Lack of support: Declining the potential of our country in the

field of Science and Technology

Philippines have a lot of potential when it comes to science and technology.

There are many young Filipinos who have the skill and capability to grow our country’s
science and technology. Our scientists also keeps developing and trying to match the
other countries. They have successfully invented our first microsatellite, the Diwata-1
and launched it into space. Our scientists also recently discovered a new species of
bacteria with potential antibiotic and anticancer properties. These just show that our
country can also be successful in the field of science and technology. With the support
from our government, we develop our country’s scientific and technological state just
like our neighboring countries.

However, the Philippines still don’t have progress to establish a strong foundation
for the science and technology development. The talent of the Filipino scientists is
undeniable, but it is the support from the government that is lacking. The government
does not prioritize and give the support that our scientists needed. With the lack of
support from the government, the opportunities for aspiring Filipino scientist also
decreases. According to National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), in 2019
the country needed more scientists. There are only 189 scientists per million but the
ideal number of scientists is 380 per million. The job opportunities for the scientist are
low and this causes the aspiring scientists to change their profession or search for job
opportunities in other countries.

Our country also does not give that much importance for developing our science
and technology field. Science and technology play an important in our country’s
development and global competitiveness, but our government is not investing enough
resources. There is a growing gap in our science and technology development. At this
point, we are just ignoring our own capabilities and support other nation’s scientific
development even though we can do it ourselves. Even other countries recognize the
talent of our Filipino scientists. Our government needs to put more attention and
importance in science as a part of developing our country.

With enough support and help from our government, we can definitely par with
other nation. We have many aspiring scientists that can potentially upgrade our
healthcare systems, contribute to research and studies, and improve our country’s
technological advancements. The development of science and technological field will
greatly affect our country not just in terms of innovation, but also economically and in
regional and global competitiveness. It doesn’t need to be a huge support immediately
from the government. It can start slow but continuous support. A small start can give
boost our scientists to lead the way in development and also to young aspiring scientists
to pursue science related professions.
 In this time of pandemic, the government showed support for our Filipino
scientists and researchers. Our scientists are able to develop our own covid-19 test kits
and the government supported it and used it rather than importing foreign-made test kits
which are more expensive. The government is also relying on the studies and research
to determine best step to prevent the virus from spreading. These just show how huge
science and technology role plays in our country. If we continue supporting our
scientists, maybe one day we can produce our own vaccine. We have a great potential
in science and technology, we just need to support and nurture it for our future.

References:

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/14/opinion/columnists/the-philippines-problem-
with-science/754930/

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074747

https://opinion.inquirer.net/110554/not-issue-affordability-lack-support-priority

https://nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/249-harnessing-science-and-
technology-for-poverty-reduction-and-sustainable-development

https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6537-up-nih-spinoff-begins-mass-
distribution-of-dost-pinoy-made-covid-19-test-kits

https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/72-2021-news/2375

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2016/01/18/philippines-diwata-microsatellite-launch/