Philippines S&T Environment 1986-2016

• Science and technology improves lives globally, but the Philippines lags behind nations like Japan and the USA.
• There is a need to strengthen existing S&T laws and enact new ones.

Science and Technology Environment from 1986 to 2016

• Corazon Aquino emphasized S&T's role in economic progress.
• Aquino established the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
• DOST created the Science and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000 for the Philippines to become a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC).
• Fidel Ramos introduced incentives for inventors and S&T scholarships.
• Gloria Macapagal Arroyo adopted policies focused on a national innovation system, promoting technological entrepreneurship under the Medium-Term Development Plan 2004-2010.
• The National Science and Technology Plan 2002-2020 focused on building technological self-reliance.
• In 2014, the Harmonized Agenda for science and technology was presented to President Benigno Aquino
• The agenda highlighted inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction.
• Critical technologies developed address these issues, like LIDAR processing, remote sensing, and microsatellites (DIWATA-1).

Government Policies and Laws Pertaining to Science and Technology

• Several laws enacted by Congress since 1958 aim to improve science and technology, including research and development.
• RA 2067: The Science Act of 1958 integrates, coordinates, and intensifies scientific and technological research and development and fosters invention.
• RA 3589: It amends RA 2067 by modifying various science-related entities. It extends tax exemptions and other benefits for scientific purposes for private educational institutions, enacted June 22, 1963.
• RA 5207: It provides for the licensing and regulation of atomic energy facilities and materials, establishing rules for nuclear damage liability and was approved June 15, 1968.
• It promotes the development and utilization of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, improving inhabitants' health and contributing to scientific and technological progress.
• Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 established PAGASA to provide environmental protection and utilize scientific knowledge for safety.
• Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973 created the Philippine National Oil Company to promote industrial and economic development.
• RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, enacted June 23, 1999, protects the environment and ensures sustainable development.
• RA 8792: Known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, passed in June 15, 2000.
• It recognizes and uses electronic transactions and documents.
• RA 9367: The Biofuels Act of 2006 directs the use of biofuels and establishes the Biofuel Program, enacted June 12, 2007.
• The Biofuels Act aims to develop and utilize indigenous, sustainable, clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.
• RA 9513: The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 was passed to accelerate the development of renewable energy resources via incentives for private investors and equipment manufacturers/suppliers.
• RA 10175: The Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, passed September 12, 2012, defines cybercrime and provides for its prevention and suppression.
• RA 10612: expands the Science and Technology Scholarship Program and strengthens science and mathematics education.
• RA 10612 is also known as the Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2018.
• It aims to strengthen S&T education and provide scholarships for talented students pursuing S&T degrees to incentivize them to teach in high schools.
• RA 10844: An Act Creating the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), signed into law on May 23, 2016.
• DICT is the primary entity for planning, coordinating, and implementing the national ICT development agenda.

Major Science and Technology Development Plans

• The Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP) was submitted to the President in March 1989 from the presidential task force, including DOST, DA, DTI, DOTC.
• STMP's goal was steer the country toward industrial development through 15 leading edges.
• The 15 leading edges included: aquaculture, marine fisheries, forestry, natural resources, process industry, the food and feed industry, energy, transportation, construction industry, information technology, electronics, instrumentation and control, emerging technologies and pharmaceuticals.
• The strategies to attain the objectives set in the STMP pursue modernization, upgrade R&D, and develop information networks.
• The Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND Philippines 2000) was initiated in the term of President Ramos.
• STAND embodied the country's technology development plan for 1993-1998.
• STAND identified seven export winners: computer software, fashion accessories, gifts, toys, marine products, metal fabrications, furniture and dried fruits, as well as 11 domestic needs.
• The domestic needs identified were food, housing, health, clothing, transportation, communication, disaster mitigation, defense, environment, manpower development and energy.
• National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP 2002-2020) is formulated by the DOST.
• NSTP aimed for S&T to enhance national productivity and competitiveness by 2004.
• By 2010, the Philippines was intended to become a world class knowledge provider and user in selected S&T areas with a vibrant S&T culture.
• By 2020, the Philippines was intended to develop a wide range of globally competitive products and services with high a technological content.
• The 12 priority areas for S&T development are Agriculture, forestry & natural resources, health and medical services, biotechnology, Iinformation and Communication Technology, microelectronics, materials, science and engineering, earth and marine services, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, natural disaster mitigation, energy and Manufacturing and service engineering.

Status of Science and Technology and Plans for Development under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

• The Duterte administration increased the budget of the DOST, with the budget quadrupling from P50 billion in 2010 to P208 billion in 2017.
• Research and development grew nearly 6X from P1 billion in 2009 to P5.8 billion in 2017.
• In the 10-point economic agenda, the promotion of science, technology and creative arts was included to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining inclusive development.
• Fortunato de la Pena identified the focus of DOST as technology transfer and commercialization, allocating 10% of the budget to technology transfer, resulting in 1000 new intellectual properties.
• Major accomplishments of the Duterte administration include entry into space via the Philippine Space Technology Program.
• DIWATA-1 was launched in 2016 by Filipino scientists trained in Japan, and DIWATA-2, to be launched in 2018, has improved monitoring capabilities.
• Space technologies can also be utilized in other sectors, such as in agriculture and disaster preparedness
• A Memorandum of Agreement between Russia and the Philippines regarding the space program will soon materialize.
• Republic Act 11035 institutionalizes the Balik Scientist Program, incentivizing Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers to share their expertise in the country and was signed into law on June 15, 2018.
• The Department of Information and Communication Technology, National Telecommunication Commission and telecommunication companies agreed to standardize voice call charges to P2.50.
• 271 new weather stations were installed and the Zamboanga Doppler Weather Radar System was installed.