SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION authority of the Royal Decree of 1780.

Composed of
BUILDING private individuals and government officials, the
society functioned like a modern National Research
Learning Objectives
Council. It undertook the task of promoting the
At the end of this chapter, the students should be cultivation of several crops and the development of
able to: the silk industry. The society was provided with funds,
which were used to provide incentives. For a
1. Discuss the rule of science and technology in successful experiments and inventions for the
in Philippine nation building; improvement of agriculture and other industries. It
2. Identify the policies of the government also funded the publication of scientific literature,
regarding science and technology and trips of Filipino scientists from Spain to the
appraise their impact on the development of Philippines, and foreign and local scholarship for
the Filipino nation; and Filipinos.
3. evaluate government policies pertaining the
science and technology in terms of their Sanitation and more advanced agricultural practices
contributions to nation building. were thought to the natives by the Spaniards. The
Spanish constructed roads, bridges, and buildings
HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE through the polo y servicio, a system of forced labor
PHILIPPINES required of every male native aged 16 to 60 years old.
Pre colonial Period Modern innovations such as cram networks, electric
lights, newspapers and the banking system were
In pre colonial Philippines, inhabitants of the islands introduced to the country by the latter half of the 19th
were known to possess scientific and technological century. Officers and commissions were established
knowledge, particularly in livelihood. During this by the Spanish government to undertake studies and
time, people were already engaged in farming, regulations on various areas such as mines,
fishing, mining, weaving, and pottery. Natives made Philippine flora, agriculture, geology, and chemical
tools out of stones for sawing, drilling, and polishing. analysis of mineral waters throughout the country.
Later, They made use of copper, gold, bronze, and Later, meteorological studies were promoted by
iron to craft metal tools. Jesuits who founded the Manila Observatory in 1865
Early Filipinos were noted for their expertise in at the Ateneo de Manila University. The Observatory
shipbuilding and seafaring, which allowed them to issued the first public typhoon warning in the country
trade with neighboring regions such as Borneo, in 1879. In 1884. A royal decree made the observatory
Malacca, parts of the Malay Peninsula, and China. an official institution. By 1901, it was made the
Some products that were exchanged were jars, central station of the Philippine Weather Bureau
rattan, and tobacco. In the Highlands, rice and that was set up by the American colonial
vegetables were grown in terraced rice paddies that government. The observatory remained under the
utilize spring water. The Banaue Rice terraces is Jesuit scientists and sponsored not only
among the Engineering marvels made during the meteorological but also seismological and
precolonial. astronomical studies.

One of the biggest contributions of Spanish colonial

rule was the introduction of formal education by
SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD establishing colleges and universities. One notable
institution is the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
The modernization of science and technology in the
One of the world's oldest Catholic universities, it was
Philippines began when the country was colonized by
founded by Miguel de Benavides in 1611 to establish
Spain. Research in agriculture and rising industries
a formal space to teach theology, Philosophy, the
were encouraged by the Real Sociedad Economica
humanities. Medicine and pharmacy were later
de Los Amigos de Los Pais de Filipinas (Royal
offered.
Economic Society of Friends of the Philippines)
Founded by Gov. Gen. Jose Basco Vargas under the
Dr. Leon Ma. Guerrero was 1 of the first pharmacy established the Bureau of Government
graduates Of the UST School of Pharmacy. He Laboratories, which replaced the Laboratorio
became known as the “Father of the Philippine Municipal founded by the Spanish colonial
Botany and Pharmacy” because of his extensive work government. On October 26, 1905. The Bureau of
on medical plans and their uses. The study of Government Laboratories was renamed the Bureau
medicine in the Philippines was also given priority in of Science. It dealt with the study of tropical
the Spanish era. The opening of the Suez Canal in diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, cholera and
1869 made travel and trade easier. Filipinos involved malaria. It also handles studies on the economic
in trade became wealthy and were able to send their value of tropical products, the nutritional value of
sons to study in Europe. They were then called foods, and the testing of Philippine minerals and road
Ilustrados. building materials, among others. In 1906, the
Bureau also published the Philippine Journal of
In the early 1880s, Filipinos were beginning to
Science the reported that work done in local
cultivate their intellectual awareness and national
laboratories and scientific developments abroad,
consciousness when the Philippine Nationalist
which were on the Philippines. Other government
Movement was founded (Mojares, 2013 ).
institution were also established, such as the Bureau
Propaganda Dash BS Movement, led by Filipino
of Health ( 1898), Bureau of Mines (1900), Bureau of
Ilustrados such as Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, and
Forestry (1900), Weather Bureau (1901), Bureau of
more, established networks in Europe and asked the
Public Works (1901), Bureau of Agriculture (1901),
Spanish government for reforms in the Philippines.
Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey (1905),
However, the propaganda movement failed to bring
Bureau of Plant Industry (1929), and Bureau of
reforms from Europe and incited the Philippine
Animal Industry (1929).
Revolution of 1896. The Propaganda Movement
moved from Spain to Asia and established
headquarters in Hong Kong. 1098, Mariano Ponce
A national educational institution was established in
became the representative of revolutionary
this period, along with organized faculties in the
government of the Philippines. He established
areas of sciences, arts, medicine, philosophy, and
connections with Spanish intellectuals and wrote the
literature, which resulted in the founding of the
book Cuestion Filipina: Exposicion Historico- Critica
University of the Philippines (UP) on June 18, 1908.
de Hechos Relativos a la Guerra de la Independencia
The College of Agriculture, School of Forestry, School
(1901), expresses the Philippines struggle for
of Pharmacy, and the Graduate School of Tropical
independence. Though colonized, still, the fervent
Medicine and Public Health were among the first
love For intellectualism and independence grew
colleges to be organized under UP.
among Filipinos, which enabled them to demand for
the establishment of more educational institutions. Further move to research on the fields of science and
Rizal’s death brought attention to the cause of technology was evident through the establishment of
ilustrados- to prioritize education. Seeing that research councils and granting of scholarships.
education will empower Filipinos and help them gain Qualified Filipinos were given scholarships for
independence, the Filipino people strive to further advanced training abroad. On December 8, 1933, the
their knowledge and aim not only for independence National Research Council of the Philippines
But for economic and technological development. (NRCP) was established to actively involve the
promotion of scientific researches in the country.
Basic and applied research in the field of medicine
American Colonial Period and agriculture also received significant support
during the American occupation.
The development of science and technology in the
Philippines was sustained during the American Post-war to Present
occupation through the establishment of government
The onset of World War II significantly diminished
research institutions. On July 1, 1901, the Philippine
educational and scientific progress in the Philippines.
Commission of the American Colonial Administration
It was only after the war that established Metals Industry Research and Development
organizations for science and technology resumed Center (MIRDC), the SFP, and Philippine Council
their tasks. The creation of more public and private for Agriculture and Resources Research (PCARR).
educational institutions resulted in the increase of
TEST
science and engineering students. However, there
has been little innovation in the education and Write down the names of the following agencies
training of scientists and engineers. This is due in part linked to DOST and identify their function(s).
to the conservative nature of self-regulation of
professional associations. In effect, they have been 1. PCHRD- Philippine Council for Health Research
unable to perceive the dynamic relationship between and Development
science, technology, and society, and failed to see 2. FNRI- Food and Nutrition Research Institute
the relevance of their training to Philippine
conditions. 3. FPRDI- Forest Products Research and
Development Institute
Lowering of the American flag and raising of the
Philippine flag during Declaration of 4. ITDI- Industrial Technology Development Institute
Independence in 19 5. MIRDC- Metals Industry Research and
Several changes occurred in an attempt to reorganize Development Center
existing agencies and integrate new services. In 1947, 6. PNRI- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
the Philippine Bureau of Science was transformed
into the Institute of Science. The Institute of 7. PTRI- Philippine Textile Research Institute
Nutrition and the Science Foundation of the
8. PAGASA- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical
Philippines (SFP) were also established (along with
and Astronomical Services Administration
the Institute of Science) under the Office of the
President. In 1952, the Commission on Volcanology 9. PHIVOLCS- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
(COMVOL) was created and placed under NRCP. Seismology

Another challenge during the early post-war years of 10. NSTA- National Science and Technology
the Philippines was the lack of funding, planning, and Authority
coordination of government-sponsored scientific
PRESENT STATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
research. To address this issue, the Philippine
Congress enacted the Science Act of 1958 The country's socioeconomic status is dependent on
establishing the National Science Development the progress of science and technology (S&T). There
Board (NSDB) to formulate policies for the is no industrialization without the development of
development of science and technology programs, S&T and the support of scientists and engineers. The
and coordinate with different agencies. The Act also progress of a nation is connected to its capacity to
founded the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission sustain itself and produce local industrial products
(PAEC) and the National Institute of Science and for domestic use. According to the recent Global
Technology (NIST), placing NRCP under NSDB. Skills Index (GSI) conducted by the Harvard Business
Review, the Philippines is among the bottom ten
Through the passage of laws, additional science
countries that are not technologically ready, ranking
agencies were created that broadened NSDB's role
55 out of 60 countries tested on technology skills
and network in the 1960s. These were the Philippine
(Sands & Bakthavachalam, 2019). The Global
Inventors Commission (1964), Philippine Coconut
Competitiveness report of 2016-2017 conducted by
Research Institute (1964), Philippine Textile
the World Economic Forum showed that the
Research Institute (1967), and Forest Products
Philippines only got 4.3 out of 7.0 on the 9th pillar of
Research and Industries Development Institute
global competitiveness, which is technological
(1969). Several existing agencies were also assigned
readiness. Compared to Switzerland, the highest
to the NSDB for coordination of policies, namely the
ranking in all global competitiveness aspects with a
NRCP, Philippine Science High School (PSHS),
rating of 6.4 in technological readiness, the
Philippines is still lagging on technological aspects, the development and maintenance of an S&T
which is also directly affected by the country's GDP. databank and information networks.

In terms of technological capacity, the Philippines 4. Industrial Technology Development Institute

ranks low based on the technologies it can develop. (formerly the National Institute of Science and
Evidently, there is a land of research facilities, Technology) - undertakes applied R&D, transfers R&D
laboratories, and science libraries for Filipino results to end users, and provides technical,
scientists. The country's information networks are advisory, and consultancy services in the fields of
unsatisfactory. which makes it difficult for students industrial manufacturing, mineral processing, and
to pursue scientific research. abroad because of the energy.
lack of funding and financial support for Many Filipino
5. Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) -
scientists opt to pursue further studies and work
involved in the R&D of advanced S&T such as
scientific R&D projects in the country.
microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and space
However, this has not always been the case in the technology.
Philippines. In the 1950s, the Philippines was ranked
In addition, existing, renamed, and newly added S&T
among the top five countries in terms of industry,
councils (as seen in the figure below) were
technology, and economic development. The
strengthened. These councils became responsible
Philippines during that time was considered a
for the sectoral formulation of policies and strategies
progressive country because it was a frontrunner in
for the specific field it handles and the allocation of
various industries. However, over the years, the
funds.
Philippines was overtaken and left behind by some of
its neighboring countries in East Asia in terms of GDP Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
(Posadas, 2009). The Philippine economy has lagged Councils
because it failed to upgrade its scientific capabilities
and technologies to be globally competitive. Despite
shortcomings, however, the government pursues ➢ Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic,
initiatives to foster the growth of S&T in the country. and Natural Resources Research and
There are state-funded scholarship grants, trainings, Development (PCAARRD)
and other educational ventures that aim to produce ➢ Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine
graduates in different fields of S&T. Research and Development (PCAMRD)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), ➢ Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and
by virtue of Executive Order 128, was mandated to Emerging Technology Research and
continue providing central direction, leadership, and Development (PCIEERD)
coordination in the formulation and implementation ➢ Philippine Council for Health Research and
of policies, plans, programs, and projects for S&T Development (PCHRD)
development. DOST was responsible for establishing ➢ Philippine Council for Advanced Science and
the following institutes: Technology Research Development
(PCASTRD)
1. Technology Application and Promotion Institute ➢ National Research Council of the Philippines
(TAPI) - involved in commercializing technologies and (NRCP)
marketing the technology services of other operating
agencies of the department.

2. Science Education Institute (SEI) - undertakes and S&T in the Philippines Under Contemporary
formulates plans for the development of education Administrations
and training in S&T. A country's socioeconomic growth is best measured
3. Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) by the capacity of the country to produce, enhance,
- information arm of the department that manages innovate, and distribute local goods and resources
for its domestic needs. The state of R&D in science
and technology heavily influences the development up with strategies to attain the objectives set in the
of a healthy society and contributes to the innovation development plan (Cororaton, 2003):
and industrialization of a nation. The Philippines
1. modernize the production sectors through massive
continues to strive to reach high socioeconomic
technology transfer from domestic and foreign
growth to become a powerhouse of industry and
sources:
innovation. Despite the hindrances that have
prevented the Philippines from reaching its goals, 2. upgrade R&D capability through intensified
many of its leaders have taken active roles in activities in high priority sectors and S&T
pursuing scientific and technological development. infrastructure development such as manpower
development; and
It was under the administration of former Pres.
Ferdinand Marcos that science and technology was 3. develop information networks, institutional
given the limelight. During his time, the Philippine building, and S&T (p. 10-11).
Coconut Research Institute and Philippine Textile
Research Institute were created to improve on Aquino's administration also formulated the Science
industries that were beneficial to Philippine and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000, stating that
communities using abundant resources. The the development of S&T should be given priority to aid
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission was in the country's economic recovery after martial law.
established in 1970 to aid research on other Succeeding Aquino, former Pres. Fidel Ramos
sustainable sources of energy. Most famously, provided scholarships for S&T programs. During his
Marcos established the Philippine Atmospheric term, the Inventor's Incentives Act and the S&T
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Scholarship Act were enacted. The "Magna Carta
Administration (PAGASA) in 1972. In 1981, he for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and Other
reorganized the National Science Development S&T Personnel in the Government" or Republic Act
Board and its agencies into the National Science No. 8439 of 1997 was also established to sustain the
and Technology Authority (NSTA) to provide central country's R&D endeavors, as well as aid Filipino
direction and coordination of scientific and scientists and researchers.
technological research and development.
Former Pres. Joseph Estrada enacted only two laws
Former Pres. Corazon Aquino emphasized the under his administration. These were the Philippine
importance of S&T in economic progress. She Clean Air Act of 1999, which aims to protect the
renamed the NSTA into the Department of Science environment for the health of the people and their
and Technology (DOST), which gave science and natural environment; and the Electronic Commerce
technology representation in the cabinet. In 1989, Act of 2000, which would push for modernization and
Aquino ordered the assembly of a presidential task protection from hacking upon entering the age of the
force to deal with matters concerning the progress of internet.
S&T in the country. The force was tasked to prepare a
development plan in support of the national In former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's
development objective of achieving a newly administration, technology entrepreneurship was
industrialized country status by the year 2000. The developed under the Medium- Term Philippine
task force also identified the following sectors Development Plan 2004-2010. The government
needed to be prioritized so that the Philippines can adopted policies that focused on building
move toward industrial prosperity: (1) aquaculture, technological dependency such as Republic Act No.
(2) marine fisheries, (3) forestry and (4) natural 9367 that promotes the use of biofuels. In support of
resources, (5) process industry, (6) food and (7) this plan, the National Science and Technology Plan
feed industry, (8) energy, (9) transportation, (10) (NSTP) 2002-2020 was formulated with focus on
construction industry, (11) information technology, building technological self-reliance. The "Philippine
(12) electronics, (13) instrumentation and control, Technology Transfer Act of 2009" was also enacted
(14) emerging technologies, and (15) to utilize R&D researches of institutions so that
pharmaceuticals. In addition, the task force came
outputs related to S&T will be disseminated to the The following are some of the main objectives of the
wider public. HNRDA:

In 2014, the Harmonized Agenda for Science and • harmonize the country's R&D priorities
Technology was presented to Pres. Benigno Aquino • avoid duplication of R&D efforts
III. It zeroes in on disaster risk reduction and inclusive • serve as basis for R&D capability
growth. The "Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of
2013" was also enacted under Aquino's Further, the development plan is divided into five (5)
administration; it deals with providing financial sectors that are heavily needed to be prioritized by
assistance through scholarships to gifted students so the government:
that they can be qualified secondary teachers in the • National Integrated Basic Research Agenda
field of science and math. (NIBRA);
When Pres. Rodrigo Duterte took office on June 30, • Health;
2016, professionals in the field of S&T were • Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources;
concerned whether or not the new administration's • Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology;
science agenda would prioritize R&D. At present, and
there is a need to establish R&D programs in the • Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
fields of agriculture, health care, marine science, Adaptation.
information technology, and more. The current
administration has guaranteed its commitment to
uphold the value of S&T in the country during the
National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in
2017. In accordance with this commitment, the
ratified budget of DOST was quadrupled from $5
billion in 2010 to 20.8 billion in 2017 with a six-fold
increase of the budget for R&D from P1 billion in 2009
to P5.8 billion in 2017.

R&D Priority Areas and Programs

As the country's leading government institution for

R&D, DOST received the highest budget with P1.433
billion in 2011, P3.802 billion in 2015, and P19.6
billion in 2019. However, according to the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the
country's performance in terms of achieving the
intended results for the STI (science, technology, and
innovation) sector has been moderate. There is still
The Harmonized National Research and much to improve on, and the government is further
Development Agenda (HNRDA) is aligned with the urged to provide the necessary support. One of the
AmBisyon Natin 2040 and founded on the three acts of the government referring to STI is its move to
pillars of Malasakit, Pagbabago, and Kaunlaran. strengthen the implementation of the Patent
Incentive Package (IPR), which supports the efforts led him to pioneer phytochemistry, the study
protection of intellectual property through funding of plant- derived chemicals, in the Philippines. He
and raising awareness on the importance of IPR, to was conferred the title of National Scientist in 1973.
encourage researchers and inventors to register for
Dr. Julian A. Banzon is a biochemist most noted for
new Filipino patents. In line with this, the government
his work on renewable sources of chemicals and
is also endorsing the culture of creativity and
fuels from indigenous products. He was the first to
inventiveness by promoting ST1 and creative arts to
document the derivation of ethyl esters from coconut
young students.
and sugarcane as alternative fuel sources. In
DOST continues to promote various programs that addition, he developed a chemical process for
aim to lead the nation toward sustainable scientific extracting coconut oil, which earned him recognition
and technological advancements. The department from the Departmentof Agricultural and Natural
also offers grants and incentives to Filipinos who Resources (DENR). He was conferred the title of
showcase interest and excel in the field of S&T. The National Scientist in 1986.
latest project set out by DOST, Smarter Philippines,
Dr. Luz Oliveros-Belardo is a pharmaceutical
in cooperation with the DICT aims to use science,
chemist who specializes in the field of
technology, and information communication
phytochemistry. Her research focused on discovering
technology (ICT) to bolster the country's
essential oils found in native plants that led her to
development. Among the projects under this program
extract 33 different oils from various plants. Her
include Project National Operation Assessment of
discovery of these essential oils is valuable today in
Hazards, or more commonly known as Project
producing medicine, fragrances, food flavoring, and
NOAH, a disaster risk management program, and
even alternative fuel sources. She was conferred the
Integrated Government Philippines Program
title of National Scientist in 1987.
(iGovPhil), a project that seeks to integrate ICT in
government operations. These projects were Dr. Solita Camara-Besa is known as the first Filipina
established to mitigate the potential damage of biochemist. She focused her research on
natural disasters, as well as the integration of various understanding the Filipino diet and nutrition patterns.
applications of ICT in different industries. In 2017, Her research focused on the potassium and sodium
Project NOAH was due for a shutdown because it ran contents of various Filipino foods to formulate
out of funding. Fortunately. the University of the healthy dietary standards, which are still being used
Philippines (UP) adopted it, ensuring its continued by many food manufacturing industries in the
service to the nation. country.
PERSONALITIES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Dr. Amando Kapauan delved into multiple fields
IN THE PHILIPPINES such as chemistry and technology. In the 1970s, he
and his colleagues initiated investigations to analyze
Chemistry
the presence of heavy metals in the environment. He
Most developments in the field of chemistry in the was one of the first to look into the dangers of
Philippines are anchored on the desire to expand the exposure to mercury. He also designed the
literature of chemistry as a scientific field. Many equipment that can analyze mercury content in
Filipino scientists have contributed to this field, water, fish, soil, and other areas where it may cause
recognizing the need to provide solutions to some of harm.
the problems faced by Filipinos, particularly
Biology
regarding nutrition and medicine.
The Philippines has many agricultural and marine
Dr. Alfredo C. Santos, a renowned Filipino chemist,
resources. As such, developing sustainable means of
researched on the medicinal properties of chemicals
using these resources is essential so as not to bring
found in indigenous plants. One of his primary
harm to the environment. For decades now, Filipino
discoveries was the isolation of many plant-based
biologists have been making a wealth of
alkaloids such as phaeanthine and phaentharine. His
breakthroughs in this field.
Dr. Angel C. Alcala, a prominent biologist, is an he was credited for the discovery of the drug, it was
authority in the fields of ecology and biogeography. patented and mass manufactured by Eli Lilly and
He is known for discovering 50 species of reptiles and Company under the brand name Ilosone.
amphibians on top of the 400 known species. He is
also noted for having over 30 years of experience in
tropical marine resource conservation as well as Engineering
preserving coral reefs and creating artificial ones.
Alcala is credited for the creation of the country's first Engineering plays a big role in S&T because it applies
artificial reef that became the model for the creation new designs, systems, processes, and solutions to
of similar reefs around the world. He also helped achieve further social and economic development.
defend Negros' last surviving patch of virgin rainforest The inventions and developments made by Filipino
and evict seaweed producers from Tubbataha Reef, engineers have helped Philippine communities and
the country's first national marine park. For his earned them local and international recognition.
efforts, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Dr. Eduardo San Juan was the mechanical engineer
Public Service and the 1999 Pew Fellowship in Marine from NASA who conceptualized the design of the
Conservation. Moon Buggy or Lunar Rover used by Neil Armstrong
Dr. Asuncion K. Raymundo is a biologist who and other astronauts during the Apollo landing to
focuses on microbial genetics and biotechnology. explore the moon in 1969.
She is one of the country's leaders in microbial Dr. Diosdado Banatao is regarded as a Silicon Valley
genetics and has largely contributed to how science visionary for his involvement in the development of
is taught in Philippine schools. She is known for key semiconductor technologies. He is best known
conducting numerous research projects and studies, for improving the speed at which computers work by
as well as instituting various courses related to introducing the single-chip graphical user interface
biology and mentoring over a hundred accelerator. He also helped develop the Ethernet
undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. controller chip that made the internet possible.
She has been awarded by numerous organizations Moreover, Banatao conceptualized and pioneered the
and institutions such as the Outstanding use of personal computers through the local bus in
Microbiologist Award by the Philippine Society for 1989. It was followed by the development of the first
Microbiology and Republica Award by the Windows accelerator chips currently used by Intel.
Commission on Higher Education, and many more.
Dr. Arturo Pineda Alcaraz was a prominent
Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera is best known for his volcanologist in the Philippines who pioneered the
discovery of a snail toxin that can be used as a development of geothermal energy in the Philippines.
painkiller for patients who have become tolerant to He is noted as the country's "Father of Geothermal
morphine. He found the toxin in the fish- hunting Energy Development," being the country's first
cone (conus) snail that uses a needle-like structure prominent expert in the field of geothermal energy
that injects 100 different compounds in the fish it and mining. He was the head of the Commission of
preys. Olivera and his team studied the neurotoxic Volcanology, now the Philippine Institute of
venom by the snails. Aside from this discovery, he Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) from
and his team also gained a better understanding of 1951 to 1974. With the guidance of Alcaraz, the first
how ion channels work and explained key molecular local geothermal power plant was opened in
mechanisms that mediate signaling different nervous Tongonan, Leyte on July 3, 1977. During this time, the
system functions. Olivera was selected as the 2007 Philippines was suffering from the effects of the 1973
Scientist of the Year by Harvard Foundation. oil crisis, where oil prices skyrocketed to quadruple
Dr. Abelardo Aguilar is a biologist who discovered their original price. With the work of Alcaraz, the
erythromycin that is currently used as an antibiotic Philippines was able to gain greater energy
for patients allergic to penicillin. He discovered the independence from fossil fuel, as well as open a new
bacteria while testing microorganisms that he industry for the country.
isolated from soil samples in his backyard. Although
 Science Education in the Philippines supervises and regulates higher education
institutions (HEIs). According to the 2016 data from
Education is necessary for individuals to be equipped
CHED, more than 80 percent of existing HEls are
with knowledge and skills that can contribute to the
private institutions owned by religious and corporate
development and betterment of society. Studies
organizations. Public HEIs including state universities
show that science education contributes to
and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and
alleviating poverty and overcoming the financial crisis
colleges (LUCs) are funded by the government. CHED
of a nation because it opens avenues for careers and
established a technical panel for natural sciences
creates options for self-sustainability. Investments in
and mathematics that formulates policies,
the education and research of S&T are directly and
standards, and guidelines for science and
indirectly related to national economic development
mathematics academic programs.
and poverty reduction.
The country is still adjusting to the newly
The Philippine Science High School
implemented K to 12 Basic Education Program. The K
One of the most basic forefronts of a technologically to 12 Program covers kindergarten and 12 years of
bound society is the establishment of schools that basic education comprising six years of elementary
focus mainly on the cultivation of learners who are education, four years of secondary education, and
skilled in maths and sciences. The Philippine two years of senior high school education. This K to
Science High School System is an attached agency 12 educational reform was made into law upon the
to the DOST which gives opportunities to students signing of Republic Act No. 10533, also known as the
who would like to pursue careers in line with science "Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013," by former
and technology. It has several public schools in the Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III.
country, with its main branch in Diliman, Quezon City
The K to 12 program aims to provide better quality of
established in 1964. Graduates of any Philippine
education and prepare graduates to be competent for
Science High School branch are required by law to
global employment opportunities. In senior high
take courses in college directly in line with
school, the students are given the opportunity to
mathematics, science, or engineering. To be
choose between pursuing an academic track and
admitted, students must pass a comprehensive
technical-vocational track. The academic track has
qualifying exam that is exclusive to Filipino students.
four strands: Accountancy, Business, and
The Philippine Science High School is known to have
Management (ABM); Science, Technology,
participated in both national and local competitions.
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Humanities
In 1997, Fidel V. Ramos signed into law R.A. 8496, and Social Sciences (HUMSS); and General
establishing the Philippine Science High School Academics (GAS).
System, which gathered all existing campus
The K to 12 curriculum uses a spiral progression that
branches under the management of one authority. To
allows students to learn topics and skills appropriate
date, there are 16 Philippine Science High Schools
to their cognitive stages. Through the spiral
situated in different parts of the archipelago.
progression, students start from studying simple
The K to 12 Program and Present State of Science concepts and principles and progress to the
Education increasingly complex ones to gain greater
understanding and mastery. In the new high school
Currently, the educational system of the country curriculum, the disciplines of life science, earth
follows the K to 12 program. It covers 12 years of science, physics, and chemistry are designed to be
basic education, after which students can choose to taught progressively per grade level to deepen the
pursue tertiary education or technical- vocational learners' understanding of the concepts and skills in
education. the sciences. In the old high school curriculum, a
The Department of Education (DepEd) regulates high school student will only take one science
basic education standards and curricula, whereas subject per year, namely, general science, biology,
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chemistry, or physics.
The implementation of K to 12 was met with concern, number of graduates in the field. In addition, many
particularly regarding its effectiveness in addressing professionals in the field of S&T opt to leave the
the general issues of the country's educational country because of more opportunities abroad. The
system. Dr. Angel de Dios of Georgetown University lack of qualified science teachers leads to the
was concerned with the lack of a formal science assignment of subjects that are incompatible with
subject from kindergarten to Grade 2, which he teachers' educational background. There are many
considers a wasted opportunity to introduce instances of non-science teachers being assigned to
scientific inquiries and methods to curious and handle science subjects that ultimately lead to the
inquisitive school children. The use of Mother students not properly learning science topics.
Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) was Teacher-centered strategies also affect the learning
deemed by many to be demanding because it would of the students in the sciences as this strategy
require teachers to use the mother tongue to teach focuses the discussions on the teacher. According to
math and science, two subjects which have been DOST-SEI and the National Institute of Science and
predominantly taught in English. The spiral Mathematics Education (NISMED), this type of
progression curriculum is highly applicable in learning approach contributes to the students' lack of
elementary schools where math and science are interest in the sciences, particularly in the
treated as general subjects. However, in the elementary education level. The UNESCO (2010)
secondary levels, the said curriculum will require publication Current Challenges in Basic Education
teachers to be highly competent in the specific shows the various factors that cause basic education
subject matters. Science education in the country students' low interest in the sciences: (1) science
currently faces major challenges. There is a shortage teaching is predominantly transmissive; (2) science
of qualified science teachers and the funding of knowledge is dogmatic; (3) the science content has
public schools is obviously not enough to properly an abstractness that makes it irrelevant; and (4)
compensate teachers and provide students with learning science is relatively difficult for both
quality facilities. successful and unsuccessful students.

Teacher-centered strategies as well as outdated In the United States, the US National Academy of
methods also hinder students from being interested Sciences established the National Science
in science. Qualified science teachers, according to Education Teaching Standards to help address the
Project Rescue Initiatives in Science Education challenges in science education. These standards
(RISE), are those who took specialized science provide the following goals and strategies for science
programs as their undergraduate degrees and had teachers:
undergone various kinds of training in science
1. plan an inquiry-based science program for
education. According to a study by Bernido and
students;
Carpio-Bernido in 2008 entitled Low-Budget Large
Scale High-Impact Science Learning Program for 2. guide and facilitate learning;
Philippine Schools, 27 to 44 percent of basic
education science teachers are not qualified to teach 3. engage in the ongoing assessment of both teaching
physics, chemistry, general science, and biology. and student learning:

In the current Bachelor of Elementary Education 4. design and manage learning environments that
curriculum, only 12 units of science subjects are provide students with the time, space, and resources
required, whereas in the Secondary Education needed for learning science; and
curriculum, 60 units of major or minor science 5. develop communities of science learners that
subjects are required. This shows that there is a reflect the intellectual rigor of scientific inquiry and
disjunction on how science teaching is learned for the attitudes and social values conducive to science
the elementary and secondary levels. According to learning.
the data of DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) in
2011, the enrollment rate of students in science-
related degrees is low, which translates to a low
These standards can also be applied in the Philippine population ratio, Japan had 5,084, Singapore had
context as long as there is support coming from the 4,613, Malaysia had 726, Vietnam had 516, and
government. Thailand had 493. The challenges that science
education in the country face lead to poor student
Learner-centered strategies help in developing the
performance according to the Trends in
students' critical and analytical skills. The research of
International Mathematics and Science Study
Bernardo and his colleagues suggests that students
(TIMSS) of the International Association for the
learn better if their teachers' instructional practices
Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The
are designed to acknowledge their different learning
study is conducted every four years to gain
capabilities. Inquiry-related activities and sufficient
information and insight about students' math and
encouragement for self-directed and effortful
science achievements in the international context. In
learning are also necessary factors for effective
the 2003 TIMSS results, the Philippines ranked 42 out
learning, particularly in the sciences.
of 45 countries with an average scale score of 378.
Human capital, knowledge, and adequate The top performing country was Singapore with an
investments in education are major factors in the average scale score of 605. In the special TIMSS-
progress of any country. Ernesto Pernia and his Advanced Assessment of 2008, the Philippines had
colleagues discuss the importance of investments the lowest average scale score of 355 out of the 10
and adequate funding for S&T research and countries that participated in the assessment.
education and their roles in economic progress. In
The aforementioned data on science education and
their study on the role of science, technology, and
fluency in the Philippines means that the country has
research in economic development, the country's
a long way to go before being qualified as a
public spending on education is compared to its
technologically advanced country, or a country that is
ASEAN neighbors. In 1980, only 1.72 percent of the
up to date regarding the current trends in science and
country's GDP was allocated to S&T compared to an
technology. The school system indeed plays a big role
average of 5-6 percent of ASEAN countries such as
in the formation of scientifically driven minds,
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2008,
wherein the youth is directly affected. While talented
the Philippine government's budget allocation to
students honed in the fields of mathematics and
public education was still low at only 17 percent
science learn quickly, the government has yet to
compared with that of Malaysia (25.2 percent),
prove itself an aid in reaching the country's set
Singapore (21.8 percent), and Thailand (23.7
objectives.
percent). The expenditure per student at the tertiary
level as a fraction of GDP per capita was also low in Government Intervention
the Philippines-12.1 percent in 2004 and 9.8 percent
With the numerous challenges that science
in 2008. In other ASEAN countries, the expenditure at
education in the country is facing, reforms and
the tertiary level was higher-68.7 percent in Malaysia,
actions are being taken by both the government and
23.5 percent in Thailand, and 17 percent in
private institutions to improve the current status of
Indonesia. In terms of faculty compensation, a full
both basic and higher education. In 2005, DepEd
professor of the University of the Philippines receives
established the Basic Education Sector Reform
an annual salary of $1,862 while a full professor of
Agenda (BESRA), a policy reform package that seeks
the National University of Singapore receives an
to improve the institutional, structural, and financial
annual compensation of $14,051, and in University of
conditions that affect the delivery of and access to
Malaya, a full professor receives $2,821.4. In the
basic education. The BESRA key reform thrusts
collegiate level, the student-teacher ratio is higher in
include:
the Philippines with a 23:2 ratio compared with 13:7
in Thailand, 14:2 in Malaysia, and 19:9 in Singapore. 1. school-based management;
In terms of human capital for S&T, UNESCO 2. teacher education development;
established a benchmark ratio of 380 scientists for
R&D per one million individuals of the population. In 3. national learning strategies;
2018, the Philippines had 1,889 per million
4. quality assurance accountability (QAA) and In higher education, CHED developed the Higher
monitoring and evaluation (M&E); and Education Reform Agenda (HERA) in 2012 that
focuses on four key tactical and transformative
5. organizational development with resource
strategies:
mobilization and management (RMM) and
information communication technology (ICT). 1. expand access to quality education and training;

According to the Philippine Education for All National 2. enhance capacity or competencies of graduates
Report and the National Program Support in Basic and faculty;
Education Report, there is an improvement in the
3. develop and foster excellence in colleges and
scores of basic education students. Although short of
universities; and
a few points, the national elementary education
mean percentile score (MPS) is 68.9, and the national 4. enshrine ethical and innovative governance in
secondary education mean is 51.4 MPS. The overall HEls.
enrollment of elementary and high school students
also improved from 13 million to 14.4 million from To expand access to quality education, CHED
2005 to 2013. Significant data also show that most of provides three types of Student Financial
the enrollees were from lower income households. Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) for students from
The conditional cash transfer (CCT) program lower income households. It includes scholarships,
Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) also grants-in-aid, and student loans. The budget
contributed to inclusive education by providing allocation for SUCs increased from P730 million in
financial assistance to families in need to encourage 2006 to P8.98 billion in 2016. This increase enabled
their children to attend school. SUCs to acquire necessary equipment and required
facilities to improve the quality of instruction. CHED
DOST-SEI recognizes students who have won in and the Department of Budget Management (DBM)
international science and mathematics competitions have written guidelines for the grant of free tuition
through the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) fees to higher education students enrolled in public
Awards. A total of 821 gold, silver, and bronze medals SUCs and LUCs for school year 2017-2018.
were awarded to the competing students in 2016,
which was 33.7 percent higher than that of 2015. In terms of instruction, CHED issued a memorandum
to shift from learner outcomes in higher education
The BESRA resulted in an increase in public and functional differentiation and horizontal
education spending that improved the basic classification of HEIs. To foster excellence, CHED
education services being offered to the less recognizes HEIs with high-quality instruction,
privileged elementary students. DepEd's budget research, extension, and linkage by recognizing them
allocation increased to P543.2 billion in 2017 from as Centers of Development and Excellence. CHED
P309.43 billion in 2014. This increase resulted in the also grants Autonomous and Deregulated status to
opening of 102,623 teaching positions. There has HEIs that demonstrate a high level of institutional
also been an increase in the hiring rate of public- quality and program excellence. To improve
school teachers since 2011. The hiring growth rates efficiency, CHED rationalizes the number,
of 4.5 percent and 10.8 percent from 1.3 percent and distribution, growth, and resource utilization and
3.4 percent in the elementary and high school levels, generation of SUCs and LUCs. To upgrade the quality
respectively, were also noted. DepEd also provides of public higher education, the faculty is required to
financial assistance to students through the have at least a master's degree in their subject of
Government Assistance to Students and Teachers specialization.
in Private Education (GASTPE). The other programs
under BESRA include alternative forms of education Moreover, DOST has established the National
such as Early Childhood Care and Development Science and Technology Plan for 2002-2020 with the
(ECCD) and Alternative Learning System (ALS). following objectives to encourage students to pursue
careers in the sciences:

1. knowledge expansion through R&D;

2. wealth creation through technology transfer; to-build housing system), the rice terraces of the
Cordilleras
3. development and marketing of R&D results; and
5. Transport vehicles: jeepney (a modified American
4. human resource development support of S&T
military jeep), vinta (a boat made by Badjao and
services.
Tausug tribes), and balangay (also known as Butuan
For these objectives to be achieved, the Accelerated boat), the Delta Mini Cruiser (built by Delta Motor
Science and Technology Human Resource Company in the 1970s and early 1980s for
Development Program supports graduate studies in commercial and military use)
DOST and accredited universities. The department
6. Medicine: medicinal plants (e.g., ampalaya,
has also launched the Balik Scientist program that
lagundi, and sambong) and erythromycin (an
encourages Filipino scientists working abroad to
antibiotic discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar)
return to the Philippines. In addition, DOST's
Scientific Career System recognizes and 7. Weapons: balisong (also known as a butterfly
compensates scientists with accomplished works. knife), marine scout sniper rifle (developed by
Finally, a National Science Consortium was Philippine Marine Corps Scout Snipers), personal
established in 2009 to enhance the capability of HEIs defense weapon (developed by the Government
to produce technically competent PhD and MS Arsenal of the Philippines), and sumpit (a local
graduates by providing graduate scholarships. blowgun

FILIPINO INVENTIONS AND INNOVATIONS

Filipino technologies are designed to address the

country's demands for self-sufficiency. Local
technologies and innovations in areas like textile
manufacture, food production, architecture, and 8. Space technology: Diwata-1 (also known as PHL-
engineering have largely contributed to the economic Microsat-1)
and social progress of the nation. DOST is mandated
to promote indigenous technologies on the
commercial level so that they can be distributed in
both the national and international markets.

The following are some common examples of the

Philippine products produced using indigenous In an article by Rainier Ronda in the Philippine Star,
technologies: he said that Jose Rizal was also responsible for a
number of inventions during his exile in Dapitan.
1. Fermented food: kesong puti (white cheese made
These inventions were particularly related to
from goat's milk), patis (fish sauce), banana catsup,
agriculture and irrigation. Among these are the first
and burong isda (fermented fish)
brick-making machine, an irrigation system, and
2. Alcoholic beverages: lambanog (coconut arrack), biscuit molds.
basi (sugarcane wine), tapuey (rice wine),
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
bignay/bugnay (wild berry wine), and tuba (coconut
toddy) • Who are the key figures in science and
3. Textile: fibers from abaca, jusi (pineapple leaves), technology in the Philippines? Name five of
and saluyot; natural dyes from indigenous plants them and state how their works affect today's
(e.g., guava, yellow ginger, and talisay) - society.
• In your opinion, what is the best project
4. Construction materials and civil engineering: promoted by DOST? Has this project been
bamboo, coconut lumber, santol wood, rice hull effective in delivering the goals it has been set
cement, VAZBUILT modular housing system (ready- out to do?
 • What are issues that can arise from the through government initiatives. Provide a 15-minute
improper implementation of government report of your work.
policies in science and technology?
Prepare a 5-minute presentation on a particular
• What is a useful gauge to determine the
indigenous technology, invention, or innovation.
effectiveness of the different policies related
Provide a picture or sample in class and discuss the
to S&T that the government has made? What
reason why it was invented.
are some criteria to consider in planning
policies and projects?

TEST

Write the contributions of the following past

presidents of the Philippines to the development
of S&T in the country.

1. Corazon Aquino

2. Fidel Ramos

3. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

4. Benigno Aquino III

TRUE or FALSE.

1. The present administration is only interested in

stopping crime and drug-related activities and does
not have science and technology in its priorities.

2. The STII is the information arm of DOST through the

development and maintenance of a science and
technology data bank and information network.

3. The country is poor because it has poor science

and technology education.

4. The Philippines has advanced research

laboratories and libraries.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Group Activities:

1. Presentation (three members)

Prepare a 5-minute presentation on Philippine

personalities in the field of chemistry, physics,
biology, etc.

Brainstorm on ways you can improve science

education in academic institutions in the Philippines