the 2040 vision, showing the alignment of policy with long-term goals.
3. Actual S&T developments: Programs on agriculture, health innovations, and energy efficiency
directly support Ambisyon Natin 2040 by addressing real needs of Filipino communities.
Pre-Beginnings of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Long before modern laboratories and institutions existed, Filipinos were already practicing forms of
science and technology rooted in daily survival and community needs. Indigenous knowledge systems and
practices served as the foundation of early scientific development. These included farming methods, food
preservation, health practices using herbal medicine, weaving, boat-building, and astronomy for navigation.
One of the most remarkable achievements is the Banaue Rice Terraces, built over 2,000 years ago
by the Ifugao people. Carved into the mountains of the Cordillera region, the terraces are often called the
“Eighth Wonder of the World.” They showcase early Filipino ingenuity, engineering, and sustainable
agricultural practices. Without modern machinery, the Ifugao used simple tools, collective labor, and deep
knowledge of the environment to create a complex irrigation system that continues to function today.
The Banaue Rice Terraces reflect how early Filipinos applied science and technology in practical
ways—using observation, experimentation, and innovation—to respond to the challenges of their
environment. More than just a farming system, it also represents community cooperation (bayanihan),
respect for nature, and sustainable living, values still relevant in today’s pursuit of nation building.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: The terraces demonstrate how indigenous knowledge contributed
to food security and cultural identity, forming the early roots of nation building.
2. Evaluation of government policies: Preservation programs by agencies such as the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and UNESCO highlight how government and
international policies aim to protect these early scientific achievements as part of cultural heritage.
3. Actual S&T developments: The engineering of the terraces and the irrigation systems are living
examples of early technological development that continue to benefit local communities.
Science and Technology during the Spanish Colonial Period
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines (1521–1898) brought profound changes in society,
culture, and the development of science and technology. The Spaniards introduced Western education,
formal institutions, and religious orders that established schools and universities. This period emphasized
medicine, biology, and education as part of both colonial governance and religious missions.
1. Medicine and Biology
○ The Spaniards introduced Western medical practices alongside local herbal medicine.
○ Hospitals such as Hospital de San Juan de Dios (founded in 1578) were established,
providing medical care and serving as training grounds for health practitioners.
○ Spanish friars and physicians studied Philippine flora and fauna, recording their medicinal
properties. Works like Flora de Filipinas by Fr. Manuel Blanco catalogued local plants and
their uses.
○ These studies laid the groundwork for Philippine botany, pharmacology, and biology.
2. Formal Education
○ Education during this period was controlled by the Catholic Church. Schools were
established primarily to spread Christianity but also introduced basic literacy and later higher
education.
○ The University of Santo Tomas (UST), founded in 1611, became the oldest existing
university in Asia and a center for higher learning in medicine, philosophy, and sciences.
○ The Spanish period marked the beginning of systematic, Western-style education in the
country, shaping future professionals and leaders.
3. Scientific Influence
○ While education was limited to the elite, this era introduced structured learning and written
records of natural sciences.
○ The blending of indigenous practices with Western medicine created a unique knowledge
system that continues to influence Philippine healthcare today.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: The introduction of hospitals, biological studies, and universities
contributed to the foundations of Philippine healthcare and formal education, both vital in building a
nation.
2. Evaluation of government policies: The Spanish colonial government supported the
establishment of institutions mainly for control, but these also laid the groundwork for nation building
through education and scientific advancement.
3. Actual S&T developments: Hospitals, botanical studies, and universities established during this
time are still standing legacies, showing how colonial science shaped Filipino society.
Science and Technology during the American Colonial Period
When the Americans took control of the Philippines in 1898, they emphasized public education,
public health, and the modernization of agriculture and industry. Unlike the Spaniards, who limited
education mostly to the elite, the Americans introduced a free public school system, making education
more accessible to ordinary Filipinos. This became one of their most lasting contributions to Philippine
nation building.
1. Public Education and Science
○ The Americans established a comprehensive public education system with English as the
medium of instruction.
○ Science was taught at all levels, and vocational-technical schools were founded to improve
skills in agriculture, industry, and trade.
○ The Philippine Normal School (now Philippine Normal University) was created in 1901 to
train teachers who would spread modern education nationwide.
2. Bureau of Government Laboratories (1901)
○ Created to conduct scientific research and support public health and agriculture.
○ Its primary functions were to study tropical diseases, develop vaccines, and analyze
agricultural products.
○ This showed how science was directly applied to solve practical problems affecting Filipinos.
3. Laboratory of Science (1905)
○ The Bureau of Government Laboratories later evolved into the Philippine Bureau of
Science, also known as the Laboratory of Science, which became the central hub of
scientific activity in the country.
○ It conducted advanced research in medicine, biology, agriculture, and industry.
○ It eventually became the nucleus of the University of the Philippines (established in 1908),
integrating education, research, and scientific training for future Filipino leaders.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: The American period institutionalized science through laboratories
and education, directly contributing to healthcare, agriculture, and industrial progress in the
Philippines.
2. Evaluation of government policies: The creation of the Bureau of Government Laboratories
showed how government policy promoted science for public welfare, disease control, and economic
productivity.
3. Actual S&T developments: Discoveries in tropical medicine, vaccine production, and agricultural
improvements during this period improved public health and food supply, laying the foundation for
modern Philippine science.
Science and Technology during the Marcos Administration
During the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, science and technology became more
centralized and institutionalized in government programs. Recognizing the importance of S&T in economic
growth, Marcos established agencies and policies to strengthen research, education, and industrialization.
1. Department of Education and Culture (now DepEd)
○ Marcos reorganized the education system to integrate science and technology more deeply
in the curriculum.
○ Science education was emphasized to produce skilled workers and professionals who could
contribute to national development.
2. Creation of the National Science Development Board (NSDB) → Ministry of Science and
Technology (later DOST)
○ The NSDB, which had been created earlier (1958), was restructured to intensify research
and development activities.
○ In 1981, it was reorganized into the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), giving it
cabinet-level status.
○ This paved the way for what is now the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
the country’s main science policy-making and implementing body.
3. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research (PCARR), PHILCORN, and other
agencies
○ To support agriculture, Marcos strengthened agencies like PHILCORN (Philippine Corn
Research Institute) which focused on corn production research.
○ Research councils were established to manage specific sectors: agriculture, forestry, health,
and industry.
○ These councils eventually evolved into the DOST councils we know today, such as:
■ PCAARRD – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development
■ PCHRD – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
■ PCIEERD – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology
Research and Development
4. Philippine Science High School (PSHS)
○ Established in 1964 (just before Marcos, but strengthened under his administration), PSHS
became the premier science high school system in the Philippines.
○ Marcos expanded its role in training young Filipinos in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM).
Aside from education and institutional reforms, Marcos also focused on agriculture and weather
science, recognizing their role in nation building:
1. Agriculture and Farming
○ Marcos launched the Masagana 99 program in 1973, aimed at achieving rice
self-sufficiency by introducing high-yielding rice varieties, modern irrigation, and credit
support for farmers.
○ PHILCORN (Philippine Corn Research Institute) was strengthened to boost corn
production, supporting both human consumption and livestock feeds.
○ Fertilizer and seed distribution programs were implemented to modernize farming.
○ Research centers were expanded to improve soil management, irrigation systems, and crop
production.
2. Impact: While Masagana 99 initially increased rice production, it also led to heavy reliance on
chemical inputs and credit, which caused long-term problems for farmers. Still, it reflected how
science and technology were applied to agricultural development.
3. Weather and Atmospheric Science
○ Marcos prioritized strengthening the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
○ PAGASA was tasked to monitor weather, climate, and astronomical phenomena for disaster
preparedness, particularly in typhoon-prone areas.
○ Improvements in weather forecasting and data gathering supported agriculture (irrigation
scheduling, crop planning) and disaster risk reduction.
4. Other Agricultural Research Agencies
○ The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) was established to support the coconut industry,
one of the country’s top exports.
○ Research on fisheries and aquatic resources was also expanded under the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
○ The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), though not a Marcos creation, was closely
partnered with the government during this period to develop new rice technologies.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: The Marcos period institutionalized science through agencies,
councils, and schools, laying a strong foundation for national progress in education, agriculture,
health, and industry.
2. Evaluation of government policies: Marcos-era policies highlighted the importance of centralizing
science under government leadership (NSDB → MOST → DOST), showing both the strengths and
weaknesses of top-down planning in nation building.
3. Actual S&T developments: PHILCORN research boosted agricultural productivity, PSHS trained
future scientists, and research councils supported specialized fields that continue today.
Science and Technology from the Post-Marcos Administrations
1. Corazon C. Aquino (1986–1992)
● Education & Institutions: Reorganized the Ministry of Science and Technology into the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1987, giving S&T a stronger role in nation
building.
● Agriculture: Promoted sustainable farming practices and strengthened links with IRRI (International
Rice Research Institute).
● Environment & Laws: Passed the Philippine Environmental Policy (RA 8749) emphasizing
environmental protection and sustainable development.
● Health & Medicine: Supported research on public health, but funding for R&D remained limited.
Aquino’s presidency laid the foundation of today’s DOST.
2. Fidel V. Ramos (1992–1998)
● Education: Focused on modernization and improving science education, including wider access to
computer and information technology in schools.
● Agriculture: Promoted agricultural modernization through RA 8435 (Agriculture and Fisheries
Modernization Act of 1997), strengthening research in food production.
● Health: Encouraged biotechnology research for health and agriculture.
● Environment & Laws: Signed RA 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) and supported
renewable energy projects.
● Science Programs: Established programs that encouraged private sector participation in R&D.
Ramos emphasized modernization and linked S&T directly to economic competitiveness.
3. Joseph E. Estrada (1998–2001)
● Education: Expanded scholarship programs for science and engineering students under DOST.
● Agriculture: Continued programs under the AFMA (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act).
● Health & Medicine: Supported research in traditional medicine through the Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).
● Environment: Advocated sustainable resource use but limited major legislation was passed due to
his short term.
Estrada built on previous administrations but had limited impact due to his brief presidency.
4. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001–2010)
● Education: Implemented Science and Technology scholarships nationwide to produce more
scientists and engineers.
● Health & Medicine: Strengthened biotechnology research and promoted the use of herbal and
alternative medicine.
● Agriculture: Focused on productivity programs in rice, corn, and fisheries.
● Environment & Laws: Enforced RA 9367 (Biofuels Act of 2006) promoting renewable energy,
and RA 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), which created the Climate Change Commission.
● S&T Programs: Prioritized ICT development and established e-Governance projects.
Arroyo focused on biotechnology, renewable energy, and climate change resilience.
5. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010–2016)
● Education: Expanded the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) system and integrated STEM
programs into the K-12 Curriculum.
● Health: Increased funding for health research through PCHRD (Philippine Council for Health
Research and Development).
● Agriculture: Implemented rice self-sufficiency programs, with support from DOST in irrigation and
hybrid rice.
● Environment & Laws: Implemented RA 10601 (Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law)
and strengthened disaster preparedness programs.
● S&T Programs: Launched Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) for
disaster risk reduction using advanced technologies.
Aquino emphasized disaster preparedness and STEM education.
6. Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2022)
● Education: Expanded access to higher education through the Universal Access to Quality
Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931, 2017), benefiting science and technology students in state
universities.
● Health & Medicine: Strengthened research on public health crises, including COVID-19; supported
local vaccine research and diagnostics.
● Agriculture: Enhanced mechanization and innovation in farming through DOST and DA
(Department of Agriculture) collaboration.
● Environment & Laws: Implemented strict environmental policies such as the closure of Boracay for
rehabilitation (2018) and support for renewable energy.
● S&T Programs: Expanded Balik Scientist Program (RA 11035, 2018), encouraging Filipino
scientists abroad to return and share expertise; supported space science through the Philippine
Space Act (RA 11363, 2019) creating the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
Duterte strengthened environmental protection, higher education in S&T, and made landmark contributions
like PhilSA.
1. Role of S&T in nation building: Each administration used S&T differently—from agriculture and
medicine to education and space science—to strengthen national progress.
2. Evaluation of government policies: Republic Acts like AFMA (Ramos), Climate Change Act
(Arroyo), Project NOAH (Aquino III), and the Philippine Space Act (Duterte) show how policies
shape S&T’s contribution to nation building.
3. Actual S&T developments: From Masagana 99 to Project NOAH to PhilSA, these show real-world
applications of science and technology in health, agriculture, education, and disaster resilience.
Notable Filipino Scientists and Their Contributions
1. Medicine & Health
● Dr. Fe del Mundo – First woman admitted to Harvard Medical School; founder of the Philippine
Children’s Medical Center; pioneered pediatric medicine in the Philippines.
● Dr. Abelardo Aguilar – Co-discovered erythromycin (antibiotic) while working for Eli Lilly.
Erythromycin became one of the world’s most important antibiotics.
● Dr. Gregorio Zara – Invented the videophone and made contributions in aeronautical engineering
and solar energy.
2. Agriculture & Biology
● Dr. Dioscoro Umali – Known as the “Father of Philippine Plant Breeding,” developed improved rice
and corn varieties.
● Dr. Ramon Barba – Invented the mango flowering inducer using potassium nitrate, which
revolutionized mango farming in the Philippines and abroad.
● Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing – Botanist, authored Medicinal Plants of the Philippines, a key reference
for local herbal medicine.
3. Engineering & Technology
● Engr. Arturo Alcaraz – Pioneer in geothermal energy; led the team that successfully produced the
first geothermal power in Leyte, making the Philippines a world leader in geothermal energy.
● Dr. Gregorio Zara – (also listed above) patented the Zara Effect (solar energy conversion) and
invented a two-way television telephone.
● Dr. Jose Cruz Jr. – Electrical engineer recognized internationally for his work in automatic control
and systems engineering.
4. Physics & Chemistry
● Dr. Angel Alcala – Marine biologist; established marine sanctuaries and advanced biodiversity
conservation in the Philippines.
● Dr. Lourdes Cruz – Biochemist, known for research on snail toxins, which led to significant
contributions in neuropharmacology.
● Dr. Baldomero Olivera – Molecular biologist, discovered conotoxins from cone snails, used in
developing painkillers more potent than morphine.
5. Space & Emerging Technology
● Dr. Joel Marciano Jr. – First director general of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA),
spearheading space science and satellite technology in the Philippines.
● Dr. Gay Jane Perez – Expert in remote sensing, contributed to Diwata-1 and Diwata-2
microsatellite projects for environmental monitoring.
6. Other Influential Figures in S&T
● Maria Orosa – Food technologist, developed banana ketchup, calamansi juice powder, and Soyalac
(soybean-based product to combat malnutrition).
● Julian Banzon – Chemist, researched alternative fuels and biofuels from coconut and sugarcane.
● Francisco Quisumbing – Invented Quink ink, a quick-drying ink used worldwide.
These scientists illustrate how Filipino innovation addresses health (Del Mundo, Aguilar),
agriculture (Barba, Umali), energy (Alcaraz), food technology (Orosa), and environment (Alcala,
Cruz, Olivera). Their work shows that science is not separate from society—it directly impacts daily life,
economic development, and nation building. Many of their discoveries (erythromycin, mango inducer,
geothermal energy, conotoxins, space satellites) are recognized globally, showing the Philippines’
contribution to world science.
Science and Technology in the Philippines: Environment, Farming, and
Agriculture Problems and Solutions
Farming and Agriculture Problems
Over the years, the Philippines has faced numerous challenges in farming and agriculture:
1. Low Crop Productivity – Farmers often depend on traditional practices, leading to lower yields
compared to modernized countries.
2. Pests and Diseases – Insects, plant diseases, and poor soil health damage crops.
3. Typhoons and Floods – Being a typhoon-prone country, the Philippines suffers massive crop and
livestock losses every year.
4. Drought and El Niño – Lack of irrigation systems leaves farmlands vulnerable during dry spells.
5. Limited Access to Technology – Small farmers lack modern farming equipment and knowledge
on advanced techniques.
6. Environmental Degradation – Deforestation, soil erosion, and improper waste disposal affect
farming and water sources.
7. High Cost of Inputs – Fertilizers, seeds, and machinery remain expensive for poor farmers.
Solutions Through Science and Technology
Science and Technology (S&T) has provided both short-term and long-term solutions to these problems:
1. Improved Crop Varieties
○ Development of high-yield, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient rice varieties by the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna.
○ Introduction of PhilRice technologies that help farmers adapt to changing weather
conditions.
2. Modern Farming Technologies
○ Use of mechanized farming tools (tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps) to lessen manual
labor and increase efficiency.
○ Application of precision farming techniques using satellite data and mobile apps for
weather and soil analysis.
3. Weather and Climate Adaptation
○ PAGASA’s climate monitoring systems provide farmers with timely weather forecasts.
○ Introduction of disaster risk reduction strategies, including crop insurance and early
warning systems.
4. Organic and Sustainable Farming
○ Promotion of organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods to restore soil health.
○ Encouragement of agroforestry and crop diversification for food security.
5. Government Programs
○ Masagana 99 during Marcos era boosted rice production.
○ Agri-Pinoy Program (Aquino administration) strengthened food security.
○ Rice Tariffication Law (2019, Duterte administration) allocated funds for modernizing rice
farming.
○ RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9729 (Climate Change Act
of 2009) addressed environmental issues linked to agriculture.
6. Community and Education Efforts
○ Agricultural extension programs train farmers in modern practices.
○ Collaboration with universities (UP Los Baños, Central Luzon State University) for research
and farmer training.
Nation-Building Impact
● Increased food security and self-sufficiency.
● Reduction of poverty in rural areas through higher productivity.
● Protection of natural resources for long-term sustainability.
● Strengthened resilience against climate change and disasters.
References:
Books and Academic Sources
1. Constantino, R. (1975). The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Tala Publishing.
2. Corpuz, O. D. (1989). The Roots of the Filipino Nation. University of the Philippines Press.
3. Sevilla, C. G. (1998). Science and Technology in Philippine History. National Historical Institute.
4. St. Clair-Deville, J. (2009). Science and Technology in Southeast Asia. Routledge.
5. Salazar, Z. (1999). The Banaue Rice Terraces: History and Culture. New Day Publishers.
Government Documents and Policies
6. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). (2016). Ambisyon Natin 2040: A Long-Term Vision for the Philippines.
7. Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (2019). Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA)
2017–2022.
8. Department of Education (DepEd). (2018). K to 12 Curriculum Guide: Science.
9. Republic Act No. 2067 (1969). The Science Act of 1958, as Amended.
10. Republic Act No. 8439 (1997). Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other S&T Personnel in Government.
11. Republic Act No. 10055 (2009). Philippine Technology Transfer Act.
12. Republic Act No. 9003 (2001). Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
13. Republic Act No. 9729 (2009). Climate Change Act.
14. Republic Act No. 10601 (2013). Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law.
15. Republic Act No. 11203 (2019). Rice Tariffication Law.
Online and Institutional Sources
16. International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). (n.d.). Rice Research for Food Security. Retrieved from [Link]
17. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). (n.d.). Retrieved from
[Link]
18. PAGASA – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (n.d.). Climate Monitoring and Forecasts.
Retrieved from [Link]
19. Department of Science and Technology (DOST). (n.d.). History and Milestones of Philippine Science and Technology. Retrieved from
[Link]
20. Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (n.d.). S&T Programs and Policies. Retrieved from [Link]
Profiles of Filipino Scientists
21. Uichanco, L. (1930s). Contributions in Entomology and Pest Management. University of the Philippines Los Baños archives.
22. Quisumbing, E. (1978). Medicinal Plants of the Philippines. Katha Publishing.
23. Del Mundo, F. (1960s–1990s). Pioneering Works in Pediatrics. Philippine General Hospital archives.
Alcaraz, A., & Padlan, E. (1980s–2000s). Molecular Biology and Structural Biology Research. National Academy of Science and
Technology (NAST) profiles.