Topic 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building
Learning Objectives
At the end of this topic, students will be able to:
Explain the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation
building;
List noteworthy inventions, with their inventors, and give their major
contributions in shaping the Filipino nation;
Identify science and technology policies of the government;
Appraise the impact of these policies on the development of the
Filipino nation; and
Recognize the need for balance between freedom and responsible
behavior during the exchange of ideas.
Activating Prior Learning
Now, let us see what you know about the role of science and technology by
completing the concept map below. But before that, you may want to watch
the movie clips and read the short article listed below to get some ideas.
Happy watching and reading!
Questions to Ponder:
1. What roles do science and technology play in the developmental
progress of the country?
Watch: 1. Science and Technology: Moving the Philippines Forward
Link: https://youtu.be/9li8S3L5p2Q
2. The State of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Link: https://youtu.be/_ttaqZf-SMg
Read: 1. Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation
building. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka,
34(3), p.113. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640
From your readings and from the videos you watched, complete the diagram
below by enumerating the roles of science and technology in shaping the
nation. Then, choose one from your list and explain it to the class.
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Role of S & T in
Nation Building
Good job! Let’s learn more as you go through this lesson.
Presentation of Contents
Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Pre – Colonial Period
Even before the Spain colonized the country, some indigenous science and
technology has already existed with regards to agriculture like farming, animal
– raising, and the utilization of plants and herbs as medicines. The use of
technology is evident in the in handicrafts, pottery, weaving, and tools used by
ancient Filipinos in their everyday life.
Innovation and ingenuity were unmistakable by the way native Filipinos built
the rice terraces by hand. They also developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, fishing, and also for fighting enemies during tribal conflicts. They
used indigenous technology in building houses, irrigations and transportation,
both on land and on waterways.
The ancient practices in science and technology by our ancestors are now
considered as indigenous science or folk science.
Colonial Period
Spanish colonization paved way to modern means of construction. Roads,
bridges, churches, and other large infrastructures were built with more
sophistication using some engineering skills and tools brought by the
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Spaniards. In addition, Spanish colonizers developed health and education
system in the country.
The American colonial rule modernized almost all aspects of life in the
country. They established the Bureau of Science to initiate the development in
the field of science and technology.
Post – Colonial Period
After achieving independence from the colonial masters, the Philippines,
under different administrations, continued to pursue programs in science and
technology. Each leadership had its own S&T agenda. However, it is
important to note that some Philippine presidents introduced more
developments in the field than others, which you will find out soon as you
course through this topic.
Filipino Presidents and their Contributions in the Development of Science
and Technology in the Philippines
Philippine Presidents and the Status of S&T during their administration
Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (1957 - 1961)
-lack of support of experimental work
-marginal budget for scientific research
-low salaries of scientists employed by the government
-established the National Science Development Board
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos (1965 - 1986)
-directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science
courses in public high schools
- channelled additional funds to support projects in applied sciences
and science education
- he proclaimed 35 hectares in Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal as the site of
the Philippine Science Community
- scholarships for graduate and undergraduate science scholars, and workshops on
fisheries and oceanography
- added the Philippine Coconut Research Institute to the NSDB to modernize the
coconut industry.
- support for the promotion of scientific research and invention with Presidential
Decree No. 49, s. 1972
- he enacted a law under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, s. 1976 to establish the
National Academy of Science and Technology
- He enacted a law on the completion of the National Agriculture and Life
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Sciences Research Complex at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños
(Executive Order No. 840, s. 1982)
- he established the Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science
High School to encourage careers in science and technology
-established other research institutes like PAGASA, National Grains Authority,
Philippine Council for Agricultural Research, Philippine National Oil Company
among others
Pres. Corazon Aquino (1986 - 1992)
- National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the
Department of Science and Technology
- science and technology's role in economic recovery and sustained
economic growth was highlighted
- created the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up
with the first Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP
- Executive Order No.128 abolished R.A. No. 3859, also known as the “Philippine
Inventors Incentive Act.”
- gave assistance to Filipino inventors through giving financial aid, patent
application assistance, legal assistance, and to help inventors market their
products domestically and abroad
- R.A. 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 opened doors to
free education up to the secondary level
- “Science for the Masses Program” which aimed at scientific and technological
literacy among Filipinos
Pres. Fidel V. Ramos (1992 - 1998)
-significant increase in personnel specializing in the science and
technology field
-addition of Philippine Science High Schools in Visayas and
Mindanao
- government provided 3,500 scholarships for students who were
taking up professions related to S&T
- Schools were becoming more modernized and updated with the addition of high-
tech equipment for student
- Priority for S&T personnel increased when Magna Carta for Science and
Technology Personnel (Republic Act No. 8439) was established
- award was published in order to give incentives and rewards for people who
have been influential in the field of S&T (Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act
or Republic Act No. 7459)
- programs such as National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and
Technology
-enactment of a law creating a nationwide system of high schools specializing in
the field of science and engineering (Science and Technology Scholarship Law of
1994)
- enacted the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No.
8293)
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Pres. Joseph Estrada (1998 - 2001)
launched a full-scale program based on cost-effective irrigation
technologies
- establishment of one science high school in every province
- advancement of industries and schools into the Internet age,
-passage of the e-Commerce Act
Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001 - 2010)
- the science and technology sector of the Philippines was dubbed
as the "golden age“ during her term
- Numerous laws and projects that concerns both the environment
and science to push technology as a tool to increase the country's
economic level
- the term "Filipinnovation" was the coined term used in helping the Philippines to
be an innovation hub in Asia
- Science Technology and Innovations (STI) was developed further by
strengthening the schools and education system such as the Philippine Science
High School (PSHS), which focuses in science, technology and mathematics in
their curriculum
- imposes Republic Act 10601 which improves the Agriculture and Fisheries
Sector through Mechanization (AFMech)
(Images from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_the_Philippines)
Filipino Scientists and their Inventions
Here is a list of some Filipino scientists and inventors, together with their
contributions in shaping the science and technology of the Filipino nation.
Dr. Arturo Alcaraz
Dr. Arturo Alcaraz is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal
energy development. In 1967, Arturo Alcaraz and team powered an
electric light bulb using steam-powered electricity. This was the first
geothermal power generated in the Philippines.
Julian Banzon (1908 - 1988)
Filipino chemist, Julian Banzon researched methods of producing
alternative fuels. Julian Banzon experimented with the production
of ethyl esters fuels from sugarcane and coconut.
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Pedro Escuro (1923 - )
Filipino scientist, Pedro Escuro is best known for his isolation of
nine rice varieties, thus was renowned by developing rice breeding
in the country. The Pedro Escuro rice varieties are: Milpal 4,
HBD-2, Azmil 26 and C-22 and C-18, C4-63, C4-137, C-168 and
C-12.
Dr. Francisco Fronda (1896 - 1986)
Dr. Francisco Fronda is known as the Father of poultry science in
the Philippines. Francisco Fronda has improved methods of
production for the poultry and livestock industry.
Felix Maramba
Felix Maramba built a coconut oil-fueled power generator. He
also is the developer of one of the world's most profitable biogas
systems.
Luz Oliveros Belardo (1906 - 1999)
Filipino chemist, Luz Oliveros Belardo researched the
phytochemical properties of plants in the Philippines for natural
products, essential oils, and the medicinal qualities.
Emerita De Guzman
Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation
of pure macapuno trees. Her research led to the faster propagation
of pure macapuno trees and increased macapuno nut production
from 3-5 macapuno nuts to 14-19 nuts (1980). She also invented
tissue culture techniques for the rapid propagation of abaca and
banana plants.
Dr. Fe Del Mundo (1911 - 2011)
Filipino doctor, Fe Del Mundo is credited with studies that lead to
the invention of an improved incubator and a jaundice relieving
device.
Gregorio Zara (1902 - 1978)
Famous Filipino Scientist, Gregorio Zara invented, made
improvements to, or discovered the following: invented the two-
way television telephone or videophone (1955) patented as a
"photo phone signal separator network"; discovered the physical
law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect (around 1930); invented
an airplane engine that ran on plain alcohol as fuel (1952).
(Google image result for Famous Filipino Scientists or Inventors)
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For more information, please go to the links provided below, then watch and
read the following:
Watch: 1. Juan’s Top 5 Filipino Inventions at https://youtu.be/RU21nUiKaoc
Read: 1. The Philippine Men and Women of Science.
http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/manuscript/PMWS27.pdf
2. Philippine Great Inventions
Application
Let’s have some practice, shall we?
Activity 1: Take a Roll on the Roles
Form groups of 5 and choose 1 role of S & T from the diagram you did at the
beginning of this topic, then perform a simple role-play that manifests the role
of S & T that you have picked. Below is a rubric to rate your performance. Do
this within 15 minutes. Enjoy acting!
Exceeds Expectation Meets Expectation Needs Improvement
Criteria
(3 points) (2 points) (1 point)
Factual information Factual information is Information is
Understandi is accurate mostly accurate inaccurate
ng of Topic Indicates a clear Good understanding Presentation is off
understanding of of topic topic
topic
Accepts ideas of Accepts most ideas Group does not work
others; able to without negative together
Teamwork compromise comments; able to One person does all
All members compromise the work
contribute Some members
contribute
Shows confidence Shows some Portrayal stalls
Informative confidence Lacks information
Entertaining; Presents some Audience bored
Presentation engages audience information Mumbles
Speaks loudly and Engages audience Body language is
clearly Can be heard lacking; inappropriate
Appropriate use of Some use of body
body language language
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Activity 2: Back Through Time
A. This activity is meant for you to revisit our country’s rich historical
background on its journey to scientific and technological progress.
Your class will be divided into 5 groups, where each group shall
choose one period to elaborate the development of S&T in each period
and its contributions and implications to the present society. Complete
the table below.
a. Early Filipino/ Pre – colonial period
b. Spanish Colonization
c. American Regime
d. Japanese Colonization
e. Post – colonial period
Science Implications
Contribution culture and of S&T and
State of of the period practices/ science
Period S&T during in the Society’s culture of
the period development norms each period
of S&T during the to the
period present
Note: Please read the article below for additional information
A History of Science and Technology in the Philippines by Olivia C. Caoili
Link: https://tuxdoc.com/download/history-of-science-and-technology-in-the-
philippines_pdf#download-require
A. Retaining your group, make a 3 – 5-minute skit portraying the
development of S&T in the period/era you are working on. Present
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your skit to the class next meeting. The rubrics below will serve as
your guide, and basis for rating your performance.
Exceeds Expectation Meets Expectation Needs Improvement
Criteria
(3 points) (2 points) (1 point)
Factual information Factual information is Information is
Understandi is accurate mostly accurate inaccurate
ng of Topic Indicates a clear Good understanding Presentation is off
understanding of of topic topic
topic
Accepts ideas of Accepts most ideas Group does not work
others; able to without negative together
Teamwork compromise comments; able to One person does all
All members compromise the work
contribute Some members
contribute
Shows confidence Shows some Portrayal stalls
Informative confidence Lacks information
Entertaining; Presents some Audience bored
Presentation engages audience information Mumbles
Speaks loudly and Engages audience Body language is
clearly Can be heard lacking; inappropriate
Appropriate use of Some use of body
body language language
Activity 3: New Generation Science Genius
Utilizing internet resources, find photos of modern Filipino scientists and their
respective inventions/ discoveries. Describe the inventions and their major
contributions in the development of our nation.
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Feedback
1. List some policies/programs of the government that steers the nation’s
Science and Technology forward. Describe these policies briefly, and
give their Pros, as well as their Cons. Support your claims by citing
examples of their positive/negative impact to our nation’s
development.
Policy/ Program Pros (with Positive Cons (with Negative
Impacts) Impacts)
1.
2.
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3.
4.
2. Take photos that depict the use of science/technology in your community,
and compile them to make a photo album. Upload your work in social media,
and try to elicit comments from the viewers, then have a sharing with the class
next meeting.
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Summary
In this unit, you have learned the different contributions to Science and
Technology of each epoch of human history- Ancient, Medieval and Modern
Times. Necessity and adversity drive people to think and invent technology to
address the needs and problems they encountered in everyday life. These
inventions paved way to major developments from ancient to modern society
and along with it, the transmission of scientific and technological knowledge
that influenced our very own notion of the world.
The advent of technology opens the door for more scientific endeavors in the
quest of unravelling the mysteries of the natural world, and hence the birth of
scientific revolution. The revolution had sparked human creativity and critical
thinking, and by this time, many a discovery and scientific ideas were
developed, and new scientific paradigms were generated which had
overthrown previous paradigms. This manifests that scientific knowledge is
not permanent, and subject to constant change through careful research and
experimentation.
In the Philippines, even before period of colonization, our society has been
faring on its improvement in terms of Science and Technology especially in
agriculture, handicraft and medicine. During colonization, there was a slow
growth of S&T since majority of its sophistication is brought about by the
foreign invaders. The establishment of Bureau of Science by Americans paved
the way for the initial growth of S&T in the country. During post-colonial
period where Philippines had given the autonomy for executive,
administrative, judicial and legislative operations, different programs and
policies of the government gear towards reinforcing progress of S&T. Many
Filipinos were renowned not only in the national but also around the global
society for their outstanding feat.
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Reflection
Think about these
1. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions?
Why?
2. What could be the consequences if these major intellectual revolutions
did not take place?
3. What value of a scientist have you learned from the major revolutions?
Why?
4. What could be the consequences if these major intellectual revolutions
did not take place?
5. Did science and technology change your way of life? Was it in a good
way, otherwise, or both? Explain how.
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References:
A History of Science and Technology in the Philippines by Olivia C. Caoili
Retrieved from: https://tuxdoc.com/download/history-of-science-and-technology-in-
the-philippines_pdf#download-require
McNamara, D., Valverde, V., & Beleno, R. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society
(1st ed., pp. 1-128). Quezon City: C&E Publishing Inc.
Ratnasiri, N., 2006. The role of Science and Technology in nation building. Journal of
the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 34(3), p.113. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v34i3.3640
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Juan’s Top 5 Filipino Inventions at https://youtu.be/RU21nUiKaoc
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http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/manuscript/PMWS27.pdf
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