ST-Nation-building

Science, Technology, and Nation-Building in the Philippines

Major Development Programs

• RA 2067 (Science Act of 1958)

  • Aimed at integrating, coordinating, and intensifying scientific and technological research and development.

  • Established the National Science Development Board (NSDB) to oversee scientific endeavors.

• RA 3589 (Amendment to RA 2067 - June 22, 1963)

  • Modified NSDB and provided tax exemptions and privileges for scientific purposes to private educational institutions.

• RA 5207 (Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act - 1968)

  • Regulated atomic energy facilities and established liability rules for nuclear damage.

• Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972

  • Established PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services) to enhance environmental safety.

• Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973

  • Created the Philippine National Oil Company to promote economic development through energy resource management.

• Electric Commerce Act of 2000 (RA 8792)

  • Recognized electronic transactions and set penalties for unlawful electronic activities (June 15, 2000).

• RA 9367 (Biofuels Act of 2006)

  • Directed the use of biofuels and established a biofuel program, with allocated funds for its promotion.

• RA 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008)

  • Accelerated the development of renewable energy resources and provided incentives for investors and manufacturers.

• RA 10175 (Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)

  • Defined cybercrime and set regulations for prevention and penalties.

• Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013 (RA 10612)

  • Expanded the science and technology scholarship program emphasizing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in high schools.

• Department of Information and Communications Technology Act (RA 10844)

  • Established the Department of Information and Communications Technology, signed into law on May 23, 2016.

Major Science and Technology Initiatives

• USAID Collaboration

  • Various initiatives focused on streamlining the GAE (Geothermal, Aquaculture, and Energy) industry in the Philippines, including the establishment of bio-innovation hubs by 2015.

National Science and Technology Plans (NSTP)

• NSTP Visions

  • By 2004: Significant contributions to productivity and competitiveness overall.

  • By 2010: Recognition as a world-class knowledge provider in selected science and technology areas.

  • By 2020: Development of globally competitive products with high technological contents.

12 Priority Areas for S&T Development

1. Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources

2. Health and Medical Services

3. Biotechnology

4. Information and Communication Technology

5. Microelectronics

6. Materials Science and Engineering

7. Earth and Marine Services

8. Fisheries and Aquaculture

9. Environment

10. Natural Disaster Mitigation

11. Energy

12. Manufacturing and Service Engineering

Prominent Filipinos in Science

• Ramon Cabanos Barba: Noted for tissue culture research in mangoes.

• Josefino Cacas Comiso: Known for satellite image studies of Antarctica.

• Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.: Recognized electrical engineer and industry officer.

• Edgardo Gomez: Renowned marine science expert.

• Lourdes Jansuy Cruz: Researched sea snail venom and peptide characterization.

• Fabian Millar Dayrit: Focused on herbal medicine.

• Rafael Dineros Guerrero III: Known for tilapia culture research.

• Enrique Mapua Ostrea, Jr.: Inventor of meconium drug testing.

• Lilian Formalejo Patena: Research in plant biotechnology.

• Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz: Educator and graph theorist.

• Gregory Ligot Tangonan: Communication technology researcher.

Science Education in the Philippines

• Basic Education:

  • Provides foundational knowledge in science for everyday life and potential careers in science.

• Tertiary Education:

  • Fosters deeper understanding and appreciation for scientific ideas through general education courses.

Schools in Science and Technology

• University of the Philippines - Los Baños

  • Known for agriculture, forestry, and veterinary science studies.

• University of the Philippines - Visayas

  • A national center for marine sciences and fisheries.

Conclusion

• Science and Technology play a vital role in the Philippines' progress, addressing national challenges through innovation and education.