Midlife
Like other employees in the system, I started starry-eyed, and as the years race by, get somewhat bewildered about nondescript organizational concepts like goals, planning, direction, leadership, and so on. Ten years into the system, it feels weird that I can’t hold down what should be second-nature information on the trajectory and velocity of government science and technology.
What is its role and place in the scheme of things? Especially in a society that seems unable to shake off development weaknesses?
“In a science-rich state, because man’s activities directed at nature are productive, he can afford to be civically conscious and honest and patriotic, and public morality is high”. That was Dr. Frank Co Tui speaking on January 23, 1957 before the Manila Lion’s Club.
A Chinese immigrant in his childhood, Dr. Co Tui became chief government consultant on scientific advancement beginning with Pres. Magsaysay until much of the 1960s. His pioneering studies led to the creation of the National Science Board, what is now the Department of Science and Technology.
I bet very very few remember him, much less what he worked and stood for. But his words—in papers and speeches—a lot like a father troubled about the future of a clueless offspring, still rings eerily contemporary.
“In a science-poor state, there is usually social discontent. And because there is little to go around, man intrigues against man, civic morality is low and there is an absence of civil pride, each man having to look after himself and his family”.
That was 48 years ago. Practically an entire generation has since lived and now heading to their last productive years.
By the time you’re reading this, another organizational transformation is taking place in the system. That should stir hope for a fresh chance to a revival of some expectations. To make government S&T really matter to the nation long term.
But this hope wrestles with some doubts.
What and how much change will the Change Management Team create?
Why is it called CMT when what they implement is called rationalization?
Why do we have 20+ agencies and not 10, or maybe five?
Why would they keep most if not all the agencies?
What is significant in such number of agencies?
Why don’t they also create a Change Environment Team to make Bicutan science complex look like a real one? That would be a fun and smart change if charity indeed begins at home.
How about a Change DOST Canteen Menu for a change?
See, if we can’t excel in small stuff, what big stuff can we do excellently?
To paraphrase a favorite author, “What would a midlife crisis look like in an ancient organization [by ASEAN standards] such as DOST?
Why did team after team of administrators schooled in some of the best international universities apparently come and leave just like that, almost come and leave?
I suppose midlife crisis is an accepted mystery.
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