Science technology and nation building

• The evolution of science and technology in the Philippines is traced from the pre-colonial period through the Spanish colonial rule, American colonial period, Commonwealth era, Japanese occupation, and after independence in 1946
• Colonial economic policies focused on agriculture and exports shaped the development of science and technology, leading to more progress in agricultural and medical sciences compared to industrial research
• The establishment of educational institutions like the University of the Philippines and efforts to train Filipinos in science and engineering fields during the American period are highlighted
• The growth of government science agencies and councils like the National Science Development Board (NSDB) after independence to promote research and development is explained
• Current agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its sectoral councils for agriculture, industry/energy, and health research are described
• The need to align education, science, and economic development policies to build a self-reliant economy and address issues like "brain drain" is emphasized
• Continuous development of science and technology to meet societal needs and achieve harmony between scientific progress and society is advocated for