Course Final Output: SCITECH
Podcast Mini-Series
“Personal Reflection”
“What I Learned About Science, Technology, and Society in the Philippines Through
This Project”
Through the process of researching, scripting, and recording our podcast series, I
developed a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and society interact in the
Philippine context. While I was already aware of certain national issues, working on this
project allowed me to see the connections between technological advancements, social
realities, and the cultural values that shape their adoption.
In our first episode on Climate Change and Global Warming in the Philippines, I realized
how scientific knowledge must be paired with practical, community-based solutions.
Climate change is not just a distant threat, it is already affecting coastal provinces,
agriculture, and livelihoods. Our discussions highlighted that scientific interventions, like
early warning systems and sustainable agriculture practices, only become effective when
communities are educated and supported to implement them.
The second episode on AI and Ethics in Philippine Society opened my eyes as to how rapid
technological growth can outpace regulations and ethical guidelines. While AI has the
potential to improve efficiency in industries like BPO, disaster response, and education, it
also presents risks, such as job displacement, data privacy violations, and algorithmic bias.
This made me realize that the Philippines must address not just the capabilities of AI, but
also its social consequences, especially in a country with wide digital divides.
When we explored the Industrial Revolutions and Social Impacts on Filipinos, I learned how
historical shifts in technology, from mechanization to automation, have always shaped
labor, class structures, and economic growth. This perspective made me reflect on how
today’s technological changes, such as AI and robotics, are part of a longer history of
disruptions. The Philippine experience shows that without inclusive policies, technological
progress can deepen inequalities instead of reducing them.
Finally, our episode on the Good Life in a Tech-Driven Philippines helped me understand
that the ultimate measure of progress is not just innovation, but how it improves the quality
of life. Technology should serve human needs, not the other way around. For us, a “good
life” is rooted not only in material comfort but also in community, family, and cultural
values. This made me see the importance of balancing modern advancements with the
preservation of our social fabric.
Overall, this project taught me that science and technology in the Philippines cannot be
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separated from the nation’s social realities. Innovations, no matter how advanced, must be
adapted to local contexts and guided by ethical principles. What struck me the most is that
we, as students and future professionals, also carry the responsibility of shaping how these
tools are used. Science and technology are not just things that happen to us. they are things
we can influence, direct, and even challenge.
More personally, I also learned that discussing these topics with others made me confront
my own thoughts. On one hand, I see the hope that technology brings (better healthcare,
more efficient systems, and new opportunities.) On the other hand, I feel the weight of the
risks (job losses, inequality, misuse of power, and ethical dilemmas.) In the end, I realized
that maybe it’s okay to hold both hope and concern at the same time. What matters is that
we remain critical, reflective, and compassionate on how we move forward. This whole
project, for me, felt like a recognition that the intersection of science, technology, and
society is where the future of our country will be decided. It is our role to make sure that
the future we create is inclusive, ethical, and rooted in the values that define who we are.
