Module 5.

Science Education and Government Policies in the

Philippines
1. The Concept of Science Education

Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science.

Teaching science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach science.
This means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach
scientific concepts and processes effectively. Learning science, on the other hand,
includes both pedagogy and the most interesting aspect, which is helping students
understand and love science.

Understanding science implies developing and applying science-process

skills and using science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in
everyday life.

Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, John Dewey (2001)
stressed the importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students.
Accordingly, nature must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of
meaning through social activities and thinking. It is not surprising therefore that
science education is important. In fact, Marx (1994) opines that science is going to
be one of the most important school subjects in the future.

Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge

developed in this area that prepares citizens in scientifically and technologically
driven world. Science education provides skills and knowledge that are necessary
for a person to live in what Knight (1986) describes as the age of science and to
develop a citizenry that will meet the goals of science in the society (Tilghman,
2005). Developing a science culture is therefore an immense responsibility for
schools.
2. Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

In basic education, science education helps students learn important

concepts, and fact that are related to everyday life (Carale & Campo, 2003;
Meador, 2005; Worth & Grollman, 2003) including important skills such as
process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up
with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002). Science education also develops
positive attitude such as: the love for knowledge, passion for innovative things,
curiosity, to study about nature, and creativity (Lind, 1997). Science education will
develop a strong foundation for studying science and for considering science-
related careers in the future. This is an investment for the country to develop a
scientifically cultured and literate citizenry.

In tertiary education, science education deals with developing students’

understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works. This is done
through offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum.
Science education in the tertiary level also focuses on the preparation of science
teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in various science-related
fields, such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. The state
provides scholarships to encourage more students to pursue science courses.

1. Science Schools in the Philippines

One outstanding program for science education by the government is the

establishment of science schools in various parts of the country. There are also
several government programs implemented by the Department of Education and
few private schools for science and education.

3.1. Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)

This is a government program gifted for students in the Philippines. It is a

service institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose
mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with special
emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of preparing its
students for science career (Republic Act No. 3661). The school maintains a
dormitory for all its students.

Since its inception, the PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop
Filipino science scholars with scientific minds and passion for excellence. PSHSS
students have proven to be a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the
country. They have brought honor to the Philippines through their exemplary
achievements in various international competitions and research circles. When the
students and technology at various colleges and universities locally or abroad.

3.2. Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project

 The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance to
DepEd Order No. 73s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010.
The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and
technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to:

 Provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a

special curriculum that recognizes the multiple intelligence of the learners;
 Promote the development of lifelong learning skills; and
 Foster the holistic development of the learners.

The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade I with a longer time
compared to other subjects: 70 minutes for Grades I to III and 80 minutes for
Grades IV to VI. The curriculum also utilizes different instructional approaches
that address the learning styles and needs of the learners like the use of
investigatory projects.

3.3. Quezon City Regional Science High School

The school was established on September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named
Quezon City Science High School. It was turned into a regional science high
school for the National Capital Region in 1999. The school was a product of a
dream to establish a special a special science school for talented students in science
and mathematics. The focus of the curriculum is on science and technology. The
school still teaches the basic education courses prescribed by the Department of
Education (DepEd) for secondary education. However, there are additional
subjects in sciences and technology that students should take. The school envisions
to serve as a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students
to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity. The school is well-supported by the
local government unit and by the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). The
school is under the Department of Education.

3.4. Manila Science High School

The school was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High
School (MSHS). It is the first science high school in the Philippines. The
organization and curriculum of the schools puts more emphasis on science and
mathematics. MSHS aims to produce scientists with souls. In order to do this,
humanities courses and other electives are included in their curriculum. Students
are also encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. The school
administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test
(MSAT), for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in
science, aptitude test in mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem-
solving test in mathematics, and proficiency in English. The school prides itself
from producing outstanding alumni and for winning various national competitions.

3.5. Central Visayan Institute Foundation

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known

as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical ad
modern pedagogical theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning,
creativity, and productivity.

The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics
(RCTP) established in 1992, which organizes small international workshops to
foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and perspectives on outstanding
problems in physics and mathematics.

Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in
helping the public develop science literacy. This is important in the promotion and
development of science and technology in the country. Science education deals
with the development of people in science, which is the heart of science,
technology, and society.

The lesson focused on discussing the concept of science education and

introduced science education in the Philippines from basic education to tertiary
education. To promote science education, science schools were established to
develop gifted students in science and mathematics, such as the Philippine Science
High School System (PSHSS), Manila Science High School, Quezon City
Regional Science High School, and the Special Science Elementary Schools
Project. Science programs and projects were organized and developed to nurture
innovation in science in the country, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers
and research in science and technology.

4. Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo

Galilei, Newton, Faraday, Darwin and many other Western scientist. We rarely
hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in science classes. Lee-Chua (2000)
identified 10 outstand Filipino scientists who have made significant contributions
in Philippine science. These scientists are also famous abroad especially in
different disciplines like agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine
science, chemistry engineering, and biology.
Biographies of Notable Scientists and Technologies

Panday Pira (1488-1576)– The first Filipino cannon-maker to

emerge in the limelight of history.

Leon Ma. Guerrero (1853-1935) – Hailed as the Father of

Philippine Pharmacy, he ventured into the field of
industrial pharmacy, manufacturing such as
products of pepsin, peptone, pancreatin, yaka-diastase, and synthetic
oil of lemon. Some examples of Don Leon’s contributions are the
“Guerrero gunpowder” and his study, “Medical Plants.”

Anacleto Del Rosario Y Sales (1860-1895) –He was able to perfect a formula for
the purification of alcohol. He found a way by
which nipa wine acquired a color, smell, taste and
strength similar to the Spanish wine. He was the
first to prepare and use the active principles of
Chaulmoogra oil in the treatment of leprosy.
Another of his greatest laboratory achievement
was the study of a Philippine flower, the Ilang-
ilang, for which Don Anacleto first laid the
foundation for Philippine phytochemistry.

Agapito G. Flores – Worked on his project about artificial daylighting and came
up with the fluorescent lamp.

Gregorio Y. Zara (1902-1978) – He made more than 30 useful inventions. His

three most famous inventions are the videophone or television-
telephone, Alcohol-fueled Airplane Engine, and Solar Oven. He is a
renowned Filipino engineer and physicist.

Dr. Juan Salcedo – He launched the biggest and most unbelievable project in the
history of Medicine in the Philippines, called “Enriched Rice”.
Dr. Fe Del Mundo– She started her masters in pediatrics as a scholar at the
Harvard Medical Post Graduate School. She was assigned to help in the
building of a hospital for children in Manila. She was credited for
inventing the incubator for premature babies and a jaundice relieving
device. She has dedicated her life

Arturo P. Alcaraz– he is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal energy

development. In 1967, Arturo Alcaraz and team powered an electric
light bulb using steam-powered electricity. This was the first
geothermal power generated in the Philippines.

Ramon Cabanos Barba – awarded as National Scientist for his outstanding

research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes.

Josefino Cacas Comiso – credited for his works on observing the characteristics
of Antarctica by using satellite images.

Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. – known internationally in the field of electrical engineering;
was elected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering (IEEE).

Lourdes Jansuy Cruz – notable for her research on the sea snail venom.

Fabian Millar Dayrit – notable for his research on herbal medicine.

Rafael Dineros Guerrero III - for his research on tilapia culture.

Lilian Formalejo Patena – known for doing research on plant biotechnology

Gregory Ligot Tangonan – known for his research in the field of

communications technology

Caesar A. Saloma – an internationally renowned physicist

Edgardo Gomez –a famous scientist in marine science

William Padolina – a chemist and the president of National Academy of Science

and Technology (NAST) – Philippines
Angel Alcala – specialized in marine science. He is behind the invention of
artificial coral reefs to be used for fisheries in Southeast Asia.

There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the
list. Yet, the Philippines still needs more scientists and engineers, and there is a
need to support scientific research in the country. The University of the
Philippines-Los Baños is a science paradise for agriculture, forestry, plant and
animal science, and veterinary science.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

In response to the ASEAN 2015 agenda, the government, particularly the

DOST has sought the expertise of the NRCP to consult various sectors in the
society to study how the Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015
goals.
The National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) recommended policies
and programs that will improve competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN
Region.

The NCRP clustered these policies into four, namely:

1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and

Governance
 Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic
education without adding to the
curriculum
 Emphasizing teaching in the mother
tongue
 Developing school infrastructure and
providing for ICT broadband
 Local food security.

2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences,

and Mathematics
 Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities.
 Outright grants for peer monitoring
 Review of R.A. 9184
  Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of
development.

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 Ensuring compliances of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-
harmonized standards by full implementation of the Food and Drug
Administration
 Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of
pharmaceutical services and care
 Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as
pool of information
 Allocating 2 percent of the GDP to research
 Legislating a low supporting human genome project.

4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

 Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation and existing
laws
 Use of biosafety and standard models by ASEAN countries
 Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s
conservation.
 Formulation of common food and safety standards

There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government
through the DOST. Some of these projects are the following:

 Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and
technology. The government funds basic and applied researches. Funding of
these research and projects are also from the Overseas Development Aid
(ODA) from different countries.
 Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students
in the field of science and technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the
country needs to produce more doctoral graduates in the field of science and
technology, and produce more research in the fields, including engineering.
 Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System
for training young Filipinos in the field science and technology.
  Creating science and technology parks to encourage academic and industry
partnerships.
 Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come
home and work in the Philippines or conduct research and projects in
collaboration with Philippine-based scientists.
 Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to
encourage academe and industry partnerships.
 The establishment of the National Science Complex and National
Engineering Complex within the University of the Philippines campus in
Diliman. These aimed to develop more science and technology and
engineering manpower resources needed by the country. They also aimed to
produce more researches in these fields.

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE, 2008)

identified several capacity-building programs such as:

 Establishment of national centers of excellence

 Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering
and Science Education Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in
science and engineering
 Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will
lead the country in different research and development areas
 Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise
and incubate technopreneurship ventures
 Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine
Science High School system

In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were

created to develop the scientific literacy of the country. Special science classes
were organized and special science elementary schools were established in
different regions. Aside from these, science and mathematics in basic education
were continuously improved.

The current K to 12 education programs included Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as one of its major tracks in the senior high
school program to encourage more students to enroll in science-related fields in
college.
 Lately, the Commission on Higher Education launched its Philippine-California
Advances Research Institute (PICARI) Project to allow several higher education
institutions in the Philippines and some UD-based laboratories, research institutes,
and universities to work on research and projects related to science, agriculture,
engineering health, and technology. This project is hoped to strengthen the STEM
competitiveness of the country.

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to
embark various research and projects. The following are some of them:

1. Use of alternative and safe energy

2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and
technology. These laws serve as a legal framework for science and technology in
the country. These laws vary according to different themes such as: conservation,
health-related, technology-building, and supporting basic research, among others.
Some laws and policies are in line with international treaties such as the United
Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other
international agencies.

The development of policies in science and technology is shaped or

influenced by several variables: policies need to be aligned with national goals,
consider international commitments based on legal frameworks, and respond to
various social needs, issues, and problems. Science and technology policies ensure
that the whole country and all people will people will experience the progress that
science can bring. Policies are guides to direct all efforts to a goal of developing a
scientifically advanced country.