Science and Technology for economic development

During the Annual PAASE Meetings and Symposium last April at the University of Arizona, one of the key questions that came up was: “How do we use science and technology and innovation (STI) in order to accelerate the country’s socioeconomic development and, more importantly, raise the quality of life of Filipinos?”

The theme of this two-day gathering, “Volunteerism (and deep cooperation) to promote Philippine Science, Engineering and Innovation,” echoes the strategies laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, the country’s blueprint for socioeconomic development.

Chapter 14 of the PDP tackles at length the key strategies we need to do, and the outcomes we aim for, to increase the country’s growth potential through STI.

One of the strategies I would like to cite is the increase in the use of advanced technology in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. Priority assistance will be given by the government to encourage the use of technologies with high commercial potential. This will improve productivity and efficiency in the said sectors, translating to an increase in incomes and more gainful jobs, especially in the countryside, especially in our lagging regions.

I want to stress, however, that while the world has seen many unprecedented technological breakthroughs, and is now in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or the Industry 4.0 – which we also refer to as FIRe – the Philippines, in terms of science and technology, is sadly lagging behind.

In the agriculture sector, the Philippines is still in the mechanization phase when, in many advanced economies, we already see drones, driver-less tractors, and internet-based technologies transforming production.

Another notable challenge in the current STI ecosystem in the Philippines is the weakness and inadequacy of the S&T human capital in our country. Data show that the Philippines has only 270 researchers to every one million people in 2013. This is well below the UNESCO norm of 380 per million population. This is also way lower than the 1,020 researchers per million population average in the East Asia and the Pacific countries.

These are just a few examples showing us the critical roles that STI play in the country’s growth path, and how building faster our STI ecosystem can make a tremendous impact.

Improving the STI ecosystem in the Philippines requires concerted effort. We need more programs that can ignite volunteerism and collaboration.

Let me reiterate that setting an advanced STI innovation ecosystem in the Philippines is vital, given our rapidly changing environment, most especially in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will open new possibilities for the country, from creating new firms or even entirely new industries, to providing high-quality jobs. It can also bring new opportunities to create new and far-reaching methods of delivering public goods and services that will uplift the lives of all.

-Ernesto M. Pernia Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Excerpt of his keynote speech during the 2018 Meeting of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) at the National Insititute of Physics at the University of the Philippines yesterday grace, guides those whose hearts He stirs to have thick skin and a wise heart!

Zerubbabel and his team responded and reacted in a godly manner. Let us ponder and pray that while we are informed by history, we shall also be influenced by the timeless lessons tucked along with it. We see the model of wisdom applied in unique and difficult situations. We also learn that time and long waits are critical issues. Oppositions from enemies do not disappear overnight, and that no leader survives alone—he needs to connect with others. There are no hard and fast formula and tested strategies, yet there is the factor of God’s deliverance intertwined within the background of defeat and captivity. We see here a generic response to the opposition of the rebuilding of the temple. They had a CORPORATE EXERCISE OF DISCERNMENT OVER A CONVINCING PROPOSAL. Their enemy projected friendliness before they showed their true colours. What’s remarkable is that Zerubbabel, Jeshua and the leaders of Israel were one in saying No! The corporate exercise of discernment is a gift from God nurtured by attending to the Presence of God… and when this happens as a lifestyle, we see what the Priorities of God are. Thus, a firm decision is made even before an offer is made.

They had a clear line of distinction regarding partnerships. It was not disrespect for other people; it was wisely choosing which ones to allow inside their circle of influence. There is a big difference between people who fear God and those who don’t. Intentions are in collision and integrity is at stake. Without being prejudiced, we need to see the character of the one giving the proposal more than the tempting offer. We need to read between the lines and hear the unspoken; seeing the bigger picture of God’s purpose over our personal agenda. Maintaining a concrete distance from the politics of power, Israel chose godly leadership. In any organisation, everything is about leadership. Show me the leader and I see the whole picture. They also had guided followers…not blind and numb. The people were equipped to know the difference and were empowered to be free and to live free. They distanced themselves from the powerful bullies because they had clear and grounded boundaries! Lines were clearly drawn and decisions consistently made.

Zerubbabel and his fellow leaders guided the people by staying focused on what God wanted. They were people of faith even in a very unsettling time. They were people of prayer and that gave them inner strength to wait… it also led them to be people of blazing hope…seeing God as being larger than themselves!

They saw the bigger picture... their limitations... and were alert for opportunities! Kings reigned and died—their tenacity was admirable! They believed God and got along with each other! The enemy may have had temporary success, yet ultimately, they were vindicated by the Sovereignty of God!

Reactions and responses are very revealing of something unscripted! It shows how deep the roots of faith and how fervent the cries for help are and how deep the devotion to the cause of God is! One thing is clear... proximity to the Wise One is an exercise of wisdom. Drifting from the long process of faith breeds selective exercise of spirituality resulting in an unrestrained compromise of what is godly!

How do we handle opposition with godliness? By God’s guidance and grace our focus and faith remains on God. We learn to listen to God and live above those who are obstacles to God’s will… learning to Be still and know that He is God! Thanks for taking time to read. Straight from my heart, I write.