STS-Module-2.docx
- 1. MODULE 2 – GENERAL CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS Lesson 2: Government Laws, Policies, Plans and Projects Pertaining to Science and Technology Learning Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to: 1. identify government laws, policies, plans and projects pertaining to science and technology 2. have a glimpse of the status of science and technology and plans for its development under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte 3. appraise their contribution to the development of science and technology in the country. Introduction The role that science and technology has played in improving the life and conditions of people in the world is vivid. Because the Philippines is a developing country, the status of science and technology in our country is still below par when compared with countries like Japan and USA. There is a great need therefore to enact more laws and strengthen existing ones to improve science and technology including research and development in the country. Science and Technology Environment From 1986 to 2016 President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino highlighted the importance of science and technology in achieving economic progress. She helped establish the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which formulated the Science and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000. At that time, the Philippines aimed to be a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) Succeeding presidents have had their fair share of policies geared towards improving the sector. President Fidel V. Ramos introduced laws on inventors' incentives and science and technology scholarships while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. adopted policies focusing on a national innovation system and promoted technological entrepreneurship under the Medium-Term Development Plan 2004-2010. The most recent National Science and Technology Plan 2002-2020 is largely focused on building technological self-reliance. Meanwhile, the Harmonized Agenda for science and technology presented to President Benigno Aquino in 2014 highlighted two critical issues: inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction. Critical technologies to address these issues have been developed and this include LiDAR processing, remote sensing and microsatellites (DIWATA-1). Government Policies and Laws Pertaining to Science and Technology To improve and strengthen science and technology including research development, it is necessary that government enact laws. Several laws have been enacted by Congress since 1958 to present. They are as follows: • R.A. 2067 - "Science Act of 1958”- An Act To Integrate, Coordinate and Intensify Scientific and Technological Research and Development and lo Foster Invention To Provide Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes • R.A. 3589 - An Act Amending RA 2067 Modifying the National Science Development Board, National Institute of Science and Technology, and the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, Extending Tax Exemption, Privileges and Grants, Requests and Donations for Scientific Purposes to Private Educational • R.A. 5207 – An Act Providing for the Licensing and Regulation of Atomic Energy Facilities and Materials, Establishing the Rules of Liability for Nuclear Damage and for Other Purposes. This Act was approved June 15, 1968 to encourage, promote, and assist the development and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes as a means to improve the health and prosperity of the inhabitants of the Philippines and to contribute and accelerate scientific, technological, agricultural, commercial, and industrial progress. • Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 established the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA). Its function was to provide environmental protection and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the people. • Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973 created the Philippine National Oil Company to promote industrial and economic development through effective and efficient use of energy resources. • RA. 8749 - The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was enacted by Congress on June 23, 1999 to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable development of its natural resources.
- 2. • RA. 8792 - An Act Providing for the Recognition and Use of Electronic Commercial and Non-Commercial Transactions and Documents, Penalties for Unlawful Use Thereof and For Other Purposes passed in June 15, 2000. This Act aims to facilitate domestic and international dealings, transactions, assignment, agreements, contracts and exchanges and storage of information through the utilization of electronic, optical and similar medium mode, instrumentality and technology to recognize the width and reliability of electronic documents related to such activities and to promote the universal use of electronic transactions in the government and the general public. • R.A. 9367 - "Biofuels Act of 2006" - An Act to Direct the Use of Biofuels, Establishing for this Purpose the Biofuel Program, Appropriating Funds Therefore, And For Other Purposes. This Act was enacted by Congress on June 12, 2007 to develop and utilize indigenous andsustainable sources, clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil. • R.A. 9513 - "The Renewable Act of 2008” was passed by Congress to accelerate the development of the country's renewable energy resources by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private investors and equipment manufacturers/fabricators/suppliers. • R.A. 10175 - Philippine Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 passed September 12, 2012. An Act Defining Cybercrime, Providing for the Prevention, Investigation, Suppression and the Imposition of Penalties Therefore and For Other Purposes. • R.A. 10612 – An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program and Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools and For Other Purposes. This Act shall be known as the Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2018. It shall strengthen the country's Science and Technology education by in secondary schools throughout the country. Towards this end, scholarships shall be provided to finance the education of talented and deserving students in the third year of college and pursuing a degree or training in the areas of science and technology and to provide incentives for them to pursue a career in teaching in high schools in their home regions. R.A. 10844 - An Act Creating the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) which was signed into law on May 23, 2016. In accordance with the law, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall be the primary policy planning, coordination, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda. Major Science and Technology Development Plans • Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP). This plan was submitted to the President in March 1989 by the presidential task force composed of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), as well as the presidential adviser on public resources and three academic institutions directly involved in S & T. The development of fifteen (15) leading edges to steer the country toward industrial development were: (1) aquaculture and (2) marine fisheries, (3) forestry and (4) natural resources, (5) process industry, (6) food and (7) feed industry, (8) energy, (9) transportation, (10) construction industry, (11) information technology, (12) electronics, (13) instrumentation and control, (14) emerging technologies, (15) pharmaceuticals. To attain the objectives set in the STMP the following strategies were pursued: modernize the production sectors through massive technology transfer from domestic and foreign sources; upgrade the R & D capability through intensified activities in high priority sector and S&T infrastructure development such as manpower development; and develop information networks, institutional building and S&T culture development. • Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) Philippines 2000. This plan was initiated during the term of President Ramos and it embodied the country's technology development plan in the medium term, in particular, for the period 1993-1998. The STAND identified seven export winners, 11 domestic needs, three other supporting industries, and coconut industry as priority investment area. The seven identified export winners were computer software; fashion accessories; gifts, toys, and houseware; marine products; metal fabrications; furniture; and dried fruits. The domestic needs included food, housing,
- 3. health, clothing, transportation, communication, disaster mitigation, defense, environment, manpower development and energy. Because of their linkages with the above sectors, three additional support industries were included in the list of priority sectors, namely: packaging, chemicals, and metals. Lastly, because of its strategic importance, the coconut industry was included in the list. • National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP 2002-2020). The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with the mandate of formulating S&T policies, programs, and projects in support of national development priorities has remained, driven by these guiding visions stated in the NSTP mainly: By 2004, S&T shall have contributed significantly to the enhancement of national productivity and competitiveness and to the solution of pressing problems. By 2010, the Philippines shall have earned niches and become a world class knowledge provider and user in selected science and technology areas, and shall have developed a vibrant S&T culture. By 2020, the Philippines shall have developed a wide range of globally competitive products and services which have a high technological content. The 12 priority areas for S&T development are: a) Agriculture, forestry & natural resources; b) Health and medical services; c) Biotechnology; d) Information and Communication Technology e) Microelectronics; f) Materials, science and engineering; g) Earth and marine services; h) Fisheries and aquaculture; i) Environment; j) Natural disaster mitigation; k) Energy; and l) Manufacturing and service engineering Status of Science and Technology and Plans for Development under President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte The Duterte administration reassured its commitment to science, technology and innovation sector. This was established in the increase in the budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In a speech of President Duterte delivered by Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno during the opening of the National Science and Technology Week 2017, he stated that the budget of DOST has quadrupled in the last seven years "from P50 billion in 2010 to P208 billion in 2017. The budget for research and development grew by nearly 6X over the same period of time from P1 billion in 2009 to P5.8 billion in 2017. This was disclosed in his speech during the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on July 11, 2017. In the 10-point economic agenda, the promotion of science, technology and creative arts was included to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards selfsustaining inclusive development. S&T must create an avenue for development in various sectors, such as in the economy. DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena identified the focus of the Department as technology transfer and commercialization thus ten percent of its overall budget was allocated for technology transfer. This resulted to generation of 1000 new intellectual properties that can be adopted in just one year. Major accomplishments of the Duterte administration are: • Entry into the frontiers of space through its support to the Philippine Space Technology Program. DIWATA- 1 satellites which was launched in 2016 was made by Filipino scientists who were trained in Japan. The DIWATA-2 which will be launched in 2018 has improved the capabilities to better monitor the country. This was made by another batch of Filipino scientists. These 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.
- 4. • Republic Act 11035 “An Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program" was signed into law by the President on June 15, 2018. This law would give more incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers who would share their expertise in the country. • On telecommunication, Department of Information and Communication Technology, National Telecommunication Commission and telecommunication companies have agreed to standardize voice call charges to P2.50. • On weather, 271 new weather stations were installed by the Department of Science and Technology throughout the country. The Zamboanga Doppler Weather Radar System was also installed. Activity 1 Write your personal reaction to the major accomplishments of the Duterte administration on its plan for development. Write your answer on a 1 whole sheet of paper. Activity 2 1. Prepare a listing with brief explanation of government policies in relation to the development and functions of science and technology. 2. Form group of four (4) members and do an interview with an official whether government or private who is working in an office directly related to science and technology agenda. Follow these steps: a) Choose the interviewee and submit his/her name, position, office. b) Prepare about 5-8 questions and submit to your teacher with the date and place of interview. c) Do the interview as scheduled. d) Submit as scheduled.