Major S&T Policies in the Philippines

Early Years of the Republic: Laying the Groundwork (Third Republic, 1946-1972)

After World War II and gaining independence, the Philippine government focused mainly on rehabilitation and economic recovery, with science and technology (S&T) not being a top priority due to scarce resources. The scientific community was small, primarily based in universities like the University of the Philippines, conducting academic research that wasn't strongly tied to industrial or national development. There was a lack of significant government funding for research and development (R&D) and inadequate infrastructure for scientific work. Despite these challenges, foundational steps were taken, such as the continued work of the Institute of Science and Technology, and there was growing recognition among some policymakers and scientists that S&T was crucial for modernization. 

Early Institutions:

• Institute of Science and Technology (later became the National Institute of Science and Technology or NIST).

• Various research bureaus under government departments, focusing on areas like agriculture, health, and mining.

Challenges:

• Limited budget allocation for S&T.

• Shortage of trained scientists, engineers, and technicians.

• Lack of a coherent national S&T plan.

• Weak connection between research institutions and industry.

• Brain drain – Filipino scientists seeking better opportunities abroad.

The Martial Law Era: Centralization and Increased Focus (1972-1986)

The declaration of Martial Law in 1972 by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. brought a centralized and deliberate effort to boost science and technology (S&T) development in the Philippines. While politically controversial, this period saw a significant restructuring of the government's approach to national development, with S&T playing a more prominent role.

A key change was the elevation of the National Science Development Board (NSDB). Established in 1958 to coordinate and promote scientific and technological research and development, the NSDB saw an increased mandate and budget during Martial Law. This reflected a clear policy shift: S&T was now recognized as a vital tool for national progress. The government sought to directly link S&T to national development goals, particularly in agriculture, industry, and energy. This meant prioritizing research that could lead to practical applications and innovations within the Philippines, alongside efforts to expand research institutions and improve infrastructure.

Key Initiatives and Policies:

• Increased (though still relatively modest) budget for S&T.

• Creation of specialized research councils under NSDB focusing on areas like agriculture, industry, energy, and health.

• Establishment of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in 1972.

• Establishment of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) which included research aspects in energy.

• Focus on developing local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technology.

Impact:

• Improved coordination among government S&T agencies.

• Greater awareness of the role of S&T in national development.

• Some notable research outputs, particularly in agriculture (e.g., development of high-yielding rice varieties) and health.

• However, challenges like insufficient funding compared to developed nations and the brain drain persisted. The benefits of S&T development did not always reach the grassroots level effectively.

Post-EDSA Revolution: Democratization and Reorganization (Fifth Republic, 1986-Present)

The EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 marked a turning point for Philippine science and technology (S&T). With the restoration of democratic institutions, the government's approach to S&T underwent significant changes.

The most notable development was the transformation of the National Science Development Board (NSDB) into the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1987, through Executive Order No. 128. This elevation signaled a stronger political commitment to S&T, granting DOST a broader mandate to lead and coordinate S&T efforts nationwide.

Further solidifying this commitment, the "Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act" (Republic Act No. 7459) was passed in 1992, aiming to encourage Filipino inventors and scientists and promote their innovations. This law, along with subsequent legislation in areas like biotechnology, renewable energy, and intellectual property, formed the foundation of modern Philippine S&T policies.

During this period, known as the Fifth Republic, there was a shift towards a more strategic approach to S&T. The focus expanded to include applied research, technology transfer, and the commercialization of research outputs, aligning S&T with global trends and national development plans to generate economic benefits for the country.

Key Shifts and Focus Areas:

• Increased focus on specific priority sectors (e.g., food and agriculture, health and nutrition, IT and electronics, materials science, disaster risk reduction).

• Strengthening of regional S&T capacities.

• Programs to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through technology adoption.

• Promotion of science education in the Philippines from basic to tertiary levels, including scholarship programs.

• Emphasis on international cooperation in S&T.

• Development of a national innovation system.

• Increased (though still often fluctuating and considered insufficient) budget for Philippine research and development (R&D).