It is generally accepted that the country needs science and
technology to hasten its development. But the process of harnessing science to
meet this goal is slow. This process must be accelerated if the country is to be
part of the developed world—soon.This month, which happens to be an election
month, should be a time for our people to consider this question. Our people
should by this time know who among the aspirants for offices at the local and
national government levels have the vision, the track record, the experience,
and the ability to craft legislation and policies and implement on-the-ground
programs that will bring us nearer to the goal of a more developed country.
Let us not get lost and confused by the rhetoric of
politicians who promise such things as eradication of poverty, greater incomes,
more development, etc. We have seen how some of our elected officials behaved in
the past. Many have looked only after their own personal and family interests,
not the interest of the country. This has resulted in some cases in our losing
control of some vital natural resources needed for the country’s development.
We have to scrutinize how candidates will accomplish their
election promises and party platforms, and determine whether they have the basic
understanding and intellectual preparation to do what they say they will deliver
to society.
More importantly, we have to make an assessment of all
candidates for higher national offices on their potential to help chart the
destiny of our country.
Our country has not adequately supported research and
academic institutions dedicated to the pursuit of science and technology. The
available little financial support has been limited to few institutions. There
is a need to strengthen scientific research in various areas of science through
training and support of scientific workers, building of research laboratories,
dissemination of research results in journals, and studies of untapped natural
resources in the far-flung geographical areas of the country.
We have to harness the capabilities of our own scientists to
move the country forward to a more developed status. I am reminded of my visit
years ago to the famous Finnish telephone company, Nokia, in Helsinki, where
graduate students in science are part of technology generation. We have to
involve our academe in industry, in business, and in development programs as
part of their education. This way, we will encourage them to stay put in the
country and help in its development.
In brief, the country has to improve the "climate" for scientific research
and technology generation, and develop a "research culture" especially in our
universities. It should not rely mostly on "imported" science and technology. We
should develop Filipino scientists and technologists who will help us attain a
more developed status at par with our advanced Southeast Asian neighbors.
