LESSON 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION-BUILDING

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to

1. Discuss 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 policies of the government
and appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino Nation.

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

Development has always been linked with technology and technology occurs
when there is advancement in science. Thus, science and technology must be balance
in a country. To have a successful economy, particularly in today’s quest for knowledge-
based economies, science, technology, and engineering are the basic requisites. If
nations do not implement science and technology, then the chances of getting themselves
developed becomes minimal and thus could be even rated as an undeveloped nation.
Science and Technology is associated in all means with modernity and it is an essential
tool for rapid development.

Modernization in every aspect of life is the greatest example of the

implementation of science and technology in every nation. With the introduction of
modern gadgets in every walk of life, life has become simple and this is possible only

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because of implementing science and technology together. Without having modern
equipment’s in all sectors, be it in medicines, infrastructure, aviation, electricity,
information technology or any other field, the advancement, and benefits that we face
today would not have been possible.

A nation who is not able to prosper on these grounds would never be able to
sustain the lives there and may have to solely depend on other nations for the basic
requirements. Such is the influence of science and technology for the development of the
Philippine nation.

Citizens of the nation who hold equal responsibility for the growth should equip
the youth with all possible facilities for their research thirst and support and motivate them,
as the future of the nation is in their hands and they could get our nation to more advanced
levels than what it is today.

Further Reading: [Link]

Question For YOU…

Learning that science and technology plays a big role in the development of a country,
list your observations on what is our current government leaders are doing to enrich
science and technology.

How can you as a Filipino help for the growth and development of our Nation?

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Contribution of Science and Technology in Society

Science affects virtually everyone – agriculture and food production, genetic

research in medicine, global change, and energy. Many of the problems now facing
humankind can be solved only if we approach science more holistically. The impact of
technological inventions on individual people, communities, and the environment must be
carefully considered. To do this, science needs to become more multi-disciplinary and
practitioners should continue to promote cooperation and integration between the social
and natural sciences.

The power of science to bring about changes places a duty on scientist to

proceed with great caution both in what they do and what they say. Scientist should reflect
on the social consequences of the technological applications or dissemination of partial
information of their work and explain to the public and policy makers alike the degree of
scientific uncertainty or incompleteness in their findings. At the same time, though, they
should not hesitate to fully exploit the predictive power of science, duly qualified, to help
people cope with environmental change, especially in cases of direct threats like natural
disasters or water shortages.

Good scientific communication via the mass media is especially important in

those areas directly and strongly affecting people’s lives – for example, before, during
and after natural disasters such as storms, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, as well
as in the general area of global change or depletions of natural resources. In
communicating their ideas, scientists should make clear the limitations of their predictions
and other pronouncements. But they should not shy away from the public
pronouncements just because their messages contradict public wishes or expectations;
indeed, they should be prepared for negative reactions in those instances, and carefully
explain the basis for their scientific conclusions or opinions.

Science in the developing world such as the Philippines, differ from that in the
industrialized world in three main ways: budgets are much smaller, research agenda are
different because the socioeconomic and biophysical problems to be solved are different,
and there is a lower level of access to and public understanding of scientific information

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and technology. The North-south knowledge gap is viewed by some as the most pressing
social and economic aspects of modern science.

Many developing countries have well-qualified scientist but often they are few
and lack the resources and political support needed to solve complex problems or to apply
their knowledge to national issues. Science today seems caught in a crossfire between
two opposing world views. On the one hand, science is a major tool of the ideology
currently driving the world economy, namely that of the free market system, continual
growth, and the pursuit of personal wealth. On the other hand, science is increasingly
being called on to produce knowledge and technology that promote environmentally
sustainable, people-oriented development and long-term management resources.

It can be said therefore that science is useful in the technologies that it gives
us, and in the enjoyment and inspiration that we get as we explore the mysteries of the
universe.

Activity For YOU…

List down at least 10 contributions of Science and Technology to you as a student.

1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________
6. ____________________________________________________________
7. ____________________________________________________________
8. ____________________________________________________________
9. ____________________________________________________________
10. ____________________________________________________________

Contribution of science and Technology in the Environment

The availability of computer systems in homes and in work environment has

eradicated the need to have reams of paper files; in the long run, these simple changes

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will have a considerable impact on the environment and help to preserve forest. Recycling
technology will also help to eliminate waste. The resources and capabilities of global
society have never been greater than they are today. Scientific knowledge, technological
developments, infrastructure, and productive capabilities educated and skilled human
resources, entrepreneurial skills, commercial organizations and a rapidly expanding
global social network offer unprecedented opportunities for rapid social progress.

One of the principal reasons behind the significant gap between the developing
world and the developed world is lack of technology. The developed world is heavily
reliant on technology which makes life much easier and production much more efficient.
The technology is lacking in developing countries and this contributes to widespread
poverty and lack of basic amenities such as clean running water and food supplies.

New technology which will boost food production, improve infrastructure,

improve healthcare, and provide sanitation facilities could dramatically change the quality
of life in the developing world. With the help of charitable organizations and Government
leaders from developed countries, this kind of technology is gradually being introduced
into developing countries.

Question for You…

What other contributions has science and technology to environment that was not
discussed. List at least 5 contributions.

1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________

Do you think these contributions has no negative impact to the environment in any ways?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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Government Policies Pertaining to Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Filipino – Kagawaran ng

Agham at Teknolohiya is the executive department of the Philippine Government
responsible for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in the
Philippines and to formulate policies and projects in the fields of science and technology
in support of national development. Under the DOST, there are 19 organizations, which
consists of two advisories.

The DOST was formed as the National Science Development Board on June
13, 1958, during the administration of President Carlos P. Garcia. The science body was
formed because of a law passed in the Congress upon the recommendation of Dr. Frank
Co Tui, who was tasked by Garcia to conduct a survey regarding the state of science and
technology in the country. It was reorganized as the National Science and Technology
Authority (NSTA) on March 17, 1981 and was given broader policymaking and program
implementing function

Functions

1. Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan and
monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation.
2. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological
research and development in areas identified as vital to the country's development.
3. Promote the development of indigenous technology and the adaptation and
innovation of suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake
technology development up to commercial stage.
4. Undertake design and engineering works to complement research and
development functions.
5. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake the transfer of the results of
scientific and technological research and development to their end-users.
6. Promote, assist and, where appropriate, undertake the technological services
needed by agriculture, industry, transport, and the general public.
7. Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and
technology.

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8. Develop and implement programs for strengthening scientific and technological
capabilities through manpower training, infrastructure and institution-building.
9. Promote public consciousness in science and technology; and
10. Undertake policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical
studies

Major Developments in Science and Technology in the Philippines

To help the country leapfrog its constraints to growth, USAID has strategically
included science, technology and innovation (STI) in its programming. The US
government contributes to the priorities of the U.S – Philippines Science and
Technology Agreement signed by former U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and
the former Philippine Secretary of foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario.

The USAID in partnership with the DOST instituted the following major
developments in science and technology.

1. Storm surge modelling, training, and study visits National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientific centers.
2. Registered 1.3 million fisherfolk to give them access to GPH basic services and
help in fisheries conservation.
3. Use of renewable energy and environment friendly alternative energy realizing the
guiding vision of “Energy Access for More”
4. Addressed increasing levels of emissions due to rapid urbanization.
5. Assisted Batangas City in more effective and sustainable local planning
6. 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.
7. Introduced mobile and web-based application technology.
8. Promoted digital literacy
9. Helped create an electronic medical record system, which facilitated access to
300,000 patients and generated 700,000 patients’ consultations significantly
improving delivery of health services and advise.

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10. Initiated support for researching utilization of oxytocin in Uniject, a pre-filled, exact
dose of oxytocin that provides an efficient alternative to preventing post-partum
hemorrhage. This proven, innovative technology aims to reduce the number of
maternity deaths in the Philippines.
11. Supported research in tuberculosis (TB) in children and the relationship of tobacco
and TB to children.

Major Personalities in Science and Technology in the Philippines

Research the contributions of the following personalities in science and technology.

Create a table with their name, picture, and contributions.

1. Reina Reyes
2. Irene Crisologo
3. Julius Sempio
4. Andreia Carillo
5. Kamela Ng
6. Migs Canilao
7. Sarah Oliva

List of Famous Filipino Biologist

These Filipinos have made and are making contributions in their fields of study.
Because of their work, research, and inventions, these biologists have made it to the
top of the list of famous Filipino Biologist.

Research the contributions of the following personalities in science and technology.

Create a table with their name, picture, and contributions.

1. Angel C. Alcala 7. Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza

2. Benjamin D. Cabrera 8. Baldomero Olveria, Jr.
3. Pedro B. Escuro 9. Eduardo Quisumbing
4. Edgardo Gomez 10. Asuncion Raymundo
5. Bienvinido O. Juliano 11. Reynaldo A. Tabada
6. Milagrosa R. Martinez 12. Carmen Velasquez

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Science Education in the Philippines
As early as decade of the 1950s, scientist was concerned with the state of science
education in the schools. Leading scientist made Philippine authorities aware that the
teaching of science from grade school level to college levels in both public and private
schools was very inadequate.

Importance of the School Science Education

Science is useful because of its links to technology and industry, which, from a
national perspective, are areas of high priority for development. Science provides ways
of making sense of the world systematically. It develops students’ scientific inquiry skills,
values and attitudes, such as objectivity, curiosity, and honesty and habits of mind
including critical thinking. All these are useful to the individual student for his own personal
development, future career, and life in general. These skills, values, attitudes, and
dispositions are likewise useful to the community that an individual student belongs to,
and are further useful to the country that he lives in.

The learning of science is also important for the nation’s cultural development
and preservation of its cultural identity. Science is most useful to a nation when it is utilized
to solve its own problems and challenges, keeping a nation's cultural uniqueness and
peculiarities intact. Thus, in many countries, science teaching and learning is linked with
culture.

Challenges in Science Education: Philippines Context

Some Filipino students have gained recognition for their high level of
accomplishments in the International Science and Engineering Fair, Robotics
Competition, and Physics Olympiad, to name a few. There are also reports of students in
far-flung rural schools scoring much higher than the international mean in the case of the
Third/Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) or have gone
beyond the 75% mastery level in the case of the National Achievement Test (NAT).
However, the accomplishments of a few students are overshadowed by the consistently
poor performance of Filipino students in international assessment studies and national
assessment studies. Studies reveal that Filipino students have low retention of concepts,

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have limited reasoning and analytical skills, and poor communication skills (they cannot
express ideas or explanations of events and phenomena in their own words) (UP
NISMED, 2004). In addition, a large percentage of Grade 6- and fourth-year students in
selected schools cannot apply concepts to real-life problem-solving situations nor design
an investigation to solve a problem (UP NISMED, 2005).

Many educators and graduate student researchers have identified several

factors behind the low performance in science of Filipino students. These are: quality of
teachers, the teaching-learning process, the school curriculum, instructional materials,
and administrative support (DOST-SEI, 2006).

ACTIVITY 1

MIND SETTING

Direction: React on the following statements.

1. Science and technology are key drivers to development.

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2. We have a lot of young talented scientist-to-be in many places in the Philippines
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3. The potential of technology is endless and still largely untap in the Philippines
________________________________________________________________
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4. Funding of science and technology researchers are not given much attention by
the government.
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