Joseph Estrada, also known as Erap, is a Filipino politician and former actor who served as the 13th

President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001. Born Jose Marcelo Ejercito on April 19, 1937, in Tondo,
Manila, Estrada was the eighth of ten children in a wealthy family.

Estrada's career in politics began when he was elected mayor of San Juan in 1969, a position he held
until 1986. He then served as senator from 1987 to 1992 and vice president under President Fidel V.
Ramos from 1992 to 1998.

In 1998, Estrada won the presidential election with a wide margin of votes. During his presidency, he
declared an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and captured its
headquarters and other camps. However, his presidency was cut short when he was ousted in 2001
after an impeachment trial. Estrada was accused of corruption and plunder, and in 2007, he was
sentenced to reclusión perpetua. However, he was later granted a pardon by President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo.

After his presidency, Estrada continued to be involved in politics. He ran for president again in 2010 but
lost to Benigno Aquino III. He then served as the mayor of Manila from 2013 to 2019.Today, Estrada is
the oldest living former Philippine president, at the age of 87.

President Joseph Estrada's term, from 1998 to 2001, was primarily focused on issues of governance and
the economy. While his administration did not see groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs, several
notable initiatives were implemented that aimed to promote science and technology in the Philippines.
These initiatives, though limited in scope, laid the groundwork for future advancements in the country.

Key Initiatives and Legislations

During Estrada's presidency, two major pieces of legislation were passed:

1.Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749): This act aimed to protect and preserve the
environment and ensure the sustainable development of natural resources. It established a
comprehensive framework for air pollution control, including emission standards for vehicles and
industries.

2.Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792): This act aimed to promote the use of
electronic commerce in the Philippines, recognizing its potential to boost economic growth and improve
efficiency in various sectors. It provided a legal framework for electronic transactions, digital signatures,
and data privacy3.
These legislations, while not directly related to scientific discoveries or inventions, reflected the
administration's awareness of the importance of technology and its potential to address pressing
national concerns such as environmental protection and economic development.

Strengthening Institutions and Programs.

Estrada's administration also focused on strengthening existing institutions and programs:

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT): Established in 1999, the DICT
aimed to promote and develop the country's information and communication technology sector. It
provided opportunities for technology education and training.

Research and Development Fund: The administration increased the research and development (R&D)
fund of government agencies in 1999. This aimed to support scientific research and technological
innovation across various sectors.

Science Education Institute (SEI): The SEI, under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
received increased funding and support during Estrada's term. The SEI focuses on providing scholarships
and grants to students pursuing degrees in science and technology fields.

Technopreneurship: Estrada encouraged the growth of technopreneurship in the Philippines, which

IMPACT ON THE PHILIPPINES

While Estrada's administration did not see any major scientific breakthroughs or inventions, the
initiatives implemented during his term contributed to the Philippines' scientific and technological
development in several ways:

Laying the Foundation for Future Growth: The establishment of the DICT and the increased funding for
R&D laid the groundwork for future advancements in the information and communication technology
sector. These initiatives helped to create a more supportive environment for technology-based
businesses and research.

Promoting Education and Innovation: The increased funding for the SEI and the encouragement of
technopreneurship helped to promote science and technology education in the Philippines. This, in turn,
contributed to a more skilled workforce and a greater capacity for innovation.

Addressing National Challenges: The Clean Air Act and the Electronic Commerce Act demonstrated the
administration's commitment to using technology to address pressing national challenges such as
environmental protection and economic development.

However, it is important to note that the Philippines still faces significant challenges in terms of scientific
and technological development. These challenges include:

Limited Funding for Research and Development: The Philippines continues to allocate a relatively small
percentage of its GDP to R&D, compared to other countries. This limits the country's capacity to produce
cutting-edge research and develop innovative technologies.

Brain Drain: Many Filipino scientists and engineers choose to work abroad due to limited opportunities
and inadequate funding in the Philippines. This "brain drain" hampers the country's scientific and
technological progress.

Inadequate Infrastructure: The Philippines still lacks adequate infrastructure to support scientific and
technological development, such as modern laboratories, research facilities, and high-speed internet
connectivity.