Module 3

Science, Technology, and

Nation-building

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Points to ponder
1. What are your dreams for the Philippines?
2. How would you contribute to “Nation Building”?
3. How do you see Philippines 10-20 years from now?
 Nation-building is constructing or
structuring a national identity
through the power of the state. It
aims to unify people of diverse
culture, language, and religion
under the same state so that it
remains politically stable and
viable in the long run.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022)

 
The Philippine Development Plan of 2017-2022, discussed various
strategies that would accomplish the following goals:
 to build a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society
where no one is poor;
 to promote a long and healthy life;
 to become smarter and more innovative; and
 to build a high-trust society.

These goals were based from collective long-term vision of

Filipinos to have: “MATATAG, MAGINHAWA, AT PANATAG NA
BUHAY”.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Key Areas from Philippine Development Plan
(2017-2022):

 Enhancing the social fabric (malasakit)

 Inequality-reducing transformation (pagbabago)
 Increasing growth potential (patuloy na pag-unlad)
 Enabling and supportive economic environment
 Foundations for sustainable development

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Enhancing the social fabric

 “malasakit”
 Greater trust in public institutions and
society
 People-centered, clean, and efficient
government
 Justice is swift and fair
 Awareness about and respect for cultural
diversity

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Inequality-reducing transformation

 “pagbabago”
 Greater economic opportunities
(domestic and international market)
 Enhanced accessibility
 Special attention for the disadvantaged
subsectors and people groups

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Increasing growth potential

 “patuloy na pag-unlad”
 Adoption of modern technology
 Innovation is encouraged
 Harmonized research and development
agenda
 Interventions to manage population
growth
 Investments for human capital
development

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Enabling and supportive economic environment

 Macroeconomic stability that is supported

by strategic trade and fiscal policies.

 A strong and credible competition policy

will level the playing field and encourage
more investments.

 Significant progress in the pursuit of just

and lasting peace, security, public order,
and safety

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Foundations for sustainable development

• Attaining Just and Lasting Peace

• Ensuring Security, Public Order, and
Safety
• Accelerating Infrastructure
Development
•  Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean
and Healthy Environment

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
• Filipinos long for work-life balance, a comfortable, secure and
peaceful life. This long-term aspiration — AmBisyon Natin2 2040 —
was gleaned from a nationwide survey conducted in late 2015. This
was about the time the Philippines adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, and subsequently crafted the Philippine
Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022. The country soon recognized
that it needed to transform the world by ensuring sustainable
development and leaving no one behind in order to live “the life we
want.”
• For quality education - the legal framework for institutionalizing the
Alternative Learning System has been set. The Department of
Education, working with the private sector, has been reaching out to
what they call the “last mile,” which includes out-of-school youth and
other vulnerable groups, to deliver education services.
• For decent work – to allow for a just transition to a greener economy,
the Philippines’ Green Jobs Act incentivizes enterprises to offer jobs
using green production practices. The Securities and Exchange
Commission will also require Sustainability Reports for Publicly Listed
Companies, beginning 2020. Private businesses, such as cosmetics
manufacturer Human Nature, are adopting inclusive business models,
such as a value chain that deliberately involves disadvantaged
communities. The Mentor Me program of the Department of Trade
and Industry further promotes mentoring and partnership between
small and large enterprises.
• To reduce inequality - the Conditional Cash Transfer provides targeted
interventions to disadvantaged families. Responding to Republic Act
10524 (otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with
Disability) which reserves employment for persons with disability,
companies such as Lamoiyan Corporation employ handicapped
people who comprise a significant proportion of their personnel. To
offset regional disparities, the Assistance to Disadvantaged
Municipalities provides a support fund for poorer local governments
to build access roads, water systems, and reproductive health
services, among others.
• For climate action - the Climate Risk Management Framework
provides risk information to enhance adaptive capacity. Project NOAH
exemplifies the partnership between the academe and government in
providing timely weather information for disaster preparedness. A
ban on single-use plastics is already implemented in a number of
cities and municipalities. A Sustainable Consumption and Production
Action Plan is now being formulated to provide a coherent framework
for climate action.
• For peace, justice, and strong institutions – a major milestone is the
ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which was a result of
cumulative initiatives, including those by the international
community, to address a long-standing conflict in southern
Philippines.
• To ensure effectiveness of partnerships - the Philippines has been
conducting the Official Development Assistance Portfolio Review.
However, SDG implementation is still mostly financed from domestic
resources.
 The twelve 21st Century
skills are: 
[Link] thinking
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] literacy
[Link] literacy
[Link] literacy
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] skills

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
[Link]
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
The Korean Wave (Hallyu) refers to the global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy
exporting pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas and movies.

South Korea is one of the only countries in the world, if not the only one, that
has a dedicated goal to become the world’s leading exporter of popular
culture. It is a way for Korea to develop its “soft power”.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Continuous support from the Korean government: Korea is
probably one of the only countries in the world that has a Ministry of
Culture (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to be exact). A
division of the ministry, the Popular Culture Industry Division, focuses
on Korean pop music, fashion, mass entertainment, comic books,
cartoons, and other key products.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
The seven core strategies to lay the foundation for a creative economy are:

 Creation of new markets and jobs

 Development of software as a future growing business
 Realization of the creative economy through opening and sharing
 Realization of nation for start-up
 Construction of a recruitment system to look beyond specifications
 Promotion of K-Move in which Korean youths move the world
 Creation of MSIP (Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning)

[Link]

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Activity
SURNAME_MODULE3_ACT7

• With the Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022) as your main reference,

complete the table found on the next slide.
• Your completed table should focus on these five highlights:
• Enhancing the social fabric (malasakit)
• Inequality-reducing transformation (pagbabago)
• Increasing growth potential (patuloy na pag-unlad)
• Enabling and supportive economic environment
• Foundations for sustainable development
• Link: [Link]

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Activity (Choose any 3)
Plans that have Plans yet to be
KEY AREAS Major Plans been accomplished accomplished Suggestions

Enhancing the social

fabric (malasakit)
Inequality-reducing
transformation
(pagbabago)
Increasing growth
potential (patuloy na
pag-unlad)
Enabling and
supportive economic
environment
Foundations for
sustainable
development
 National Scientists of
the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Points to ponder
1. Why is science education important?
2. Why is it important to give distinct awards to Filipino
scientists?
3. Why is scientific research important?
4. How can we make scientific knowledge and
advancement more accessible to laypeople?
 National Scientists

 Order of National Scientist of the Philippines (ONS) is the highest award

given to Filipino scientists by the Philippine government.
 For this context, Section 2, Pres. Decree No. 1003-A defined a scientist as:

“an individual who has earned a doctoral degree in any field of the sciences”
and “has demonstrated and earned distinction in independent research or
significant innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences, including
agricultural, engineering, and medical sciences, in mathematics and in the
social sciences as manifested by published works in recognized scientific and
technical journals.”

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 National Scientists

 “National Scientists” receive medallion and citation

 Receive financial gratuity
 Entitled to the same privileges enjoyed by National Artists of the Philippines
 which include a monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits,
and a place of honor, in line with protocular precedence, at national state
functions.
 Entitled upon death to a state funeral conducted by the National Academy
and the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Activity

SURNAME_MODULE3_ACT8

• Choose three (3) National Scientists from different

fields/specialization and complete the table found on the next slide.

• Link: [Link]
Activity
Surname_Module3_Act8

National Field/ Major Impact to

Scientist Specialization works/invention present day
1
2
3
 SCIENCE
EDUCATI
ON IN THE
PHILIPPN
ES
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
June 13, 1958 - National Science and Development Board
(NSDB)

March 17, 1981 - National Science and Technology Authority

(NSTA) with the vision of "A competent and competitive science and
technology community with a social conscience."

January 30, 1987 – Department of Science and Technology

(DOST), with full cabinet stature by virtue of EO 128

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Functions and
responsibility of DOST
 Pursue the declared state policy of
DOST
supporting local scientific and
1. Central
technological effort direction and Formulating
 Develop local capability to achieve leadership; policies, programs
technological self-reliance and projects to
2. coordination of
 Encourage greater private sector all scientific and support national
participation in research and technological development
development activities

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 DOST-SEI (Science Education
Institute)
the arm of DOST for Science Education as per EO
128, DOEST-SEI is mandated to:
 Undertake science education and training;
 Administer scholarships, awards and grants;
 Undertake science and technology manpower
development; and
 Formulate plans and establish programs and
projects for the promotion and development of
science and technology education and training in
coordination with DepEd, CHED and other
institutions of learning.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
a. Vision

SEI shall develop the Philippines’ human resource capacity in science and technology
required to produce demand-driven outputs that meet global standards.

b. Mission

To accelerate the development of S&T human resources of the country by administering

undergraduate and graduate scholarships and advanced specialized trainings; promote
S&T culture and develop innovative science education innovative programs.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
c. Program Thrusts

The SEI shall continue to strengthen its capability to develop a critical mass of highly- trained S&T
human resource by focusing on the following program thrusts:

1. Expand implementation of S&T undergraduate and graduate programs to achieve varied levels
of S&T Innovation sophistication;
2. Pursue more vigorously promotion of S&T culture to stimulate interest and prepare adequate
numbers of young people to pursue careers in S&T Innovation;

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
3. Develop and implement innovation approaches towards
improving the delivery of science education; and

4. Pursue research activities and develop external linkages in

S&T human resource development and science education as part
of overall strategy for national policy development, local and
external benchmarking and capacity building.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
d. Strategic Goals

1. Accelerate the development of S&T human resource in the country by

administering undergraduate and graduate scholarships and advanced
specialized trainings

2. Implement innovative science education programs.

3. Promote appreciation and interest in science among the citizenry.

4. Formulate policy recommendations toward improving the high-level

training of future scientists and engineers.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 PNRI
TAPI
FNRI
PTRI
SERVICE
INSTITUTES MIRDC

FPRIDI

ASTI

NCRP ITDI
DOST ADVISORY
BODIES PAGASA
NAST
PHIVOLCS

SEI
PCIEERD
SECTORAL STII
PLANNING COUNCIL
PCHRD

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 PHILIPPINES

EDUCATION SCIENCE
 Filipino Traditional Knowledge and
Cultural Diversity

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Overview
• Different cultures around the world with unique practices
and ways of looking at life

• Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations

and practices of local communities around the world

• It plays a vital role in defining the identity of a community

or a particular group.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Traditional knowledge

• Traditional Knowledge - “tradition-based literary, artistic or scientific

works; performances; inventions; scientific discoveries; designs; marks,
names and symbols; undisclosed information; and all other tradition-
based innovations and creations resulting from intellectual activity in the
industrial, scientific, literary or artistic fields.” (WIPO, 2001)

• Also known as Indigenous knowledge, Cultural knowledge, Local

knowledge, Ancestral knowledge, Traditional ecological knowledge –
but any of these terms may not capture the exact nature
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
 What is Traditional Knowledge?
Medicinal, Agricultural Music & Dance,
& Ecological Knowledge Stories & Poetry

Artesanat
(Handicrafts) Spiritual Expression

Transmitted orally Collective responsibility

across generations & ownership

Constantly evolving
 Codified and Non-codified Forms
• Codified – Systematic epistemology, theoretical framework, codification of
traditional wisdom from an emic perspective

• Non-codified – ecosystem and ethnic community specific and highly diverse

Though knowledge generation and transmission may vary in different cultures

there are several similarities in the worldviews and value systems

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Prominent Characteristics of TK
• Diversity, collective ownership guided by customary
laws, combined with beliefs and values

• Largely undocumented and orally transmitted forms-

many similarities between different communities

• Dynamic, adaptability to changing contexts

• Differing epistemology of traditional and contemporary

knowledge

• Not just history, but high contemporary relevance

Polytechnic University of the Philippines
College of Science – Department of Biology
Contemporary Relevance of TK
• Economic and social organization
• Promotes a sense of national cohesion
and identity.
• Impacts human wellbeing through
contributions to health, agriculture, food
security, environmental and natural
resource management, land use,
livelihoods, disaster management, arts
and culture among many others.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
• E.g. World Health Organization estimates that traditional medical
practices cater to 80% of the world population health requirements.

• Components of local ecosystems (plants, animal and mineral/metal

derivatives)

• Locally available, easily accessible and cost effective and highly

relevant in primary health care in health access poor regions

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Multilateral Instruments and Policy Perspectives
Policy Year Position
Indigenous and Tribal 1957 Due account shall be taken of the cultural and religious values and of the
Peoples Convention (ILO) forms of social control existing among indigenous populations
The International Covenant 1966 Rights of individuals and peoples to self determination and means of
on Economic, Social and subsistence
Cultural Rights (OHCHR)
Indigenous and Tribal 1989 Rights of indigenous peoples to be actively involved in decisions related
Peoples Convention (ILO) - to their development and their right to continue with their ways of life
Revised in 1989 and choose their priorities.
Convention on biological 1992 Calls for the need to respect, preserve and maintain traditional cultures
diversity (CBD) and encourage customary use of biological resources in line with
principles of sustainable use and conservation; need to ensure equitable
sharing of benefits among TK holders; and the need to obtain prior
informed consent of providing parties to access biological resources and
related knowledge on mutually agreed terms between the parties.
Policy Year Position
UN Convention to Combat 1994 Encourages the use and protection of TK related to ecological
Desertification (UNCCD) development - Subject to their respective national legislation and/or
policies, exchange information on local and traditional knowledge,
ensuring adequate protection for it and providing appropriate return
from the benefits derived from it, on an equitable basis and on
mutually agreed terms, to the local populations concerned.
International Treaty on Plant 2001 Farmer’s rights and TK which allows for benefit sharing and
Genetic Resources (ITPGR), participatory decision making on use of plant genetic resources
FAO
UNESCO-ICSU Declaration 2002 Co-existence of knowledge systems and suitable integration for
on Science and the use of contemporary needs
Traditional Knowledge

World Summit on Sustainable 2002 Plan for implementation

Development (WSSD)

WHO Traditional medicine 2002 Integration of traditional medicine in health systems, national
strategy 2002-2005 regulation focused on quality, safety, efficacy, access, rational use
Policy Year Position
World Intellectual Property Sui generis model for protection of traditional cultural
Organization (WIPO) expressions, traditional knowledge and folklore.

UNESCO Convention for the 2003 Protection of oral expressions, performing arts, social
Safeguarding of Intangible practices and rituals, knowledge and practices concerning
Cultural Heritage (ICH) nature and universe and traditional craftsmanship.

Convention on Protection and 2005 Reaffirms the importance of the link between culture and
Promotion of the Diversity of development
Cultural Expressions (UNESCO)

UN Declaration on Rights of 2006 Right to self determination, and to determine access to their
Indigenous Peoples (UNPFII) cultures, resources and knowledge

Rio + 20 2012 Reaffirms the role of traditional knowledge in sustainable

development
Three Approaches
to TK and
Evidence In-situ’ approach- TK is
promoted within own
epistemological context.

Ex-situ approach – An inter-

Social learning approach – TK is cultural process of evidence
assessed within communities’ generation – e.g. traditional
real life experience, and medicine & modern
development needs drawing pharmacology – A meta-
clues from ‘outside’ knowledge method or reconciliation of
and experts. hierarchy of evidence
 Common challenges of Traditional Knowledge

• Declining social legitimacy (incl. government support)

• Lack of recognition of practices and practitioners, lack of self esteem
• Erosion of knowledge, lack of successors
• Self determination, rights to resources, traditional lands, ownership of
knowledge and benefits from use of resources and knowledge, intellectual
appropriation
• Incompatibility with mainstream knowledge systems, multiple worldviews
of learners, pedagogical exclusion
• Peaceful existence and preservation of diversity

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Reasons
• A hegemonic relationship between knowledge systems - TK in a position of having to
prove itself through a positivist epistemology – dramatically devalues traditions by
universalizing norms of action
• Over emphasis on economic growth - relevance of culture has been examined through
the lens of relevance to commercial activity
• Prevailing view of TK as antiquated and non dynamic, relegating it to a status of a
commodity that should be documented and preserved.
• Dominant discourse of protection of intellectual property rights while neglecting
efforts to strengthen social and cultural processes of continuity.
• TK is considered exotic and confined to indigenous communities.
• A contested idea of relevance in certain sections of society where benefits from
modern science and technology are not available or accessible – creating double
standards in inequity especially in less developed countries.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
• Lack of sufficient theoretical approaches for understanding and assessing TK
• Institutionalization of TK - experience-based elements may not be secured
• A dichotomy exists between the formally trained ‘experts’ and the informal
‘knowledge holders’
• Shuttling between modernity and tradition - conflicts of social identity
• Integration into mainstream learning systems and production processes is a
challenging task.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Protecting TK: What are the Benefits
Provides rights for TK Provides opportunities for
holders sharing benefits of TK

Preserves Increases opportunities

knowledge base for socio-economic
of communities development

Creates added value Enables participation in

for humankind global markets

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 Case study 1 - Documentation and Assessment of Local Health
Traditions – A Social Learning Approach
STEPS OUTPUTS
Training by FRLHT to NGO Documentation by CBO
Data on health practices of
staff, key stakeholders and members of repeatedly used
the selected areas
CBO members on different remedies from local
steps of DALHT knowledge holders

Prioritization of Health
Conditions through PRA Prioritized list of health
conditions

Documentation through literature

referencing on symptoms, causes
and remedies for specific References of plants used in
conditions from codified and local health traditions for
indigenous systems of medicine specific conditions
by NGO or Ayurvedic college

Participatory Rapid Assessment of Remedies which are:

local health practices by villagers, 1 positive -> promote
healers, Ayurvedic and allopathic 2 distorted -> discard
physicians to identify effective 3 incomplete -> add info
remedies 4. still not understood -> study further

Field trials, Training Establish Product

clinical programs by Community and development
research & NGOs to Home Herbal through local
publications households Gardens enterprises
Traditional Knowledge in the Philippines
Despite colonization, the Philippines has retained a substantial portion of its traditional knowledge. Credit is
given to the vigilance of diverse indigenous peoples (IPs) who persevered in protecting and promoting their
indigenous knowledge to the younger generation.

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines are generally regarded as those who have opted to retain their
customs and traditions, most of whom remain steadfast to their ancestral domains. As defined by the
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), IPs are those groups of homogenous societies identified by self-
ascription, who continually lived as organized communities on communally bounded and defined territories
which they have occupied since time immemorial, sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions and
who became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. 

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Common TK in the Philippines
Traditional health care employs herbs for curative as well as preventive medicine, including pain relievers
and anesthesia. However, these are accompanied by rituals invoking the intercession of ancestral spirits and
the Almighty Father. Even in modern times, indigenous peoples stand witness to certain afflictions treated
only through traditional healing.

Traditional agriculture has reached a certain level of technology exemplified by the world famous rice
terraces of the Ifugao in northern Philippines, acknowledged as one World Heritage site. The farming system
of the Ifugao and other Cordillera IP groups employ terracing for agriculture and the deliberate nurturing of
the forests known as muyong or tayan to sustain irrigation even at high elevations.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Activity

Surname_Module3_Act9

1. Choose one Filipino Tribe/Indigenous group and identify

specific ”traditional knowledge” associated with this group.
2. Describe briefly the TK and suggest ways on how do you
think it can be preserved.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
 “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and
my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the
lands to be blown about my house as freely as
possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

- [Link]

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Science – Department of Biology
Resources
• Power Point Presentation, Unnikrishnan Payyappallimana
United Nations University – Institute of Advanced Studies, March 2013
• Protection of Traditional Knowledge: A Global IP Issue, WIPO Roundtable on IP & Traditional Knowledge, Richard
Owens, Genva, November 1-2, 1999
Supplementary Course Materials
Watch:
• PSA: National Scientist
• [Link]
• DOSTv Episode 430 - Sinesiyensya, “National
Scientist”
• [Link]