Technological University of the Philippines

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Recap - Day 2

Day 2 - September 27, 2007

Presented By: Cecilia P. Abaricia (DT 615)

Good morning to all distinguished guests, resource speakers, Dr. Iluminado G. Espino, Dr. Nilo S. Salas, our beloved professor Dr. Florida C. Labuguen, Director of TUP-UES, organizers - in cooperation with the Doctor of Technology students of DT 615, and the participants in the three-day seminar on "Capability Building program on the Convergence of Emerging Ethics for Science and Technology in the 21st Century."

For the recap of yesterday's seminar, Hon. Loretta Ann P. Rosales, Board Chairman of the Institute of Political and Electoral Reform, with her topic "Human Rights in Science and Technology." According to her, English is a universal language; learn how to speak English in its natural accent. The policy of the government to create a million of jobs a year established a relation to transform the entire archipelago to one gigantic operator system with an American accent for good jobs. She also stressed that, the Ethics of Science and Technology Book in Education must be given priority. The following topics were also discussed: shortage of classrooms and teachers, the Hazard Pain and the Hardship Pain, the general Appropriations Acts, and Science and Math as priority subjects to produce better students that could compete in the global community. Through the use of technology, such as global texting, internet technology, and telecommunications, a united people can demand and create change in the society.

The second guest speaker, Dr, Ronaldo I. Tan, Dean of the Information technology of the University of Perpetual Help Rizal System, presented the "Future Directions of Ethics in Science and Communication." According to Dr. Tan, science enables us to "learn from the past" so as we could "learn for the future." Science is supposed to be objective, intellectually honest, open, and universal. A scientist should know how to give credit where credit is due, and must recognize the value of collaboration even as he strives for individual excellence. Scientists should not only declare the values as the root or foundation of their work, but also be ready to divulge the social implications of their work and the work of others, whether the results be positive or negative. He also said that "Never, never try to manipulate your public, not even for a good reason." It is always better to inform and explain your reasoning as honestly, clearly and completely as possible. The perception of honesty can contain more than the information itself.

The afternoon seminar, everybody was amazed and appreciated the comprehensive lecture given by Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr, USEC of the Research and Extension of the Department of Science and Technology, with his topic "Good Governance of Science and Technology." Dr. Yumul focused his discussion on four key areas, namely: (1) The National Innovation System, (2) The Faculty, (3) The University, and (4) Moving Forward. In the National Innovation System, there is a shift on the creation and expansion of knowledge: (1) addressing society's needs (adaptive and strategic service), and cutting edge future needs (frontier and innovative science). Then there was a shift in Technology Transfer, there is what we call Diffusion and Commercialization of Technology. It was followed by the Stakeholder Development Roadmap: Science and Technology (S & T), Legislative Agenda Demand; Means: Market Creation, Sustainability and Target - Wealth Creation. With regards to the Growth of Innovation, it leads to: Global Growth and Competition, Knowledge economy, Environmental Presence, Molecular Manufacturing, Conflict of Resources, Ideology, and Culture and Human Needs. The DOST National Program fro Innovation System are the following: Knowledge Expansion, Wealth Creation, and Human Resource Development.

Why transfer technology? In the past, the model used was: Idea, Research and Development (R & D), Prototype, Product and Market. At present, the suitable model would that there should be a constant interaction among all innovative elements: IDEA then MARKET.

Using a baseline benchmark for the development of the faculty, the following standards were given: (1) Publish or perish, (2) Moonlight at the right time, (3) Continuously learn, welcome questions, (4) Grants are proposal driven, collaborate, (5) Mentor and be mentored, and (6) Never forget the role of the faculty. Using a baseline benchmark for the development of the University, the following standards were given: (1) Clear S & T agenda, (2) Academic vs. Research Professorship tracks, (3) No deloading, right load, (4) Technology Licensing Office or Technology Transfer Office, (5) Copyright or copyleft, (6) Accomplishment-driven technology, (7) Respect the tenure process, and (8) Achieve branding. Moving Forward Agenda for Education constitutes the following: participate in National and International training initiatives, SWOT Assessment for achieving S & T goals, government-industry partnership, COE creation to address national issues, upgrade research agenda and educational programs, and provide S & T information to the public. He emphasized the 3E's of leadership: Excellence, Ethical and Engagement. In his ending message, he said: "Do not be in the education business guiding people... Be in people business guiding education!"

Finally, the afternoon session ended with a workshop. Identification of at least five (5) ethical issues in science and technology and the possible solutions to these issues and problems were among the activities presented. Among the ethical issues mentioned were: effects of investment; environmental concerns (e.g. air, water and land pollution); research and physical facilities development; and premarital sex among the youth. Solutions include: Education and Information; Proper waste disposal, 3R's - Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, and introducing the 4th R - Reinvent Materials; Promote new trends in research and seminars in research; and Government support in disseminating barangays.