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

Summary

The video script discusses the underdevelopment of science and technology in the Philippines, highlighting the country's low ranking in ASEAN surveys for science and math. It emphasizes the lack of hands-on science education, absence of basic industries, and the economy's heavy reliance on services rather than manufacturing. The speaker points out the need for industrial growth, agricultural modernization, and the integration of research and development in policy-making to create jobs and improve the nation's economic future.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The current state of science and technology in the Philippines is underdeveloped, with significant potential for growth and improvement.
• 📉 The country ranks poorly in international surveys for science and math education, with the Philippines at 45 out of 46 in science and 43 out of 45 in math.
• 🏫 The education system is ill-prepared to foster scientific and technological skills, with only 60-65% of high schools equipped for science experiments, leading to a lack of practical experience.
• 📊 The GDP graph illustrates a decline in agriculture and a stagnation in manufacturing since the 1950s, reflecting a lack of industrial capacity and production.
• 🌾 Agriculture, which employs 70% of the population, has seen a significant decrease in its contribution to the economy, from 41% in 1946 to less than 10% currently.
• 🏭 The lack of basic industries results in a reliance on imports for everyday items, with even high-tech exports having a large import component for production.
• 📈 The economy has shifted towards services, which do not produce material goods and thus do not contribute to the country's material wealth or self-sufficiency.
• 💼 High unemployment rates, especially among the youth, indicate an economy that cannot absorb the labor force, including those with higher education.
• 🌐 Many Filipino professionals, including scientists and engineers, seek employment abroad due to a lack of opportunities within the country.
• 🧑‍🔬 The Philippines has a very low density of researchers, with only around 9,870 research scientists and engineers, which is insufficient for a country of its size.
• 💡 The script emphasizes the need for better integration of research and development in policy-making and industry to address the country's economic and developmental challenges.

Q & A

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

The transcript suggests that the Philippines' science and technology sector is not yet at its peak and has significant room for growth. The country ranks low in international surveys among ASEAN countries, placing 45th out of 46 in science and 43rd out of 45 in math.

What is the impact of inadequate science education on the Philippines' youth?

Inadequate science education leaves the youth ill-prepared in science and math, with only 60-65% of high schools having proper science equipment, leading to a lack of hands-on experience and a potential future workforce not equipped for STEM careers.

How does the lack of industrial capacity in the Philippines reflect on its economy?

The lack of industrial capacity is evident in the absence of basic industries, leading to a lack of jobs and a future that is not anchored in manufacturing or production. This results in a reliance on imports for everyday items and a low value-added economy.

What is the historical trend of agriculture's contribution to the Philippine economy?

Historically, agriculture has been a significant part of the Philippine economy, but since 1946, its contribution has steadily decreased from 41% to less than 10%, indicating a shift away from agricultural dominance.

What is the current state of manufacturing in the Philippines as depicted in the transcript?

The transcript indicates that the manufacturing sector in the Philippines has been relatively flat since the 1950s, contributing around 23% to the economy, suggesting a lack of growth and innovation in this sector.

How does the transcript describe the role of services in the Philippine economy?

The transcript highlights that services, such as call centers and back-end offices, have taken up a significant part of the economy. However, it points out that services do not produce material objects and thus do not contribute to the material wealth of the country in the same way as manufacturing or agriculture.

What are the implications of the Philippines' reliance on exporting electronics without adding significant value?

The reliance on exporting electronics without adding significant value implies that the country is involved primarily in assembly work rather than innovation or manufacturing. This results in a low value-added economy and a lack of development in science and technology.

What does the transcript suggest about the job market for young Filipinos?

The transcript suggests a bleak job market for young Filipinos, with more than half of the 18 to 24 age group struggling to find employment, regardless of their educational background.

How does the transcript address the issue of brain drain in the Philippines?

The transcript addresses brain drain by pointing out that highly trained scientists and engineers are leaving the country due to a lack of job opportunities and the absence of industries that require their expertise.

What is the significance of the low number of research scientists and engineers in the Philippines as mentioned in the transcript?

The low number of research scientists and engineers signifies a lack of expertise and innovation capacity in the country, which in turn affects the development of industries and the ability to solve complex problems through research and technology.

What does the transcript suggest as a solution to the Philippines' economic and educational challenges?

The transcript suggests that a focus on improving science and math education, developing industries, and creating an environment where research and development can thrive are necessary steps towards addressing the country's economic and educational challenges.