Role of Science

and Technology
in Nation-
Building
GERALD M. SALAS
Understanding Nation-
building
• Nation-building is the multidimensional process of
developing infrastructures, institutions, and a sense
of unity among citizens.
• Science and technology are integral to modern
nation-building, enabling rapid development,
sustainability, and improved quality of life.
• Economic impact of science and technology
includes revolutionizing industries, creating new
sectors like e-commerce, and enhancing
agricultural output through biotechnology.
 Examples of the Use of Science
and Technology for Nation-
Building
Singapore's Germany's India's
Smart Nation
Singapore's Smart Nation Initiative
Energiewend
Germany's Energiewende focuses on
Aadhaar
India's Aadhaar Project, the world's largest
Initiative
leverages technology to optimize public eto sustainable energy
transitioning Project
biometric ID system, improves service
services through data analytics and IoT sources, creating jobs, and boosting the delivery and reduces corruption.
economy.

South
Rwanda's
Korea's
Use of
Broadband
South Korea's investment in broadband Rwanda employs drones to deliver
Drones for
Infrastructur
infrastructure has made it a global IT medical supplies to remote areas,
leader, spurring innovation and Healthcare
significantly reducing delivery times and
e
economic growth. saving lives.
Department of Overview of DOST

Science and • The Department of Science and Technology

(DOST) is the Philippine government's
Technology primary agency for coordinating science and
technology projects.
(DOST) • Established in 1987, DOST aims to promote
scientific research and technological
Contribution advancements for maximum economic and
social benefits.
to Science and • Provides central direction, leadership, and
coordination of scientific and technological
Technology efforts across various sectors.
• Science Education Institute (SEI) focuses on
human resources development in science
and technology through scholarships and
training.
• Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Key Programs and
Emerging Technology Research and
Development (PCIEERD) propels industrial Initiatives by DOST
growth through research in alternative
energy, biotechnology, and materials • Food and Nutrition Research Institute
science. (FNRI) addresses food and nutrition needs
• Advanced Science and Technology Institute through research and public health
(ASTI) specializes in advanced computing programs.
and networking systems, including the • Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI)
development of the Philippine Research, aims to enhance the global
Education, and Government Information competitiveness of the Philippine textile
Network (PREGINET). industry.
DOST's Contributions
to National
Development
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Developed technologies like Project NOAH for real-
time weather data and hazard mapping.
• Healthcare: Contributed to medical research, including the development of
diagnostic kits for prevalent diseases.
• Agriculture: Involved in research to improve crop yields and sustainable
farming practices, such as drought-resistant rice varieties.
• Innovation for MSMEs: Supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
through the SETUP program to improve competitiveness via technology
adoption.
 Evolution and Milestones of DOST
• Initial focus on research and
History of DOST development, later expanded to include
science education, technology transfer,
and innovation.
Formation and Early Years of • Notable initiatives include Project NOAH
DOST
• Officially established on January 30, 1987, for flood warnings, Biotek-M Dengue Aqua
through Executive Order No. 128. Kit for rapid dengue detection, and RxBox
• Roots trace back to the National Science for telehealth in rural areas.
Development Board (NSDB) created in • Instrumental in shaping national policies
1958. like the Science and Technology Master
• Evolved from NSDB to National Science Plan (STMP) and the National Research
and Technology Authority (NSTA) in 1982 and Development Agenda.
before becoming DOST.
Leadership, • Led by visionary leaders and governed by

Partnerships, and specialized councils and institutes in various

sectors.
Impact • Actively collaborates with public and private
sectors to translate research into real-world
applications.
The Department of Science and
Technology has been a cornerstone in
• Significant societal impact, including
the development of science and increased agricultural crop yields and
technology in the Philippines, with a advancements in healthcare diagnostics and
history marked by innovation, policy treatments.
leadership, and societal impact.
 • Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA):
DOST Provides flood and weather forecasts, astronomical
information.
Attached • Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

Agencies (PHIVOLCS): Monitors and informs on volcanic

activities and earthquakes.
• Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI):
Promotes industrial competitiveness through R&D.
• Forest Products Research and Development
Institute (FPRDI): Researches sustainable use of
forest-based resources.
• Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI):
Specializes in ICT, microelectronics, and space
technology research.
• Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI):
Conducts R&D in food and nutrition.
 • Science Education Institute (SEI): Promotes science
education via scholarships, trainings, and programs.

DOST • Science and Technology Information Institute (STII):

Disseminates science and technology information.

Attached • Philippine Council for Health Research and

Development (PCHRD): Coordinates and monitors

Agencies health research.

• Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural
Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD):
Focuses on R&D in agriculture, aquatic, and natural
resources.
• Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD):
Engages in R&D related to industry, energy, and
emerging technologies.
• National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP):
Promotes basic research in various scientific
disciplines.
• Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI):
 • Pursue R&D to address pressing national problems.
• Conduct R&D to enhance productivity and improve management

Eleven- of resources
• Engage in R&D to generate and apply new knowledge and
Point technologies across sectors.
• Strengthen and utilize regional R&D capabilities.
Agenda • Maximize utilization of R&D results through technology transfer
and commercialization.
• Develop STI human resources and build a strong STI culture.
• Upgrade STI facilities and capacities to advance R&D activities
and expand S&T services.
• Expand STI assistance to communities and the production sector,
particularly MSMEs.
• Provide STI-based solutions for disaster risks and climate change
adaptation and mitigation.
• Strengthen industry-academe-government and international STI
collaboration.
• Enhance effectiveness of STI governance.
 • Economic Transformation: Industrialization and key sector
Eleven- development.
• Agricultural Development: Modernization through technology and
Point sustainability.
• Educational Reforms: Quality improvement, focus on STEM.
Agenda • Healthcare Improvements: Advanced services and medical
research.
• Infrastructure Development: Robust digital and technological
frameworks.
• Energy Security: Sustainable solutions, reduced import
dependence.
• Environmental Sustainability: Eco-friendly technologies and
practices.
• National Security: Technological advancements in defense.
• Social Welfare Programs: Technology in effective service delivery.
• Good Governance: Technology for transparency and efficiency.
• Global Competitiveness: Technological innovation for global
Projects
Illustrating the Project SARAI

Agenda A DOST initiative under Agricultural

Development, uses technology to
provide real-time farming information.
The Eleven-Point Agenda serves as a
comprehensive roadmap for the
Philippines' development, with a strong
emphasis on the role of science and
iGovPhil
technology, aligning closely with the Under Good Governance, aims to
initiatives and goals of the Department enhance government service delivery
of Science and Technology (DOST). through ICT.
 • Energy Security: DOST's research on algae-

Interplay based biofuels aligns with the agenda's

focus on renewable energy sources.
Between • Environmental Sustainability: DOST's "Green

Eleven-Point
Building Program" promotes eco-friendly
construction, resonating with the agenda's

Agenda and sustainability goals.

• Policy Implications: The agenda guides
DOST Initiatives DOST in formulating science and technology
policies, such as increased R&D funding
under "Global Competitiveness."
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Points like
"Healthcare Improvements" may involve
joint efforts between DOST and other
departments like the Department of Health.
Future
Directions, • Public and Private Sector Involvement: The

Public-Private agenda encourages tech companies to align

their CSR programs with national goals,
Partnerships, fostering a synergistic relationship.
• Challenges and Considerations:
and Challenges ⚬ Resource Allocation: Balancing funds
and manpower across multiple sectors.
⚬ Technological Change: The need for
regular updates to the agenda and
strategies to keep pace with
technological advancements.
 • Dr. Fortunato de la Peña: Current Secretary, focuses
on technological advancements and national
Key programs.

Personalities • Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara: Undersecretary for

Research and Development, oversees alignment of

in DOST research with national goals.

• Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr.: Director of PHIVOLCS,
Leadership specializes in geology and seismology for disaster
preparedness.
• Dr. Jaime Montoya: Executive Director of PCHRD,
leads medical and health-related research.
• Dr. Carlos Primo David: Executive Director of
PCIEERD, involved in environmental research.
• Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora: Executive Director of
PCAARRD, focuses on agricultural science and
technology.
• Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang: Regional Director for
 • Dr. Baldomero Olivera: Renowned biochemist, known

Personalities for research on cone snail toxins.

• Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz: Biochemist specializing in marine
in Philippine cone snails.
• Dr. Mahar Lagmay: Expert in geology and natural
Science and disasters, leads Project NOAH.

Technology
• Dr. Raymond Tan: Focuses on sustainable industrial
processes in chemical engineering.
• Dado Banatao: Entrepreneur, known for
contributions to the semiconductor industry.
• Dr. Angel Alcala: Marine biologist, known for work on
marine reserves.
• Dr. Fabian Dayrit: Organic chemist, known for
research in coconut oil.
• Dr. William Padolina: Chemist and former DOST
Secretary, contributed to natural products research.
Personalities • Dr. Perry Ong: Biologist, specializes in wildlife
conservation and biodiversity preservation.
in Philippine • Dr. Michael Tan: Anthropologist, focuses on the
intersection of indigenous knowledge and modern
Science and science.

Technology
• Dr. Gisela Concepcion: Marine biologist, research led
to new marine compounds with pharmaceutical
potential.
• Dr. Benito Vergara: Plant physiologist, known for
developing flood-tolerant rice varieties.
• Dr. Ernesto O. Brown: Fisheries expert, contributes to
sustainable fisheries management and marine
conservation.
• Dr. Rodel Lasco: Climate change and forestry expert,
involved in international sustainability initiatives.
Importance and
Structure of Science
Education
• National Imperative: Science education is crucial
for economic development, social progress, and
national security.
• Agencies Involved:
⚬ Department of Education (DepEd) for
elementary and high schools
⚬ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for
tertiary and graduate levels
⚬ Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) for research grants and scholarships
K-12 Curriculum
and Special
Programs
• K-12 Science Curriculum: Learner-centered,
inquiry-based, and relevant to real-world
issues. Adopts a spiral approach to revisit
fundamental concepts.
• Science and Technology Scholarships:
Offered by DOST to attract top talent into
S&T careers. Covers tuition, books, and
stipends.
Role of Science
High Schools and
Universities
• Science High Schools: Centers of excellence
with advanced curriculum, state-of-the-art
labs, and highly qualified faculty.
• University-Level Programs: Top universities
offer research-intensive and interdisciplinary
science programs with international
collaborations.
 • Increased
budget
Challenges
• Resource Future
for Directions
Constrain science
ts in rural education
schools • Upgradin
• Quality of g lab
Educators facilities
• Budding • Teacher
Research training
Culture programs
in science
education
 • Nation-building involves multidimensional
Key Points efforts, including the crucial role of science and
technology.
• Economic growth and social welfare are
significantly impacted by advancements in
science and technology.
• DOST serves as the primary agency for science
and technology in the Philippines, focusing on
R&D and technological advancements.
• Key DOST programs include SEI for human
resources, PCIEERD for industrial growth, and
ASTI for advanced computing.
• DOST contributes to national development
through disaster risk reduction, healthcare
improvements, and agricultural research.
 • DOST works with specialized agencies like
Key Points PAGASA for weather forecasting and PHIVOLCS
for geological monitoring.
• Eleven-Point Agenda serves as a roadmap for
national development, closely aligning with
DOST's goals in sectors like economic
transformation and healthcare.
• Science education is a national imperative,
aimed at producing a scientifically literate
citizenry.
• Agencies like DepEd, CHED, and DOST
collaborate to align science education with
national goals.
• Challenges in science education include
resource constraints, quality of educators, and
Thank you for listening

GERALD M. SALAS
Assistant Professor IV