“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein
Back in elementary and high school, we were taught of how science can be used to make sense of the world. We knew more about our surroundings through experiments and lessons our teachers gave us during science class. How does natural selection work? What is the theory of relativity? How did the universe begun? How is electricity generated? As kids, we posed the questions that tickled our minds and science almost always had the answer.
During my high school years, this innate curiosity – the ability to wonder, ask questions and seek to understand things, was harnessed by teachers and a school curriculum aimed at developing the technical skills of students. As a result, I decided to pursue a technical course at Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong and eventually finished high school with my basic secondary education in Mechanics, learning about drafting, reading schematic diagrams, using hand tools, operating machines and discovering how science create new and “value added products” from basic wood and metal.
Because of this education, my scientific skills improved and thus became more critical about what is happening around my surrounding. The qualities and attitude I acquired such as objectivity, open-mindedness, observations from a scientific point of view became useful to the community I belong and developing my skills, which eventually became useful in my career both in the private and as a public servant.
During my travels, I saw how the development of science and technology affected developing and developed countries, and I know this is the direction we needed to pursue in order to improve the lives of Filipinos. I believe this will allow our country to advance as a whole, develop our economy, create the opportunity for improvement of systems and processes. Developing efficient transport systems, high quality health care, and improved monitoring of natural disasters, among others – all these can be made possible only with the development of science and technology. Hence, it goes without saying that science has proven its contribution in addressing the problems and challenges of a nations time and time again.
In the Philippines, however, there is a need to invest more in scientific research. This sector would need continuous collaboration both private and government not only to boost the country’s socio-economic development but to be technologically independent and develop our country to be self reliant.
According to a report from UNESCO’s World Conference on Science, there is “a need to encourage consultations, linkages and networking among all science and technology players including universities, research institutions, industry, multilateral organizations, professional associations, donors, non-government organizations or NGOs and government departments and the community to maximize efficient use of resources.” The report also gave an emphasis on how scientists “have an increasing obligation to become involved with policy-makers and the public in finding and implementing solutions or means of adaptation to issues that are both local and world-wide.”
For instance, in implementing traffic policies in Metro Manila, data scientists have proven, through modeling of traffic volume vis-à-vis local road network topology, that independent policies from different LGUs in Metro Manila are most likely to fail if LGUs do not work together to formulate holistic policies that address existing mobility challenges (E. Legara).
Efforts should likewise be pursued by the science and technology sector as a whole so that more people will make use of the discipline to address various societal concerns – may it be about economics, policy-making, or providing Filipinos their basic needs. Further, there is a need to ensure that the public is cognizant of the importance of science and technology not only in their personal lives but for the Filipino society as a whole. Proper promotion to pursue a career in science and technology is key in making this a reality.
As a Bosconian parent, I am proud to say that my children are aware of the importance of Science and Technology in National Development thus their decision to pursue Engineering. Well, I did my Electronics and Communications Engineering degree at the De La Salle University. While we continue to work on achieving what is best for our country, lets do our part and inspire our next generation of students to pursue a career in science and technology towards National Development, we needed now more than ever.
As Michio Kaku said.. “What we usually consider as impossible are simply engineering problems… there’s no law of physics preventing them.”.. There is always a way.
Originally published by The Manila Times on March 5, 2020.
View the original publication at The Manila Times ↗