Science, Technology, and Nation-Building

• Module 1: General Concepts and STS Historical Developments. Lesson 3: Science, Technology, and Nation-Building

Definition of Nation

• A nation once meant a collection of people sharing history, traditions, culture, ethnicity, religion, and language.
• Modern technologies have changed the definition of nation to mean a land with a single government.
• This evolving understanding leads to the concept of Nation Building.

Definition of Nation Building

• Nation-building unites people from different origins, histories, languages, cultures, and faiths within a state.
• It establishes a national identity using the state's authority.
• Nation-building involves constructing infrastructure like sewer systems and roads.
• It includes the advancement of education and employment opportunities.
• Active civil society participation and democratic institutions promoting welfare are crucial.

Historical Background of Science, Technology and Nation Building in the Philippines

• Early inhabitants of the archipelago had distinct cultures and traditions.
• Indigenous knowledge and belief systems were important.
• These systems sustained the lives and communities of the early Filipinos for centuries.
• Women enjoyed equal status with men in the Pre-Spanish Philippines
• There was a high literacy rate.
• Foreign relations were smoother in the Pre-Spanish Philippines

Science and Technology in the Pre-Spanish Philippines

• Medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses, along with methods of herbal medicine extraction, were known.
• The pre-colonial Filipinos possessed an alphabet, number system, a weighing and measuring system, and a calendar.
• They engaged in farming, shipbuilding, mining, and weaving.
• Prediction of seasons and climate was done through interpreting the movement of heavenly bodies.
• The Banaue Rice Terraces exemplify sophisticated engineering from the pre-Spanish era.

Spanish Era

• The Spanish brought their own culture and customs.
• Schools were established, introducing new subjects and disciplines.
• Scientific learning in schools focused on understanding the human body, plants, animals, and bodies.
• Technology during this time emphasized the usage and development of domestic tools.

Life During the Spanish Era

• Life was modernized by the Spaniards
• Filipinos used indigenous resources to reproduce the technologies that the Spaniards provided.
• Formal colleges and universities were established, including the introduction of medicine and advanced science.
• The Galleon Trade made Manila a major world port for trade between China and Europe.
• Superstitious beliefs and Catholic doctrines slowed down scientific progress.

American Period

• Development of Science and Technology was emphasized.
• The public education system was introduced, with natural science and sanitation as focal points in primary school science education.
• Filipinos were taught the importance of cleanliness and healthy habits.
• Hospitals, clinics, and health centers were constructed.
• Mineral resources were explored and mined.
• Filipinos learned American music, values and but not Filipino valor.

World War II Aftermath

• The Philippines experienced immense death and physical destruction by the end of the war.
• The nation faced a challenging reconstruction period.
• The Philippines gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.
• June 12 was declared Philippine Independence Day.
• The U.S. continued to exert control through the Central Intelligence Agency.

Philippine's New Republic

• The Science Act of 1958 was enacted to enhance scientific and technological research, development, and invention.
• The Philippine Science High School, a research-oriented public high school, was established in 1964.
• The Marcos Administration amended the 1973 Constitution to promote scientific research and invention.
• PAG-ASA was established to implement scientific knowledge for public safety.
• The Aquino Administration replaced the National Science and Technology Authority with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
• DOST gave science and technology a cabinet seat in the government.
• The Ramos Administration enacted Republic Act No. 8439 in 1997.
• Republic Act No. 8439 is entitled "Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel"
• Incentives and rewards were provided to people influential in science and technology through Law 8439.
• President Joseph Estrada pushed the Internet age for schools and industries
• Science and technology reached its golden age under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Government Policies on Science and Technology

• The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) enlisted National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) help for the ASEAN 2015 Agenda.
• The NRCP consulted different sectors for the Philippines.
• Advised how best to prepare for the ASEAN 2015 goals.
• The policies were grouped into four categories:
• Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
• Physics, Engineering, and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
• Medical, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry