In 2017, it was announced that the Philippines lacked over 19,000 scientists with the country only having 189 scientists per million of the population. A far cry from the recommendation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to have 380 scientists per million of a population.
With the pandemic having stretched the limits of research and development for healthcare, the country must work towards narrowing the gap in the STEM workforce. This starts by developing an interest to pursue science at a young age.
STEM and Students
The youth need role models to look up to, for Filipino scientists pioneering in the field and showing the youth that they too can make a difference. Students must be provided with a safe space to explore different disciplines in the core sciences of math, chemistry, physics, biology, and astronomy, accompanied by mentors who guide them along the winding and rarely direct path of scientific discovery.
By providing more scholarships to help students attain Master Degrees and PhDs, this paves a more secure path for them to become scientists. Students in STEM must know that they are supported and that the research papers they’re writing today are the solutions for tomorrow. Through strengthening the education sector of the country with a wider coverage for free education, this breaks barriers and allows more breakthroughs in the workforce.
Each year, hundreds of Filipino students are awarded the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Award by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Highlighting the importance of giving merit and recognizing their achievements that anyone has the power to contribute in scientific fields.
By making opportunities accessible and building schools to have their own laboratories, planning country-wide research centers, and having the “think local act global” mindset, the country will empower local professors and prepare students to stay in STEM.
STEM and Scientists
A cornerstone to advancing research and development is manufacturing locally, for chemicals, minerals, and machinery to be available in an environmentally-responsible way. With resources at hand, science can be valued not for wealth, but instead for the way it can make the lives of Filipinos easier. Bringing healthcare into homes, physics to the public, and chemistry for the common good. Making inventions that prioritize the needs of the people over profit.
A step towards this future is the “Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-2022” which is a roadmap to advance basic research initiatives, develop responsive healthcare and diagnostics, facilitate food security in agriculture, and go for clean energy, and climate change mitigation. And through the years, the country will be able to generate emerging technology that builds sustainable Filipino communities.
To build these technologies, a stronger workforce is needed. Through the “Balik Scientist Bill” this will encourage Filipino scientists working abroad to return back home and develop innovations in the country.
Along with several laws that safeguard the work of scientists such as the RA 2067 or "Science Act of 1958" and RA 11312 that strengthens “the magna carta for scientists, engineers, researchers and other science and technology personnel,” these preserve the efforts of Filipino scientists through financial grants and the establishment of tech centers.
Scientists should not be limited to labs and libraries, but they should be given a place to represent their community in sectors for the country’s progress.
STEM and Society
Science can never be separated from society. As it is found everywhere, from satellites used for weather reports, data systems for IDs, and telehealth consultations. Society develops with a greater access to scientific information and knowledge transfer.
Given the right tools, the country must work towards an Nationalistic, Scientifc Mass-Oriented (NSMO) culture to deliver science that serves all the people because a shared invention or discovery has the potential to increase the quality of life.
A key to unlocking development is stopping stereotypes, one does not have to be “gifted” to be good in science. Instead one truly needs the passion and curiosity to explore and ask questions.
To champion change in the sciences, the International Day for Women and Girls in STEM is celebrated every February 11. The Department of Education honored several Pinay scientists who have shaped new paths for Filipinas.
“The event is an opportunity for us women to serve as beacons of hope to each other, especially to the young girls of today. I encourage all women to persevere and break the barriers so that women in this field will one day be the norm rather than an exception,” Dr. Gay Jane Perez, Deputy Director-General of the Philippine Space Agency said.
With a solid foundation of educational support, role models, and local spaces to boost research, there will be more students who become the next scientists working today. Science may be intimidating, but it is innovation that will revolutionize the country.
References
Araneta, M. A. (2016, August 22). Making policy decisions on the Philippine
scientific enterprise system. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/science/143830-making-policy-decisions-philippine-scientific-enterprise-system/
Celestial, A. (2016, February 17). Can the Philippines produce its own Einsteins? RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/voices/imho/122677-black-holes-einstein-imported-needles/
DepEd celebrates Filipina scientists, role models on International Day of Women and Girls in Science. (2022, February 22). Department of Education. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2022/02/17/deped-celebrates-filipina-scientists-role-models-on-international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science/?fbclid=IwAR1Md_qJBEEKqDNc7iavstrNOfO1_HOElyDDUNGCrTbqiNpBzZTTIGKBdiI
Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-2022. (2018). Department of Science and Technology. https://www.dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Journals/HNRDA_booklet_FINAL3_2018-10-23.pdf
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PH lacks 19,000 scientists in research and dev’t – Bam Aquino. (2017, May 13). RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/169716-philippines-lack-scientists-bam-aquino/
Reif, L. R. (2016, February 11). Letter regarding the first direct detection of gravitational waves. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://news.mit.edu/2016/letter-regarding-first-direct-detection-gravitational-waves-0211
Republic Act No. 2067. (n.d.). Lawphil.net. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1958/ra_2067_1958.html
Republic Act No. 11312 | GOVPH. (2019, April 17). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2019/04/17/republic-act-no-11312/
Sen. Bam: PH lacks 19,000 scientists, lags behind in R&D. (2017, May 13). Senate of the Philippines. http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0513_aquino1.asp
Yang, A. Y. (2022, February 17). How to support women and girls in science: Create safe spaces, break down stereotypes. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/02/17/2161425/how-support-women-and-girls-science-create-safe-spaces-break-down-stereotypes?fbclid=IwAR2ju_GXsTVc-SXCLtk1FdomqaQIfxqi57KqCJJG-oHRWAujXUN6TkoD7-w