STS-Sir Rodel-Lesson 3-History of STS and Nation Building Part2

The Philippine Government S&T Agencies

The agenda of the Philippine Government Science and Technology (S&T) Agencies focuses on significant areas aimed at nation-building and technological advancement. These include the establishment of major development programs in S&T that align with national priorities, fostering innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges.

Strategic Framework and Related Legislation

The Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology (2002–2020) emphasizes inclusive growth, research, and disaster risk reduction strategies. Its key areas include the development of critical technologies such as:

1. Remote Sensing: Utilized for environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

2. LiDAR Processing: Essential for accurate topographic mapping and flood risk assessment.

3. Testing and Metrology Facilities: Ensuring standardization and quality assurance in various products and services.

4. Advanced Climate Change and Weather Modelling: Tools to predict and prepare for climatic events impacting the population.

5. Advanced Manufacturing and High-Performance Computing: Essential in developing new materials and enhancing efficiency in production.

Centers of Excellence

By 2020, the establishment or upgrading of five Centers of Excellence focused on critical fields greatly enhances the Philippines' capabilities in science and technology:

• Biotechnology: Aimed at improving health and agricultural productivity.

• Nanotechnology: Targeting innovative applications in materials science.

• Genomics: Facilitating advanced research in health and biodiversity.

• Semiconductors and Electronic Design: Promoting local development of electronic components.

• Centre for Nanotechnology Applications in Agriculture, Forestry, and Industry: Established in 2014 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños to explore nanotechnology's potential impact on agribusiness.

• Biotech Pilot Plant: Established in 2012 and upgraded to enhance development and commercialization of biotechnological processes, also located at UP Los Baños.

Continued Development of Centers of Excellence

• Philippine Genome Centre (est. 2009): Located at UP Diliman, this center focuses on DNA sequencing and bioinformatics to enhance genomic research and applications in health and agriculture.

• Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory: Established in 2013, located in the DOST facility in Bicutan, it offers state-of-the-art testing for a variety of materials and devices to support innovation.

• Electronic Product Development Centre: Designed to provide comprehensive services such as design, prototyping, and testing for printed circuit boards, contributing to the local electronics industry.

Infrastructure for Core Technologies

Government policies are directed toward creating a sustainable infrastructure that supports core technologies crucial for addressing significant social and economic issues. This is cognizant of the need for governmental intervention, especially in addressing market failures and fostering good governance principles. An example of successful investment in research support is the International Rice Research Institute located in Los Baños, which showcases the advantages of sustained and focused research efforts in improving agricultural practices.

Legislative Reform

Several reforms have been initiated to bolster S&T development:

• Technology Transfer Act (2010): This legislation enhances innovation rates by supporting the effective management and commercialization of intellectual property generated from government-funded research and development initiatives.

• Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act (2013): Aimed at expanding scholarship opportunities in S&T and strengthening science and math education within secondary schools throughout the country.

• Philippine National Health Research System Act (2013): Establishes national and regional consortia aimed at improving domestic research capacity and collaboration.

Trends in R&D Investments

Human Investment in R&D

The Philippines invests approximately 0.3% of its GDP in higher education as of 2009, which is among the lowest rates in the ASEAN region.

• Tertiary enrollment saw a significant increase from 2.6 million in 2009 to 3.2 million by 2013.

• The number of PhD graduates doubled from 1,622 in 2009 to 3,305 in 2013, indicating improvements in the academic output of higher education institutions.

Financial Investment in R&D

Domestic investment in R&D improved slightly from 0.11% of GDP in 2007 to 0.14% in 2013. However, there is an ongoing challenge in integrating scientific progress with innovation and development, which necessitates an increase in the overall investment level. The emphasis remains on leveraging foreign direct investments, especially in the electronics sector, to enhance domestic capabilities.

Science Education in the Philippines

Mandated by Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), the Philippine education system adopts a spiral progression approach in science education from K to 12. This strategy aims to alleviate curriculum congestion by seamlessly integrating Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics across the grade levels to build a robust foundational understanding of scientific principles.

Importance of Science Education

Science education is pivotal as it:

• Develops a solid foundation for understanding essential scientific concepts and processes.

• Fosters an intrinsic love for knowledge, sparking curiosity and creativity amongst students, preparing them for future innovations.

Basic Education Objectives

The curriculum is designed to teach vital scientific concepts applicable to everyday life, enhancing practical understanding.

Tertiary Education Objectives

In higher education, the curriculum aims to deepen the appreciation and comprehension of scientific ideas through rigorous academic engagement with scientific methodologies.

Selected Indigenous Science and Technologies

Indigenous knowledge refers to the tools and methods honed by early Filipinos for their daily life.

Characteristics of Indigenous Knowledge System:

• Deeply embedded in cultural traditions, often passed down orally through stories, poems, and songs, ensuring the transmission of vital knowledge through generations.

Indigenous Knowledge Practices

Examples of indigenous scientific practices include:

• Predicting weather patterns based on animal behaviors and celestial observations.

• Utilizing herbal medicines for medical treatments and food preservation techniques for longer shelf-life.

• Implementing agricultural practices such as seed selection and soil classification for enhanced crop yield.

• Developing traditional irrigation systems and preparation methods for beverages utilizing tropical fruits, showcasing sustainable practices.

Definition of Indigenous Science

According to Gribbin (2001) and others, indigenous science encompasses knowledge systems cultivated by groups with long-standing histories with their natural environments. According to Paliwen (2005), it includes practices and representations that guide interactions with nature encompassing various sectors such as agriculture and traditional medicine.

Cultural Influences on Indigenous Science

Indigenous science practices are distinctly influenced by cultural values:

• Recognition of land as a source of life, stressing stewardship and sustainability.

• Acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of life forms and respect for the environment.

Insights from Various Scholars on Indigenous Science

• According to Ogawa (1995), indigenous science is lived and experienced within the culture of its people.

• Cajete (2004) defined it as a comprehensive system embracing both metaphysics and practical technologies that are relevant to indigenous communities.

• Iaccarino (2003) noted that scientific practices are inherently influenced by the cultural context in which they arise.

Values Developed Through Indigenous Beliefs

According to Johnston (2000), indigenous beliefs foster various motivational attitudes:

1. Motivating attitudes that inspire thoughts and behaviors conducive to collaboration.

2. Cooperative attitudes that encourage teamwork and collective action.

3. Practical attitudes for sensible decision-making based on community welfare.

4. Reflective attitudes that promote comprehension of the unknown, encouraging inquiry and exploration of knowledge.

Indigenous Science in the Context of Modern Science

Khun (1962) suggested that stages of scientific development involve a continual competition among various views, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in scientific discourse. UNESCO recognizes the value of indigenous science as a significant contributor to the broader fields of science and technology, collaborating with modern scientific practices.

Importance of Indigenous Science in Development

Indigenous science is pivotal for fostering the development of science and technology in the Philippines as it highlights how traditional practices have enhanced the understanding of the natural environment and management of daily life resources effectively.

Acknowledgments

Thank You!