FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Dr Giovanni Tapang | Part 1

Summary

The transcript highlights the underdevelopment of science and technology in the Philippines, ranking poorly in ASEAN for science and math. It emphasizes the lack of hands-on science education, with 35% of high schools lacking equipment, leading to a theoretical approach that hinders practical understanding. The country's economy is primarily agrarian with a declining manufacturing sector, resulting in a service industry that doesn't produce tangible goods. The script points out that the Philippines exports labor due to a lack of local job opportunities, and even with government efforts, the trend of low production and manufacturing persists. It calls for a focus on developing industries and integrating research and development into policy-making to address issues like unemployment and low value-added manufacturing.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The Philippines' science and technology sector is not yet at its peak, indicating potential for growth and improvement.
• 📉 The country ranks low in science and math among ASEAN countries, with a significant gap in preparedness for scientific careers post-K-12 education.
• 🏫 The lack of proper science equipment in schools, with only 60-65% of high schools having such facilities, hinders practical learning and experimentation.
• 🏭 The industrial capacity is limited, reflected in the lack of basic industries and job opportunities, with a flat production trend since the 1950s.
• 📊 The GDP graph shows a decline in agriculture and a stagnation in manufacturing, pointing to a reliance on services to fuel the economy.
• 📈 Services sector growth is notable, but it doesn't contribute to material production, which is essential for the country's self-sufficiency.
• 🔩 The country's main export, electronics, has a large import component, indicating assembly rather than manufacturing as the primary activity.
• 👨‍🔬 There's a significant brain drain, with many trained scientists and engineers seeking employment opportunities abroad due to limited local demand.
• 💡 The script emphasizes the need for policy changes and integration of research and development in industry to address the country's challenges.
• 🌐 International comparisons reveal that the Philippines has a lower researcher density compared to its neighbors, suggesting a need for more focus on nurturing local talent.

Q & A

What is the current state of science and technology in the Philippines according to the transcript?

The transcript suggests that the Philippines is not yet at its peak in terms of scientific capabilities. There is potential for growth, but the country is currently far from being a leader in science and technology.

How does the transcript describe the performance of the Philippines in science and math among ASEAN countries?

The transcript indicates that the Philippines ranks very low in science and math among ASEAN countries, being 45 out of 46 in science and 43 out of 45 in math.

What is the issue with the education system in the Philippines concerning science and technology as per the transcript?

The transcript highlights that the education system in the Philippines is ill-prepared in science and math, with only 60-65 percent of high schools having science equipment, leading to a lack of hands-on experience.

How does the lack of industrial capacity reflect on the job market in the Philippines?

The transcript points out that the lack of industrial capacity in the Philippines is reflected in the lack of jobs, as the country does not have basic industries to produce goods, leading to high unemployment.

What is the role of services in the Philippine economy as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript explains that services, such as call centers and back-end offices, have taken up a significant part of the economy, providing jobs. However, these services do not produce material objects and are not indicative of a strong industrial base.

What does the transcript say about the manufacturing sector in the Philippines?

The transcript states that the manufacturing sector in the Philippines has remained relatively flat since the 1950s, producing roughly one-fourth of the economy's needs, and is characterized by low value-added manufacturing.

Why does the transcript suggest that the Philippines is not an industrial economy?

The transcript suggests that the Philippines is not an industrial economy because it does not produce a lot of goods domestically and relies heavily on imports for even basic necessities.

What does the transcript imply about the future of the workforce in the Philippines?

The transcript implies that the future of the workforce in the Philippines is challenging due to high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, and a lack of job opportunities in line with educational qualifications.

How does the transcript characterize the agricultural sector in the Philippines?

The transcript characterizes the agricultural sector in the Philippines as being in decline, with a significant portion of the population engaged in low productivity agricultural work, and a lack of modernization and industrialization.

What is the transcript's view on the role of research and development in addressing the country's challenges?

The transcript views research and development as crucial for addressing the country's challenges, but notes that it is not well integrated into the thinking of policymakers and industry, leading to a lack of innovation and problem-solving.