Professional Documents
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Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human
mind is our fundamental resource.
John F. Kennedy
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. discussed the concept of nation building and its importance;
2. explained the relationship between development and nation-building;
3. discussed the role of S & T in the Philippines Nation Building;
4. evaluated the government policies pertaining to S & T in terms of their
contributions to nation-building; and
5. identified actual S & T policies of the government and appraise their impact on
the development of the Filipino nation.
“What shapes the best in us dies when the best education dies! The best in us shall
always be undermined when they that are responsible for shaping the best in us are
always undermined!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn books but life!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn moral principles, but they shall be living examples of moral principles.
I stand for a different education: a different education where students don’t just
understand what they learn, but practice what they learn with understanding!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn about people of different beliefs, culture and backgrounds, but how to live with
people who don’t share common perspective with them and know how to show their
emotions of bitterness and misunderstanding rightly!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will be perfect
ambassadors’ of God on earth and live their daily lives with all due diligence!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will understand
why we all breathe the same air, sleep and wake up each day in the same manner to
continue the journey of life!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will learn with
inspiration even in their desperations!
I stand for a different education: a different education where teachers are seen as
true epitome of education!
I stand for a different education: a different education in which the value of the
teacher is well understood and the teacher is well valued as a treasure!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn, but they will reproduce great and noble things with what they learn!
I stand for a different education: a different education where students will understand
the real meaning of integrity and responsibility and with true courage and humility be
that as such!
Education is the spine of every nation! The better the education, the better the nation!
The mediocre the education, the mediocre the nation! A good nation is good because
of how education has shaped the perspective and understanding of the populace! A
nation that does not know where it is heading towards must ask the machine that
produces the populace who drive the nation: education! Until we fix our education,
we shall always have a wrong education and we shall always see a wrong nation!”
INTRODUCTION
Ratnasiri (2006) in her editorial stated “It is a well-established fact that science
and technology impacts all aspects of our lives as well as the planet we live on. The
science and technology induced changes have for the most part benefited mankind
although there is many a case where science and technology-based innovations have
been used for the detriment of mankind, pursued for either wealth and power or both.
It is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is used
wisely to benefit mankind.
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The reality today is that most benefits accrued from science and technologies
have not reached the majority of people, particularly the poor in the developing
countries.
Science and Technology has been one of the main driving forces of the
economic growth of nations. Most developed countries have generated new
technologies with potential to result in dynamic economic performance. This however
has not been the case with most of the developing countries and their developmental
plans have not given adequate emphasis and importance to science and technology
and in particular to research in the science and technology aspects. Countries like
India, South Korea and Taiwan in the region have achieved much through science and
technology and stand out as having demonstrated the absolute importance of science
and technology for economic growth. These countries are examples for the developing
counties. The impact of technology on society without doubt is going to be even more
marked in the future.
It is then of paramount importance to generate and develop new knowledge in
science and technology for application nationally through our own research capability.
It is also necessary to concentrate on the rapid transfer and exchange of proven
technologies from other nations to reap the benefits of the global trends to stimulate
our economic growth.
That science and technology plays a decisive role in the economic growth of
nations in a foregone conclusion. It is then pertinent to also consider and rethink about
the role of scientists and technologists in stimulating the economic wellbeing of the
country. It is well accepted that scientists and technologists must necessarily generate
new knowledge by engaging in meaningful and appropriate research and
developmental activities. A question needs to be posed to the researches as to
whether their role should be limited to only the narrow confines of creation of new
knowledge. If scientists and technologists are to contribute significantly to social and
economic changes resulting in the development of the country, their role should
expand beyond generation of new knowledge and assume the role of advising the
decision makers and finally making the decisions on the science and technology
prospects, choices and priorities for the country.
How can scientists and technologists contribute to achieving this multiple role
which is a dire necessity for the economic development of the country?
As creators of new knowledge, the researchers must focus their work on
nationally and globally important and competitive areas of research which are
multidisciplinary in nature. This means that the research must be goal and result
oriented. The results of course must be tangible and significant. The advice of
scientists and technologists whose findings are of national and global significance will
no doubt be much sought after by the authorities. In view of this it is important that the
scientists and technologists on their part make a total commitment to add and develop
significantly to the knowledge base in science and technology aspects which are of
economic importance to the nation.”
Thus, this chapter will recognize the importance of providing profound
understanding of science and technology in nation-building. Specifically, it aims to
discuss the impact of scientific knowledge, efforts and even other influences in the
context of Philippine nation-building.
CONTENT
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shared history, traditions, and culture, sometimes religion, and usually language.
Generally, people of a specific nation share a common national identity. It may include
identity based on race or ethnicity, loyalty to a set of political ideas, and institutions,
and the linkage of citizenship to nationality.
Fagoyinbo (2013) explained that “the word nation is often used synonymously
with state, as in the United Nations. But a state is more properly the governmental
apparatus by which a nation rules itself” (p.411). in approaching the question of nation-
building, and its relationship to state-building, it is important to keep in mind that this
definition specifies the “legitimate use of force”. (Stephenson, 2005)
Many aspects shall be considered in achieving a strong nation. As Prof.
Gambari (2008) enumerated, these aspects include:
Economic Situation
The development field has always been highly influenced by economic thought,
as exemplified by the fact that development has been primarily measured by increases
in Gross National Product (GNP) and or the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The global economic situation has become a basis for determining the
classification of countries. The united Nations Department of Economic and Social
Affairs (UN/DESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions, including Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the pacific (ESCAP) launched the World Economic
Situation and Prospects (WESP) reports. This provides annual reports on world
economic trends in different dimensions. It also serves as basis for classifying
countries around the world as to developed economies, economies in transition and
developing economies. Many nations continuously strive to attain “developed”
category which motivates them to strengthen their own economic dimensions. The
WESP report 2018 stated that an “improved global economic situation” offers the best
chance for countries to address “long-term issues” which hinders development. The
said issues include low carbon economic growth, reducing inequalities, economic
diversification and eliminating deep-rooted barriers. (United Nations, 2018)
Take a look at the classification in Figure 1 below of the countries made by the
United nations.
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The major developed economies include Canada, Japan, France, Germany,
Italy, United Kingdom, and United States. Moreover, developing countries can be
found at the regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Conversely,
least developed countries can also be found in those regions.
In many developing countries, science and technology plays and important role
in social and economic progress. The importance of science and technology in
addressing the national and international issues necessitates the promotion of various
science and technology program throughout the developing countries.
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Generally, it is recognized that nations and communities who aim for a good
standing in the world economy must either possess or seek to acquire a home-
grown, self-generating capability in science and technology. Citizens,
government and every individual effort in advancing the status of science and
technology in a nation are important towards promoting a nation to a amore
advanced level of competency, competitiveness and capability.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the primary science and
technology body in the country responsible for providing central direction, leadership
and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of formulating
policies, programs and projects to support national development.
The development of DOST can be traced to the national Science Development
Board, created on June 13, 1958, later reorganized on March 17, 1982 into the
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National Science and Technology Authority. NSTA was eventually elevated to cabinet
level based on Executive Order No. 128 signed by President Corazon Aquino on
January 30, 1987. This marked the mainstreaming of science and technology in the
governments’ policy making and service delivery processes.
DOST is composed of councils and agencies with specific scope and
responsibilities as well. The said councils and agencies are:
• sectoral planning councils
• research and development institutes
• S&T service institutes
• collegial bodies
• regional offices
• provincial S&T centers
This agency is responsible for the formulation of policies, plans, and programs
for the development of higher education system in the country. It has been mandated
to promote quality education and ensures the implementation of educational policies
relevant to continuous advancement of learning.
The National Economic and Development Authority
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Figure 2. 12 Pillars of Competitiveness
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THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENDA
This long-term aim may be too ideal for many since this will not automatically
transform our country into becoming one of the so called “developed country”. In
reality, global transformation will require long time frame and more tedious process
and would, therefore, play a minimal effect in the national development. This is
because transformation is a gradual process undertaken through holistic strategies for
national development. (Borbon, V.; Dela Cruz, Ma.E., Flores, R.; Gerona-Medina, Z.
and Lee, A., 2000). Furthermore, these strategies shall be translated down to the local
efforts which have been realized to have greater effect on the country’s socioeconomic
progress. Hence, how relevant are the following pillars to the main aim of the
government’s plan?
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Pillars of Development
In this connection, the DOSY ensures that policies, efforts and plans include in
the science and technology agenda is closely linked to the national development plan.
The DOST prepared the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) 2017-2022 to
ensure that results of science and technology endeavors are geared towards and
utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefit for the people. Figure 5
presents the priority areas included in the S&T agenda 2017-2022.
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The HNRDA is divided into five sectors. The agenda is founded on the
three pillars of development which is aligned with the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and each
sector has six issue-based National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA)
programs respectively.
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A number of DOST programs are being enhanced and continued as mandated
by enabling laws and executive orders up to this time. Implementation of these
programs are being made possible programs in partnership with other related
government agencies. In summarized scope this includes programs in R&D, S&T,
human resource and development, agriculture development, health and nutrition,
environment sustainability, and disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation.
One of the most promising strategy in breaking the barriers that hinder
Philippines progress, in terms of Science, technology, and Innovation (STI), is
enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s science and technology human
resources. This strategy recognizes the role of every individual inventor whose works
became the womb of new and innovated scientific knowledge honed towards
sustaining the advancements necessary for building the nation.
The highest honor given by the President to an individual who had contributed
significantly to the fields of science and technology in the country is the order of the
National Scientists. A National Scientist receives an annual gratuity and other
privileges similar to those enjoyed by National Artists (Presidential Decree 1003-A).
Currently, there are 41 National Scientists, four of them were the most recently
conferred (2014) S&T personalities who were featured by Sabillo (2014) of Philippine
Daily Inquirer.
“He was recognized for his research on the ecology and diversity of Philippine
amphibians and reptiles, as well as marine biodiversity and conservation of marine-
protected areas. His work has led to a national policy on marine no-take zones or
protective areas, which has become a model of coastal resource management that
has been adopted by other countries”. (para. 8)
“He was recognized for his achievements in the field of plant physiology,
especially the induction of flowering of mango and micro propagation or the rapid
multiplying of stock plant of important crop species”. (para. 14)
“He is known for his research and conservation efforts in invertebrate biology
and ecology. He was pivotal in the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage
to coral reefs, resulting in international conservation initiatives such as the Global reefs
and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the International Coral
Reef Action”. (para. 20)
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Gavino C. Trano Jr., Ph.D.
“He was cited for his outstanding contributions in the field of tropical marine
phycology, focusing on seaweed biodiversity.
He published extensive studies on the culture of seaweed species that
benefited the livelihood of coastal populations and was the first to report the occurrence
of “ice-ice” disease that affected many seaweed farms. (para. 25)
Keeping up with the rapid advancement of science and technology all over the
world is crucial. Advancement nowadays cannot be limited to acquiring advance
facilities and technologies but more on the acquisition and enhancement of knowledge
and skills essential in meeting the demands of the highly competitive and scientific-
based society.
In the Philippines and around the world, science and technology-based and a
knowledge-based economy are the common concerns. Living in such an environment
requires expectations and skills to survive. (SEI-DOST & UP NISMED, 2011) The effort
of investing in science, technology, and innovation shall be supported and sustained
through breaking resource gaps, specifically in the education sector. As John F.
Kennedy, former US President, said, “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than
our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” That is, in
meeting the demands of the 21st century world, what should be the direction of science
education?
In all fairness with the Philippine government, efforts to improve quality
education have always been part of its plan of action. The Department of Education,
through the National Education for All Committee (NEC), engaged in benchmarking
strategy with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center
for Education Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH). The said
undertaking stated on February 2011 is to secure affirmation of basic of basic
education reforms (curriculum structures and contents) towards meeting the demands
of 21st century.
Fensham (2006) (as cited in SEI-DOST & UP NISMED, 2011) explained that
traditionally, science content areas such as life science, physical science, and earth
and space science, are presented as “separate subjects” to achieve mastery on
concepts, principles, and processes (Figure 6). The new science education curriculum
shows a revolutionized inclusion of the three content areas to accentuate the
“understanding of the connections and interrelationship” of various science concepts.
Added to this are the themes which are valued in “real-life contexts” namely,
“maintaining good health and living safely; utilizing energy and coping with changes
and conserving and protecting the environment”. This implies that learning how to
apply the concepts shall be pursued further towards more meaningful learning.
Such arrangement of the curriculum has been founded in the true aim of
education. It can be traced back in 1996, when the International Commission on
Education for the 21st Century to UNESCO, headed by Jacques Delors, identified
learning throughout life as a key to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Delors
further presented the framework based on the “Four Pillars of Education – learning to
know, learning to live together, learning to do, and learning to be”. The report,
highlighted the need for individuals to “learn how to learn” for them to manage the rapid
changes and challenges of the present and the future. Thus, suggesting lifelong
learning that involves the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and valued
throughout one’s life – from early childhood through adulthood. (SEAMEO INNOTECH,
2012)
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Figure 6. The significant connections of inquiry skills, scientific attitudes, and
contact in supporting holistic development of a scientifically literate individual.
Can you still imagine how your life be without electricity? How about riding using
carabaos or barely walking along the street instead of riding cars or jeepney? Or being
engaged in traditional ways of living?
Many people would appreciate the advancements in science and technology
for providing them with comforts and conveniences in everyday living. Lives have been
saved medical breakthroughs and people enjoy good productions of food, clothing and
the materials that they need in building shelters. Behind these advancements S&T
products and innovations are developed in countries known for their excellent
application of science.
The following are some of the latest Filipino inventions:
1. Aerogas Catalytic Combustor (ACC) – an anti-pollution, ecofriendly made by
Engr. Marinto C. Martinez. It is a fuel saver and power booster engine device
which can be practically used on all types of internal combustion engines like
engines of jeeps, cars trucks, ships and motorcycles and even gas fired power
plants. Aside from its economical cost, it also supports the implementation of
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
2. SALT (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) – an environmental-friendly lamp
that runs with just two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water created
by Aisa Mijeno. This invention made it possible for those who live in costal
areas and remote barrios to have light source.
3. SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle – a six-person seating capacity (four in
water), amphibious tricycle powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc
gasoline motor invented by Atoy Llave. The invention is desired to address the
problems of many commuters in a flood-prone country. The invention was
featured in Top Gear.com.ph in 2015.
All these and many other Filipino inventions are continuously flourishing. It
reflects the wisdom of Filipinos in dealing with scientific knowledge and their
environment. These are not only products of influence from other Western cultures but
said to be products of traditional science.
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Indigenous technologies and practice reflect not just ways of working but also
the ways of knowing and thinking of people in the community. People are amazed by
how these indigenous systems, which have no equivalent in the modern science,
empowered other societies or even nation to live quite successfully for many
generations. Indeed, the role of indigenous science and technology in nation building
shall not be neglected and overshadowed by the other kind of modernity introduced in
the world today.
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ACTIVITY No. 5
Category A and B. View the movie Pom Poko (download from YouTube) and make
an analogy of the current development agenda of the Philippine government.
The task should be done in pairs. You may choose your partner from your classmates
to do the task or your instructor may assign the pairing. Use only 350 words in your
analogy and send your output to your respective STS Google classrooms. Deadline
will be set by your instructor.
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For Category C, write a critique on the government’s strategy in addressing the
following issues:
1. COVID-19 vaccination;
2. Improving the internet connection of the country; and
3. Territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea with China.
Choose any one (1) of the above issues and use 350 words in your critique. Write in a
bond paper and submit during the scheduled date given by your GEC 17 instructor.
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