Module 3
Module 3
MODULE NO. 3
This module will look at the role of science and technology in the evolution of Philippine society. It identifies
government programs, projects, and policies aimed at highlighting the country's scientific and technological
capabilities. This will also include discussions on indigenous science and technology in Pangasinan (Ibaloi –
San Nicolas, Kankanaey – Umingan, Badjao).
The Philippine government initiated and implemented several programs, projects, and policies to advance
science and technology. The goal is to prepare the entire country and its people to meet the demands of a
technologically driven world, as well as to equip the people to live in a scientifically driven world.
SCIENTIST AS ADVOCATES
• Scientists and technologists are essential in a developing world. They are one of the key players in a
country's quest for industrialization. They are the lifeblood of research, innovation and have important
roles in the industry and the manufacturing sector. Together with their roles in nation-building, scientists,
too, have a responsibility to advocate for the betterment of S&T in their countries.
• For the Philippines, to halt the vicious cycle of technological backwardness and poverty, it is important
that scientists and technologists themselves be aware of the sad plight of S&T in the country and to
advocate for its improvement.
The Philippines Science & Technology Agenda is one of the key players in a country's quest for
industrialization. They are the lifeblood of research, innovation and have important roles in the industry and the
manufacturing sector.
• Innovation Culture
➢ The recent success we have with the saltwater lamp, the salamander tricycle and the Diwata 1
microsatellite is a good start but only indicates that we have a long way to go before we create an
innovation culture.
➢ Innovation can only happen with enough scientists and technologists to develop an “innovation
ecosystem.”
• The Department of Science and Technology, through the Office of the Secretary (DOST-OSEC), supervises
the Department, Attached Agencies, Councils and Institutes in the exercise of the mandate and discharge
of their powers and functions; Advises the President on matters pertaining to science & technology;
Establishes policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to approved programs of
the government; Promulgates rules and regulation necessary to carry out S&T objectives, policies,
functions, plans, programs and projects; Chairs the S&T Governing Councils and the Philippine Science
High School Board of Trustees.
• DOST is responsible for formulating and adopting a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan
for the Philippines, and to subsequently monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation.
• The DOST undertakes policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical studies and
maintains a national information system and databank on science and technology.
• DOST has three (3) councils (Sectoral Planning Council) - responsible for formulating policies, plans,
programs, projects and strategies for S&T development; programming and allocating funds; monitoring of
research and development projects; and generating external funds:
1. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD) - formulate policies, plans, programs, projects, and strategies for Science and Technology
(S&T) development in the agriculture, forestry, aquatic and natural resources sectors; Program and
allocate government and external funds generated for R&D efforts in the agriculture, forestry, marine
and natural resources sectors; Monitor R&D projects; and Generate external funds for its R&D activities.
2. Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) - leads, directs and coordinates
S & T activities in the health sciences so as to improve the health and nutritional status of every Filipino.
3. Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development
(PCIEERD) - responsible for formulating strategies, policies, plans, programs and projects for advanced
S&T, industry and energy sector. It develops and implements programs for the optimal utilization,
transfer, and commercialization of technologies and other research outputs.
The Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development provides assistance to the DOST Secretary
in the (a) supervision of the 7 DOST Research and Development Institutes, namely:
1. Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) - conducts scientific research and development
in the advanced fields of studies such as Microelectronics and Information Technology.
2. Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) - conducts research defining the citizenry’s nutritional
status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects, and identifies
alternative solutions; develops and recommends policy options, strategies, programs and projects,
which address the malnutrition problem for implementation by the appropriate agencies; and
disseminates research findings and recommendations to the relevant end-users.
3. Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) - conducts applied Research and
Development (R & D) on wood and non-wood forest products to generate information and technology
which can improve the utility value of wood and other forest products; transfers technologies; and,
provides technical services and training.
4. Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) - undertakes applied research to develop
technologies and technological innovations in the fields of industrial manufacturing, mineral processing
and energy; undertakes the transfer of research results directly to end-users or preferably via linkage
units of other government agencies; undertakes technical services such as, but not limited to,
standards, analytical and calibrations services mandated by law or as needed by the industry; conducts
training and provides technical advisory and consultancy services to industry clientele and end-users.
5. Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) - provides both government and
private sectors in the metals and engineering industry with professional management and technical
expertise on training of engineers and technicians, information exchange, trade accreditation services,
quality control and testing of metal products, research and development and business economics
advisory services.
6. Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) - conducts research and development on the
application of radioisotopes and nuclear energy; undertakes transfer of research results to end-users;
operates and maintains nuclear research reactors and other radiation facilities; licenses and regulates
nuclear and radioactive substances.
7. Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) - conducts applied research and development of the
textile industry; undertakes the transfer of completed researches to end-users of via linkage units of
other government agencies; and undertakes technical services and provides training services.
• It also supervises the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI). (b) Review/Formulation of
R&D policies and procedures; (c) expansion/initiation of agreements for S&T cooperation; (d) management
of DOST R&D funds; (e) management of bilateral and multilateral linkages. It also supervises the Special
Projects Division.
• The six (6) agencies (Scientific and Technological Services) - rendering science and technology-related
services are:
1. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) -
provides protection against natural calamities and utilizes scientific knowledge as an effective
instrument to ensure the safety, well-being and economic security of all the peoples.
2. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) - predicts the occurrence of
volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and their geotectonic phenomena; determines how eruptions and
earthquakes occur and the areas likely to be affected; exploits the positive aspects of volcanoes and
volcanic terrain in furtherance of the socio-economic development efforts of the government; generates
sufficient data for forecasting of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes; formulates appropriate disaster
preparedness plans; and mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection,
forecast and warning systems.
3. Philippine Science High School (PSHSS) - offers on a free scholarship basis a secondary course
with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences with the end in view of preparing its
students for a science career.
4. Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) - establishes and develops science and
technology databank and library, disseminates science and technology information, and undertakes
trainings on information of science and technology.
5. Science Education Institute (SEI) - accomplishes the task of administering scholarships, awards and
grants in Science & Technology (S & T), and formulating plans for the promotion, development and
improvement of S & T education and training in order to develop a critical mass of highly trained S & T
manpower.
6. Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) - serves as the implementing arm of the
DOST in promoting the commercialization of technologies and in marketing the services of the other
operating units of the Department.
• Two (2) bodies (Collegial and Scientific Bodies) - pursue mandated functions of assistance, recognition,
advisory and establishment of international linkages.
1. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) - provides meaningful incentives to those
engaged in scientific and technological research, as well as gives recognition to outstanding
achievements in technology and the sciences; advises the President, Cabinet and Congress on matters
related to S & T; and embarks on programs traditionally and internationally expected of a national
academy of science.
2. National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) - promotes and supports fundamental or basic
research for the continuing improvement of the research capability of individual or group scientists;
fosters linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced cooperation in the
development and sharing of scientific information; provides advice on problems and issues of national
interest; and promotes scientific and technological culture to all sectors of society.
• The DOST has sixteen (16) Regional Offices (ROs). Each Regional Office is headed by a Regional
Director who is under the supervision of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations. It implements laws,
rules, regulations, policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department; provides efficient S&T services
to the people in the regions; and coordinates with other government agencies and local government units
on S&T matters.
• The DOST also has eighty (80) Provincial S&T Centers (PSTCs) manned by PSTC Officers.
• S4CP focuses on Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of R&D Institutions and Industrial
Competitiveness which is composed of four (4) programs namely:
1. Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program
2. R&D Leadership (RDLead) Program
3. Collaborative R&D to Leverage PH Economy (CRADLE) for RDIs and Industry Program,
4. Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program.
NICER PROGRAM:
RDLEAD PROGRAM:
• The R&D Leadership Program complements the establishment of R&D Centers thru the NICER
Program. RDLead provides the mechanism to bring in experts and highly skilled professionals with
strong leadership, management and innovative policy-making proficiencies to be in charge of
strengthening the research capabilities of the HEIs, National Government Agencies (NGAs) and
Research Development Institutions (RDIs) in the regions.
• Together, the RDLead and NICER Programs will capacitate HEIs to help improve and hasten the use
of research results that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the country and help
address pressing challenges.
• The NRCP is the implementing agency for this programme.
CRADLE PROGRAM:
BIST PROGRAM:
• The Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program aims to level-up the innovation
capacity of the Philippine Industrial Sector through R&D by helping private companies and industries
acquire novel and strategic technologies, such as state-of-the-art equipment and machinery,
technology licenses and patent rights among others.
• The program will cover up to 70% of the total eligible cost of the needed technology at zero percent
interest.
The Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) is divided into five (5) sectors. It
is aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040, and is founded on the three pillars of Malasakit, Pagbabago and
Kaunlaran
• It is designed to overcome the challenges brought by the Philippines' current political system, which is
bound to the limits of the country's six-year presidential terms.
• AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the three pillars form the foundation for more inclusive growth, a high-trust and
resilient society and a globally competitive knowledge economy.
• The PDP 2023-2028 is a plan for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and
accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.
• This growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos,
and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.
• The PDP 2023-2028 was earlier approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
Board, which is headed by the President, on December 16, 2022,
• President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. believes that science plays a large part when it comes to the
new solutions in the new normal.
• Marcos launched a 10-point agenda as part of his vision to further boost economic growth and rejuvenate
the country's prosperity in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. National Reopening
2. Public-Private Partnership
3. Infrastructure Development
4. Fiscal Discipline
5. Transparent & Efficient Governance
6. Digital Philippines
7. Energy Security
8. Future-ready Filipinos (Education)
9. Affordable Healthcare
10. Food for All
In health:
To provide medical assistance to more people, in August 2023, Marcos signed a law establishing specialty
centers in government hospitals in every region.
In agriculture:
In November 2022, Marcos expanded the Kadiwa Project launched by the Duterte administration, which aims
to offer fresh local produces to local markets and other key areas in lower prices and creates a direct farm-to-
market approach of goods and services.
The programs are located in various areas throughout the country and temporarily occupies various facilities
owned by local governments. The move is also aimed to be expanded permanently to accommodate more
consumers affected by inflation.
In education:
The Department of Education in August 2023 launched the "Matatag curriculum", a new "less congested"
curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10.
The new curriculum reduced the learning areas for students from seven to five and removed Mother Tongue as
a separate subject; it also emphasized a "Makabansa" learning area to instill Filipino identity
and nationalism among students.
The Philippine Scientific Education Program is a national initiative aimed at improving science education in the
Philippines.
In the field of science education, several science-related programs and projects were created to develop
scientific literacy. These include:
• Special science classes
• Special science elementary schools
• Philippine Science High School System
• STEM track of the K-12 educational system
PICARI project - Offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum
• The goal of science education in the Philippines is to produce scientifically literate individuals who can apply
scientific knowledge to solve community problems and make informed decisions.
• The establishment of science schools encourage students to pursue their career in science and technology
and to nurture their gifted potentials.
Indigenous science
• It is a product of indigenous knowledge perfected by people through life experiences.
• It is the use of science process skills guided by community culture and values composed of
traditional/indigenous knowledge.
• Indigenous science practices in the Philippines include sustainable farming techniques like
intercropping, seed-saving, and crop variety preservation without chemical inputs, as documented
among the Matigsalog and Ata tribes.
Indigenous knowledge
• It is one that is embedded in the cultural traditions of regional, indigenous, or local communities.
• This knowledge system is passed on orally and is evident in their stories, poems, and songs.
• Note that this type of knowledge also includes superstitious beliefs and practices which may be a
product of human imagination.
Indigenous technologies
• These are processes or products resulting from studying indigenous science.
• It is designed and fabricated based on the culture, tradition and needs of people and which is adopted
for use in the environment of those people
• Indigenous peoples' traditional livelihood practices such as hunting, fishing, gathering, shifting
cultivation, pastoralism, and high mountain agriculture continue to define their culture, identity and
wellbeing in addition to providing them food security.
Indigenous beliefs
• The belief Indigenous people have a strong connection to nature and have worship practices that bring
the community together.
• They usually do not have any formal teachings but seek to live in harmony with nature.
Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills and guided by
community values and culture.
colors. The skirt or tapis is a combination of stripes of black, white and red. Hard dialect women dress
is composed of mainly red and black with a little white styles, as for the skirt or tapis which is mostly
called bakget and gateng. The men wore a g-string known as a wanes for the Kanakaney's of Besao
and Sagada. The design of the wanes may vary according to social status or municipality.
• Kankanaey's major dances include tayaw, pattong, takik, a wedding dance, and balangbang. The tayaw
is a community dance that is usually done in weddings it maybe also danced by the Ibaloi but has a
different style. Pattong, also a community dance from Mountain Province which every municipality has
its own style. Balangbang is the modernized word for the word Pattong. There are also some other
dances like the sakkuting, pinanyuan (wedding dance) and bogi-bogi (courtship dance). Kankanaey
houses are built like the other Igorot houses, which reflect their social status.
• The Kankanaey are some of the best vegetable growers in the Philippines. They are innovative in the
fields and they practice proven technology like irrigation and the construction of rice terraces. Most of
their income comes from tilling the fields.
• The are also Kankanaey in the municipalities of Infanta, Dasol, Mabini, Sual, Labrador, Aguilar,
Pozorrubio, Sison, Umingan, and San Manuel.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The Badjao
• The largest sea tribe are the Badjao people, with an estimated population of 400,000. They are
Indigenous to The Philippines and have lived there since at least 500AD. Badjao are a fisher-folk who
have been using sustainable fishing methods for over 1500 years.
• The Badjao / Bajau tribe is an indigenous population whose culture and livelihood are tied to the sea.
Also widely known as the “Sea Gypsies” of the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the Badjao are scattered along
the coastal areas of Tawi Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, and some coastal areas of Zamboanga City.
• The Badjao are an indigenous group in the Philippines, known as sea nomads.
REFERENCES
• Serafica, JPJ, Pawilen, GT, Caslib, Jr., BN, Alata, EJP (2018) Science, Technology, and Society. pp 21-48. Quezon
City: Rex Book Store, Inc.
• Quinto, Edward Jay M. and Nieva, Aileen D. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society. pp 59-60. Quezon City: C&E
Publishing.
• https://www.dost.gov.ph/