Science and Technology in Society : Thought Paper

Raphael L. Alvarez
2COM4

1. Cherry Blossoms blooming in Benguet

The article in question talks about how infant-stage Cherry Blossoms, native to cooler and
more arid climates, are growing in a particular area in Benguet, Atok. These infant stage
flowering trees are kept and maintained in a Sakura Tree park in the area. This could be
attributed to the UN SDG# 15: Life on Land.

Now to answer the question on whether or not there was an application of the Scientific
Method on the introduction of the Cherry Blossoms, though I did not find any directly
comprehensive material that supports this claim; we could induce from the article itself that
there were attempts on planting an even greater number of trees in the prior year. There is also
an acknowledgement from the team that maintains the Sakura Park that there have been
studies and scouting for the perfect location in which they would introduce the species, and
that is in the area of Atok, Benguet.

The action done by the individuals at the head of this project is entirely reasonable.
Introduction of alien species into non-occurring environments have spurred many
developments in Society in our distant, and even near history. The staple diet of the potatoes
that was once native only to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, once introduce to the plains
of the western coast of the Americas, allowed for our great demand for the potato chips and
fries today. The discovery of corn or what was once called ‘Maize’ by the Native Mexicans, the
Aztec into the world market has contributed greatly over all the social situations regarding
hunger. Alien species, though uncertain, have taken mankind to many of its great advantages
today. It stands, that maybe, just maybe, the introduction of these Alien species to the
Philippines would prove to be beneficial.
 2. DOH: Dengvaxia can prevent future Dengue outbreaks

In light of the not-so-recent ban of the distribution of the Dengvaxia vaccine, and also the
surge in Dengue victims and fatalities in the past year, the Department of Health in the
Philippines has looked over to review the possibility that Dengvaxia may indeed put a halt on
the severity of the Dengue outbreaks, or at the very least, lessen its effects. This concerns the
3rd Sustainable Development Goal, Good Health and Well-Being and also the 12th SDG:
Responsible Consumption and Production.

The question on whether or not the use of the Dengvaxia Vaccine, at least in my opinion, is
a steadfast Yes. According to a study commissioned by the WHO, Mosquito-borne diseases are
one of the deadliest among non-degenerative diseases. The numbers also show that most of
the victims and the fatalities of the virus are of minors. It is also in a study by the WHO that
proves that Dengvaxia is properly potent, having an average of over 79% effectivity in
preventing Dengue. Sadly, certain political factors are holding back the opportunity of
improving the health situation here in the country.

The case should no longer take any more time, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible,
and without the interference of any non-medical/scientifical body, so that we may provide the
best and utmost quality of health for the Filipino Family in compliance to the SDGs.
 3. Pangasinan Schools tap mosquito fishes vs Dengue

The article narrates how some schools within the province of Pangasinan are requesting
stocks of and the introduction of the Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) in bodies of water located
near and around populated areas, particularly to schools and city-centers to prevent the growth
in the population of the virus-carrying mosquitoes. This is in light of the height of Dengue cases
within the country; heavy rains and flooding in the region, which would creat mudpools that are
the perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae. The Gambusia affinis are natural predators
and exist mainly on a diet of mosquito larvae in large numbers. The article even mentions of a
significant lessening of the fatalities and number of the dengue virus cases within the province,
as compared to other provinces in the region. The sustainable Development Goals addressed by
these certain issues fall easily under SDGs 3, and 14; Good Health and Well-being, and Life
under water.

From the article, and additional reading, it remains to be seen if the local government did
apply the proper processes in ensuring the effectively of the introduction of the species. There
still might be latent functions that are yet to emerge from the introduction of a species to cull
the local ecosystem of mosquitoes.

The step that should be made now is to ensure that the possible repercussions on the
environment in both the micro and macro levels are looked into by proper research personnel.
So that, we may either maximize the benefit to the local population, or minimize the adverse
effects.
 References:
Caraballo, Hector (May 2014). "Emergency Department Management Of Mosquito-Borne
llness: Malaria, Dengue, And West Nile Virus". Emergency Medicine Practice.

Corn; Tim Johnson, "Invasive Species," The Burlington Free Press, November 9,
2003https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/mosquito-borne-
diseases/en/

Minnesota Dept. of Health" "Diseases that can be Transmitted by Mosquitoes" .

www.health.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2018-02-15.

NOAA Fisheries. "Foreign Species". Retrieved 28 May 2019.

Rupp, Henry (1995). "Adverse Assessments of Gambusia affinis". \North American Native
Fishes Association (NANFA). Retrieved 2 January 2012.

Whiteside, Bobby; Bonner, Timothy; Thomas, Chad; Whiteside, Carolyn. "Gambusia affinis
western mosquitofish". Texas State University. Archived from the original on 25 April
2012. Retrieved 25 October 2011.

Article Links:
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/08/06/1941033/pangasinan-schools-tap-
mosquito-fish-vs-dengue
https://www.wheninmanila.com/actual-cherry-blossoms-are-now-beginning-to-bloom-in-
benguet/
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/8/12/DOH-Dengvaxia-prevent-dengue-
epidemic.html