Republic of the Philippines
CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Sciences
Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 local 140
Email: cnuccais@[Link]
Website: [Link]
Assignment # 1. Reflection Task 1
Name: Raiza M. Abay-abay Date: August 1, 2025
Course/Section: BS Chemistry IIIA
Instruction: On the space below, paste a magazine or newspaper cutout of any photograph
that depicts an issue or problem in science and technology. Then answer the questions that
follow.
Republic of the Philippines
CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Sciences
Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 local 140
Email: cnuccais@[Link]
Website: [Link]
1. What is the issue or problem depicted in the photograph?
The issue in the news concerns the lack of interest of youth in the Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand in the Philippines, leading to a
shortage of local scientists, engineers, and researchers that negatively impacts the
country's innovation efforts. The article highlights the insufficient investment in
developing local researchers, engineers, and scientists, noting the limited availability of
scholarships and support for the STEM strand in the Philippines. The former president of
the National Academy of Science and Technology argued that funding for research and
development (R&D) does exist through various government "money pots." However, the
concern is how these agencies and institutions manage and use the allocated R&D funds.
The article also revealed the decreasing interest of youth in pursuing higher education,
despite the availability of government-sponsored opportunities and grants, resulting in
many research scholarship slots remaining unfilled.
2. How does this particular issue or problem impact the well-being of humans today?
A shortage of STEM professionals in the Philippines impacts the well-being of
Filipinos, as it hinders technological and scientific progress that may contribute to
economic stagnation, leading to a lower quality of life. The limited number of local
researchers, scientists, and engineers restricts the country’s ability to innovate and address
critical issues such as health crises, climate change, food security, and infrastructure
development. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines heavily relied
on foreign-developed test kits and vaccines due to inadequate local capacity in
biotechnology and scientific research. More broadly, the lack of strong STEM development
has slowed national progress in essential areas such as healthcare, transportation,
communication, and access to information. While countries such as South Korea and
Singapore have implemented tech-driven public services and digital healthcare systems,
the Philippines continues to struggle with outdated hospital systems, traffic congestion,
and poor internet connectivity, affecting both convenience and public safety. This situation
is further worsened by brain drain, as many of the country’s talented youth, particularly in
science, engineering, and healthcare, pursue careers or higher education abroad in search
of better opportunities. Filipino professionals often migrate to the United States, Canada,
and the Middle East. Though this benefits their families through remittances, it diminishes
the country’s pool of skilled workers. This reliance on foreign expertise and overseas-
trained professionals undermines national self-reliance and limits the country’s ability to
solve its own scientific and technological challenges. Ultimately, without a strong STEM
workforce, the Philippines risks falling behind in the global economy, missing critical
opportunities for job creation, industrial growth, and long-term development, which may
impact the well-being of Filipinos in the long run.
Republic of the Philippines
CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY
Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Sciences
Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 local 140
Email: cnuccais@[Link]
Website: [Link]
3. Why is it important for people to study and learn about STS as an academic field,
especially in addressing the issue or problem depicted in the photograph?
Studying Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is essential because it enables
individuals to understand the complex interplay between scientific advancements,
technological developments, and societal needs. STS as an academic field also helps
students and citizens to recognize the role of social, economic, and cultural factors in the
development and application of science and technology in society. By learning STS,
people become more aware of the broader impacts of technological decisions and
scientific policies on national development and human well-being. It promotes informed
decision-making, encourages ethical responsibility among future scientists and
engineers, and cultivates a sense of social relevance in innovation. More importantly, STS
helps foster public engagement and interest in science, which is vital to addressing brain
drain, increasing STEM enrollment, and developing homegrown solutions to national
challenges such as health crises, climate change, and underdevelopment. In short, STS
equips people not just with technical knowledge, but with the critical thinking and
societal perspective needed to apply science and technology meaningfully and
responsibly in solving real-world problems.