LESSON 2

Science, Technology and Nation Building

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-
building;
 Select and assess government policies relating to science and
technology in terms of their contributions to nation building; and
 Identify Filipino scientist and their contributions.

INTRODUCTION
Early Filipinos had their own set of knowledge and belief system as a product of their
daily lives experiences and it was applied in different aspects such as in agriculture, food
and farming, and the conduct of indigenous rituals. These sets of knowledge and belief
systems were transformed with the coming of the colonizers, the Spanish and American.
In the past lesson you have learned on how scientific revolution started and how it changed
the world. Philippine society has its own development influenced by science and
technology. It has some government programs, projects, and policies geared toward
heightening the science and technological capacity of the nation.

A. Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

ACTIVITY- Name the Era

Direction: Classify the following beliefs, practices and events based on the Era it
occurred by writing the NUMBER of the statement in the correct column.

1. There were numerous hospitals built in the entire Philippines.

2. Early Filipinos has their own system of choosing the right crop to plant for each
season.
3. Filipinos developed ways on how to replicate technologies brought by the Spaniards
using indigenous materials.
4. They developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their
enemies during war or tribal conflicts.
5. The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the technology brought by the Spaniards
using indigenous materials.
6. Transportation and communication systems were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country.
7. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities
established by the Catholic orders.
Pre-Spanish Era Spanish Era American Era
Example: 7
 . ANALYSIS
Direction: Answer the following questions in relation to the activity above.

1. What are the practices of the early Filipinos in terms of:

a. Agriculture
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
b. Curing Illnesses
.________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2. What are the influences of the Spaniards to the Philippine culture?
Education?________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
3. What are some changes brought about by the Americans?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________

ABSTRACTION

Science and Technology in the Philippines began even before the pre-colonial times .
It was evident in the way our ancestors had lived ands it was influenced with the coming of
the colonizers. Let us Go over the past and learn more about this.

Philippine Science and Technology in Different Eras

Pre-Spanish Era
- Early Filipinos applied Scientific Knowledge in different fields :
-Planting crops for food supply
-Preparation of soil for planting
-Caring for animals which they aid them in their daily activities
-Observing celestial bodies in predicting eclipses ,seasons and climates, and time
-Use of herbal medicine
-Building houses
-Developing tools for hunting, fishing , cooking and planting and fighting
-Developing transportation for land and water use

Spanish Era

- Spanish culture and practices were brought to the Philippines during the colonization. It
marked the start of formal science and technology in the country now Known as the school
of science and Technology (Serafica,et.al. 2018).
-They established schools for boys and girls and lead the idea of subjects and disciplines.
-Filipinos imitated the technology brought by the Spaniards using ethnic materials.
-Filipinos were able to study abroad that enabled the development of Philippine Medicine,
Literature, Engineering, and Music.
-Widespread of Catholicism.

American Era

- Among the colonizers of the Philippines the Americans had the greatest influence in terms
of Science and Technology in the country.
-They established the public education system.
-Built and improved railroads, roads , public hospitals and telecommunications all over the
country.
-Numerous researches were done in tropical medicine.
-Protestantism was widespread.

ASSESSMENT

Direction: Interpret the figure below.Answer the following questions. See

the last page of this module for the Rubrics for Essay.

Internal factors:
-Survival
-Culture
Development of
-Economic Activities Science and
Technology in
External Influences: the Philippines
-Foreign colonizers
1.
-trades with foreign
countries
-International Economic
Demands
Figure 1. Influences on the Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Source: Serafica, et.al. (2018). Science , Technology and Society. Manila, Philippines: Rex
Bookstore.

1. Explain how do the internal and external influences affect the development of science and
technology in the Philippines?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______

2.How did Science and Technology shaped the Filipino Society?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

B. Government Policies on Science and Technology

Activity-Balik-Scientist Law

Read the Article below and answer the following question.

Source: https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/49-2018/1414-president-duterte-signs-
balik-scientist-law.html

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SIGNS BALIK SCIENTIST LAW

Published: 22 June 2018

Science and technology in the country scored another milestone with the signing of the Balik
Scientist law by President Rodrigo Roa A. Duterte on 15 June 2018. Republic Act No. 11035,
also known as an “Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program,” would give more
incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers who would share
their expertise in the country.

The enacted law would strengthen the implementation of the Department of Science and
Technology’s (DOST) Balik Scientist Program which was first established in 1975 through
Presidential Decree No. 819 but was only implemented in 1986. Since its implementation,
several scientists have come back to the country on short- and long-term basis to mentor
science and engineering students and faculty along their line of expertise through research
and development, teaching, and other activities. This sharing of expertise significantly
contributed to the acceleration of the scientific, agro-industrial and economic development of
the country.

Through the Balik Scientist Law, a returning scientist can participate in DOST’s Grants-in-Aid
research and development. A grant may be provided to the Balik Scientist and released
through the host institution for the implementation of the project in accordance with relevant
government regulations and the need of the program involved.

Aside from that, a Balik Scientist can also enjoy various compensations that include tax and
duty exemptions to importation of professional equipment and materials, free medical and
accident insurance covering the award period, reimbursement of expenses for baggage
related to scientific projects, and even exemption from “renouncing their oath of allegiance to
the country where they took the oath.”

The benefits also include special working and non-working visas, a round-trip airfare from a
foreign country to the Philippines, exemption from local travel tax, and DOST-subsidized visa
application.

Also under the bill, long-term Balik Scientist awardees can enjoy relocation benefits, such as
support in securing job opportunities for the spouse of the awardee, and admission support
for the children of awardees in preferred schools, relocation allowance and monthly housing
or accommodation allowance, and funding for the establishment and development of a facility
or laboratory.

“Malaking tulong ang batas na ito upang mahikayat ang mga Pinoy scientist na bumalik sa
bansa at tumulong sa pagpapaunlad sa bayan at sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Matutugunan din
ng batas na ito ang kakulangan ng bansa sa scientists, upang makasabay na tayo sa ating
mga kapitbahay sa Asya na mas marami ang nagtatrabaho sa research and development,”
said Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, the principal sponsor and author of the said
bill.

Meanwhile, after its passage in the bicameral session last March, Secretary Fortunato T. de
la Peña said that is very crucial to strengthen the Balik Scientist Program of the DOST
because we have areas that lack experts such as space technology and artificial intelligence
which are just starting. He believes that having enough human resource in these fields would
help the country in conducting various research and development projects in these areas.

The bill also states that the Balik Scientist Program will prioritize experts in the fields of space,
technology, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, energy, agriculture, food
technology, biotechnology, information and communications technology, pharmaceutical,
disaster mitigation and management, environment and natural resources, electronics,
genomics, health, manufacturing, nanotechnology, cyber security, and semiconductors.

The law also requires DOST to ensure that the results of scientific and technological activities
are properly applied and used.

The counterparts of Sen. Aquino in the House of Representatives in sponsoring this bill are
Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Representative Seth Frederick R. Jalosjos, Zamboanga del
Sur 1st District Representative Divina Grace C. Yu, and Bohol 2nd District Representative
and chair of Science and Technology Committee Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado.
1. What is the Title of the law?__________________________________
2. When was it signed ? _____________________________________
3. Who were the sponsors of the Law?
___________________________________________________________
4. What is the scope of the law?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
5. What are the benefits plan provision of the law?

ANALYSIS
Direction: Based on the activity answer the following questions.

1. What is Republic Act No. 11035?

________________________________________________________
2. What are the objectives of the law?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________
3. How can this law help the status of Science and Technology in the Philippines?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________
4. Is the law effectively implemented? Explain your answers.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________

ABSTRACTION

The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects,

and policies to enhance the area of science and technology. The aim is to prepare the whole
country and its citizen to meet the demands of a world driven by technology and enable the
people to live in a world driven by science.
The National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) clustered these policies into four,
namely:
1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
- Integrating ASEAN Awareness in the basic education without adding to the
curriculum.
- Give emphasis to Teaching in the mother tongue
- Improving school infrastructure and providing ICT broadband
2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics
- Placing importance to degrees, licenses and employment opportunities
- Total grants for peer mentoring
- Harnessing science and technology as an autonomous mover of development
3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Ensuring of drug-producing companies with ASEAN-harmonized standards by full
implementation of the Food and Drug Administration
- Enabling food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as a pool of
information.
- Enacting a law supporting human genome projects
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry
- Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws.
- Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
- Encouraging indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s protection.
There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government
through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Some of these projects are the following:
- Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology
- Granting scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the
field of science and technology
- Creating more branches of the Philippine Science High School System
- Balik Scientist Program to inspire Filipino scientists abroad to come home and work
in the Philippines
- Constructing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage
academe and industry partnerships
- The Department of Education has systematized special science classes and
special; science elementary all throughout the country. Science and Mathematics
have been constantly upgraded. The implemented K to 12 curriculum included
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as one of its major tracks for
the Senior high school program encouraging more students to pursue science-
related degrees in college.
The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and
technology. These laws vary according to different themes such as: conservation, health-
related, technology-building, and supporting basic research, among others.
 ASSESSMENT
I. Policy Evaluation
Direction: Use the given Evaluation Criteria to Assess a government policy
you have chosen.

DAC EVALUATION CRITERIA

RELEVANCE
The extent to which the objectives of a development intervention are consistent with
beneficiaries’ requirements, country needs, global priorities and partners’ and
donors’policies.
EFFECTIVENESS
The extent to which the development intervention’s objectives were achieved, or
areexpected to be achieved, taking into account their relative importance.
EFFICIENCY
A measure of how economically resources/inputs (funds, expertise, time, etc.)
areconverted to results.
SUSTAINABILITY
The continuation of benefits from a development intervention after major
development assistance has been completed
IMPACT
Positive and negative, primary and secondary long-term effects produced by a
development intervention, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended.

(Adapted from The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Working Party on Aid Evaluation (is an international forum
where bilateral and multilateral development evaluation experts meet periodically to share experience to improve
evaluation practice and strengthen its use as an instrument for development co-operation policy.)

1. What science and technology policies do you think is useful during these days of
pandemic? Do you agree?Why?Why not?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________
II. ESSAY
(See Rubrics for Essay in the last page of this module)
1. Among the stated policies in science and technology which one do you think is the
most important?Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______
 2. How is it being implemented?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________

C. Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

ACTIVITY-# Pinoy

Directions:
1.Think of an invention created by a Filipino.
2. Give the name of the inventor or scientist.
2. Put a picture of the inventor in the box..

Filipino Inventor/Scientist: Name of Invention:-

______________________________ ______________________________
 1. What are the importances of his/her invention?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________-
________________________________________________

ANALYSIS

1. Why have you chosen this Filipino inventor/scientist?

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. What are the characteristics makes a good Scientist?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
3. Why do you think they have opted to choose this career?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________

Reflection Questions
1. Are you proud to be a Filipino? Why?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________

ABSTRACTION

Famous Filipino Scientists

In addition to being one of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world ,our fellowmen
also made a mark in the field of science and technology who has made contributions recognized
worldwide. Filipino scientist have also made significant contributions in the Philippine Science and
who are famous abroad for their work in different fields like agriculture, mathematics, physics ,
medicine, marine science, biology, engineering and chemistry.
The following are the 10 outstanding Filipino scientists identified by Quenna N. Lee-Chua (2000) :

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba – He developed a process that caused the flowering and fruiting of
mango trees three times a year, instead on once a year, so dramatically
improving yields.In 2013 Ramon Barba became National Scientist in the
Philippines for his notable accomplishments in the field of plant physiology,
aiming on induction of flowering of mango and on micro
propagation of important crop species.

https://www.famousscientists.org

2. Josefino Comiso is a senior research scientist at the

Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory of the Goddard Space Flight Center. His
research led to new insights into many essential processes in the polar
regions including: (a) deep ocean convection and the influence of polynyas
and Odden on bottom water formation; (b) phytoplankton blooms and
relationships with the sea ice cover and (c) climate change signals as
revealed by the changing sea ice cover and accelerated warming in the
Arctic region.
https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov

3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. – known internationally in the field of electrical

engineering; was elected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering One of his greatest achievements is the introduction
of concept of comparison sensitivity in dynamic feedback systems, of leader-
follower strategies in hierarchical engineering systems; development of
synthesis methods for time-varying systems.
https://grainger.illinois.edu

4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz – She spearheaded a research on isolating

peptides from the conotoxins in the venomous fish-hunting Conus
geographus species of snails in Mindoro which causes fishermen’s illnesses
and even death.

https://www.flipscience.ph/

5. Fabian Millar Dayrit- His research interests comprises natural products

chemistry and environmental chemistry. For natural products, he studies
various traits of the quality of virgin coconut oil. Current research going on is
the prospective use of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against Alzheimer’s disease.
Spirulina algae is also being studied for commercial production of cheap fish
feed, as well as the bioengineering of algae to produce more high-value
compounds such as phycobili proteins.
http://ateneo.edu
6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III – When he took his doctorate degree in
Auburn University in the early 1970s, he dedicated his dissertation on the sex-
reversal of tila[ia using synthetic androgens to control its population. His
technology is used not only in the Philippines but all over the world.

http://facebook.com

7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. He developed a method for detecting the

presence of drug metabolites in the meconium of newborn infants which made
the early detection of drug presence in newborn infants which contribute to
infant illness possible. The method is useful for detection of cocaine,
morphine, cannabinoid and amphetamine metabolites.

http://today.wayne.edu
8. Lilian Formalejo Patena – For doing research on plant biotechnology.
Her research is “Utilization of the technology of producing true-to-type and
certified virus-free garlic (allium sativum l.) for economic production of
planting materials for the farmers.” Her plant tissue culture made Ilocos
Region as the garlic basket of the country producing 5,100 MT of garlic in the
first quarter, contributing 72.5% to the national total.
https://web.facebook.com

9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz – s a Filipina mathematician, currently a

professor emeritus of mathematics at Ateneo de Manila University. Ruiz
specializes in graph theory and operations research. She is recognized as
an outstanding educator and graph theorist

https://web.facebook.com

10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan – He was in charge of Strategic Planning of

Research for the owners of HRL Laboratories, General Motors, Raytheon,
and Boeing.His work has realized groundbreaking advances in ultra-high-
performance circuitry, and innovative computing and communications. His
research and inventions in the field of science and technology operate in
space, on aircraft, in automobiles, and in a selection of consumer goods that
ensures our safety, support our national security and improve our quality of
life.

https://web.facebook.com
 APPLICATION

I. Identify the contributions of the following Filipino Scientists by writing the letter of your
answer on the space before the number.

_____ 1. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.

_____ 2. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III
_____ 3. Fabian Millar Dayrit
_____ 4.Lourdes Jansuy Cruz

A.) focused his dissertation on the production of tilapia into male using synthetic
androgens
B.) Isolated peptides (short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of protein) from the
conotoxins in the snail’s venom.
C.) Research on herbal medicine. Processing of the fruit provides coconut milk, which is a
basic ingredient for many traditional diets worldwide.
D.) detection of fetal exposure to drugs, alcohol and environmental toxicants by analysis of
Meconium

II. Read the article below and identify the policies on Science and Technology of the Philippine
government.
Colin is a cheerful grade 3 student who loves Science, Mathematics and English however
has a hard time in the Mother Tongue subject but with his determination and perseverance
he was able to cope up. He finished his elementary level with the highest honor in his class
and was able to pass the qualifying exam for the special science class. He usually spent his
free time in the science park fronting the laboratory building surfing the net and reading
research articles posted online with fast Wi-Fi connection of his school.He took up Chemical
Engineering at the University of the Philippines enjoying a full scholarship grant by the
Commission on Higher Education .After graduation he taught in the same university and was
paid to do peer mentoring aside from his basic salary. While working as a peer mentor and
a professor he was also working on a drug on cancer. The government funded his research
and he was later sent to Singapore to further his study and work alongside with other
competent drug-producing companies. He had work in other countries such as Thailand,
Malaysia, Australia and back to Singapore. With his outstanding performance he was making
a name of his own and was considered as one of the best scientist in Asia. The Philippine
government persuaded Colin to come home and serve his countrymen by giving him a very
good compensation package. He had stayed in Los Baños and continued to create world
class but affordable medication for cancer. He built a Science High School in a remote area
in Los Baños where he served as the Principal. Now as a retiree, he enjoys his retirement
days managing his organic farm.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
III. Essay
Do you find the contributions of the Filipino scientists significant? Support your answer.
(Refer to the Rubrics for Essay found on the last page of this module)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________