Philippine Science and Technology Advancements

• New National Scientists were named in 2014.

National Scientists of 2014

• Gavino C. Trono (Marine Biology)
• Angel C. Alcala (Biological Science)
• Ramon C. Barba (Horticulture)
• Edgardo D. Gomez (Marine Biology)

Rodrigo Duterte's Administration and S&T

• The Science and Technology sector was prioritized, with a research and development budget that grew almost sixfold.
• The DOST was directed to focus on transitioning R&D results into commercial products to create new intellectual properties.
• The Philippine Space Technology Program launched Diwata-2 in 2018, following Diwata-1's launch in 2016.

Science and Technology in the Philippines and the Environment

• S&T has greatly benefited society, especially in agriculture and food production.
• Mechanized farming: Tools like pumps and sprinklers help manage the effects of heat from climate change.
• Genetically Modified Crops: Grow faster and are pest-resistant.
• Fertilizers: Increase soil nutrients, boosting crop growth and yields.
• Technologies can negatively affect the environment.
• Some research suggests that pesticides contain chemicals not good for the environment.
• Long-term environmental effects of GM crops are not fully understood due to limited research.
• S&T has improved transportation and communication, but it also contributes to resource depletion.
• Production and manufacturing advancements lead to natural resource depletion and increase waste, causing air, land, and water pollution.

Corazon Aquino's Administration and S&T

• NSTA was renamed DOST in 1986
• The renaming was for S&T to be represented in the cabinet.
• The DOST's Science and Technology Master Plan aimed to update the production sector, enhance research, and develop S&T infrastructure.

Fidel V. Ramos' Administration and S&T

• The Philippines had about 3000 scientists and engineers
• The Doctors to the Barrio program improved healthcare access in remote areas.
• A National Program for Gifted Filipino Children was created to support high school students pursuing science and engineering degrees.
• Several science and technology laws were enacted:
  • R.A. 8439 (Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S&T Personnel in Government)
  • R.A. 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994)
  • R.A. 7559 (Inventors and Inventions Incentive Act)
  • R.A. 8293 (The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines)

Joseph Ejercito Estrada's Administration and S&T

• R.A. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) and R.A. 8792 (Electronic Commerce Act of 2000) were signed into law.
• Efforts were made to implement cost-effective irrigation and healthcare for the poor.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Administration and S&T

• "Filipinnovation" was coined to promote the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia.
• R.A. 9367 (Biofuels Act) intended to use local materials for energy but struggled due to technology limitations.
• R.A. 10601 (Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law) was enacted to modernize agricultural and fisheries equipment.

Science and Technology Under American Rule

• Development focused on agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, food processing, and forestry.
• In 1946, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science.

Ferdinand E. Marcos' Administration and S&T

• Science and technology's role in national development was emphasized.
• The Department of Education and Culture (now DepEd) was tasked to promote science courses in public high schools.
• Research projects in applied sciences and science received additional funding.
• In 1968, Taguig became the Philippine Science Community.
• The Philippine Coconut Institute (PHILCORIN) was created to modernize the coconut industry.
• Several institutions were established, including:
  • Philippine Textile Research Center
  • Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (later Philippine Nuclear Institute)
  • National Grains Authority (later National Food Authority)
  • Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (later PCAARRD)
  • PAGASA
  • Philippine National Oil Company
  • Plant Breeding Institute
  • International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
  • Bureau of Plant Industry
  • Bureau of Forest Products
  • National Committee on Geological Sciences
• The National Science Development Board was reorganized as the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA).
• The National Academy of Science (NAST) was established in 1976.

Pre-Colonial S&T

• Science and technology had their beginnings in the pre-colonial Philippines.
• Herbal medicine was used to treat illnesses.
• Filipinos used writing, numerical systems, measurement, and calendars for trade.
• Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving were developed.

Spanish Colonial S&T

• Science and technology developed through schools and scientific organizations.
• Schools taught religion, reading, writing, music, arts, health, and sanitation.
• Medicine and biology were taught in educational institutions.
• Natives were trained in innovative farming and engineering for construction.
• Western scientific principles influenced development, but it was limited.
• Trade was prioritized over agriculture and industrial development for profit.

American Period S&T

• Institutions for science and technology were reorganized.
• Laboratorio Municipal became the Bureau of Government Laboratories.
• The Bureau of Government Laboratories studied tropical diseases and conducted research and it eventually became the Bureau of Science.
• In 1933, the National Research Council of the Philippines was established.