Week 5-6

Week 5: Science, Technology and Nation Building

Science, Technology and Nation Building
For us to understand how science and technology began to thrive in our country, let’s know first about the brief history of
science and technology in the Philippines.
Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back before the country gained its independence
from the American colonizers. Before the coming of the Spanish colonizers, the early inhabitants of the archipelago had
their own culture and traditions. They had their own belief system and indigenous knowledge system that keeps them
organized and sustained their lives and communities for many years.
PHILIPPINES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DURING PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
 People used herbal medicine to treat illnesses.
 To facilitate trading, Filipinos made use of writing, numerical, measurement, and calendar systems.
 Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving were the first livelihood skills developed by Filipinos.
 Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao was developed for livelihood purposes.
 Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and in developing tools that they can use in
everyday life.
 Developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies during war or tribal conflicts;
and for transportation, both on land and waterways 
 48,000 BC: Modern man from Asian mainland came overland to live in Batangas and Palawan (Formed
settlement in Sulu, Davao, Zamboanga, Samar, Negros, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan and Cagayan.)
 40, 000 BC: simple tools and weapons for stone flakes were developed as a method of sawing and
polishing stones

The image shows example of stone flakes in the Philippines during the Pre-Colonial period

 
 3,000 BC: Adzes, ornament of seashells and pottery were developed (Pottery flourished for the next 2000 years
until completion with Chinese porcelain)
 Production of copper, bronze, iron and gold metal tools and ornaments
 Extraction, smelting and refining of iron from ores until the importation of cast iron from Sarawak and later from
China
 Cultivation of lowland rice, diking of terraced fields utilizing spring water in mountain regions
 They also learned to build boats for trading purposes (Spanish chronicles noted refined plank-built warships
called caracoa suited for inter-island trades)
 Spaniards later utilized Filipino expertise in boat-building and seamanship to fight the raiding Dutch, Portuguese,
Muslims and the Chinese pirate Limahong
 During the 10th-15th century AD Filipinos from the Butuan were trading with champa
 
PHILIPPINES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DURING SPANISH REGIME
 When Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their own culture and practices
 They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concepts of subjects and disciplines which was the
beginning of formal science and technology in the country, known now as school of science and technology
 Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different concepts related to the human body, plants,
animals, and heavenly bodies
 Technology focuses on using and developing house tools used in everyday life
 During this time, Philippines became modernized, adapting some Western technology and their ways of life
 Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by Catholic
orders
 Sanitation and more advanced methods of agriculture were taught to the natives
 Colleges and universities in the archipelago were established (University of Santo Tomas was built and
prioritized the study of medicine)

This is UST  during the Spanish Regime

 The Galleon trade have accounted in the Philippine colonial economy (Trade was given more focus by the
Spaniard colonial authorities due to prospects of big profits and on the other hand, agriculture and industrial
development were neglected)
 The opening of Suez Canal saw the influx of European visitors to the Spanish colony (Filipinos were able to study
in Europe influenced by the rapid development of scientific ideals brought about by the Age of Enlightenment)
 The Galleon Trade

Later part of the 16th  century, schools were developed:

Colegio de San Ildefonso, Cebu (1595)
Colegio de San Ignacio, Manila (1595)
Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Rosario, Manila (1597)
Colegio de San Jose, Manila (1601)
 During 17th-18th century, successive shipwrecks and attacks of pirates on the galleons led to the declining profits
from the trade
 In 1780, Real Sociedad Economica de los Amigos del Pais de Filipinas (Royal Economic Society of the Friends of
the Country of Philippines) was founded by Governador Jose Y Basco)
 Encouraged research in agriculture and industry
 Promoted cultivation of indigo, cotton, cinnamon, and silk industry
 In 1789, Manila was opened to Asian shipping which is the era of increase in export of rice, hemp, tobacco, sugar,
indigo and imported manufacturing goods
 In 19th century, world trade was expanded and commerce led to the rapid development of Manila
as cosmopolitan center
 Modern amenities such as stream tramways, waterworks, newspaper, electric lights and banking system were
introduced
 In 1865, Jesuits promoted meteorological studies founding Manila Observatory at the Ateneo Municipal de
Manila
PHILIPPINES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DURING AMERICAN REGIME
 The Americans have more influence in the development of science and technology in the Philippines compared to
the Spaniards
 Simultaneous government encouragement and support for an extensive public education
system
 Granting of scholarships for higher education in science and engineering
 The organization of science research agencies and establishment of science-based public
services
  In 1901, Bureau of Public Works was created
 The Americans found out that there were no competent Filipino engineers and American engineers had to be
imported
 Special efforts were made to attract Filipinos to pursue advanced studies leading to careers as engineers
 Upon achieving their professional qualifications, they were employed as junior engineers in the Bureau of Public
Works
 The establishment of the University of the Philippines satisfied the short-run needs for professionally trained
Filipinos which increased social demand for professional education.

This is the University of the Philippines during the American Regime

 The University of the Philippines remained the only publicly-supported institutions for higher education
 In 1901, the Bureau of Government Laboratories was established which was placed under the Department of
Interior
 Replaced the Laboratorio Municipal, which was established under the Spanish colonial era
 Dealt with the study of tropical diseases and laboratory projects (production of vaccine for virus, serums and
prophylactics)
  In 1993, the National Research Council of the Philippines was established
 The Bureau of Science became the primary research center of the Philippines in the World War II
 Science was inclined towards agriculture, food processing, forestry, medicine and pharmacy
 Not much focus was given on the development of industrial technology due to free trade policy with the United
States
 Researches were done to control malaria, cholera and tuberculosis and other tropical diseases
 Protestant church missions in different places in country brought hospitals and schools to far-flung areas

However, with these advances that Philippines had during pre-colonial, Spanish, and American regimes it became a turn
down destabilizing the developments of the country in many ways. Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes,
houses were burned, and many lives were destroyed. The country had a difficult time to rebuild itself from the ruins of the
war. Through the help of Japan, reparation funds focused on building some institutions and public facilities like schools,
hospitals, and transportation systems. Since the establishment of the new republic, the whole nation has been focusing
on using its limited resources in improving its science and technological capability. It has explored the use of ODA or
Overseas Development Allocations from different countries to help the country improve its scientific productivity and
technological capability.

This is Philippines during the World War II

The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its brief history, is shaped by several factors and
influences. Like in the history of science in other countries, it is always shaped by human and social activities, both
internal and external. Science and technology may have significant impact on lives of the people and in the development
of the Philippine society. However, improving the quality of science education still remains as a big challenge in the
country. School science from basic education to graduate education is improving slowly, and there are only few students
enrolling in science and technology courses.

 
Week 5: The Philippine Government Science & Technology Agenda
The Philippine Government Science & Technology Agenda

“Advancing science and technology is the best option for Philippines growth”

-DOST

We are so lucky nowadays that our government is extending their support in developing science and technology to create
an avenue for researches and inventions that will help our country grow. Before, science and technology has limited its
resources of what is existing but now, science and technology had improved and it is expanding its means for new studies
and relevance. For us to have a better picture on how our government can help us with our researches, this topic will
make us be informed on government’s policies in science and technology.

What is the role of our government in science and technology?

 The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects, and policies to boost the
area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people to meet the demands of a
technologically driven world and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science.
 Padilla-Concepcion reported that in 2015, in response to ASEAN 2015 Agenda, the government, particularly
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has sought the expertise of the National Research
Council of the Philippines (NCRP) to consult various sectors in the society to study how the Philippines can
prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015 Goals. As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is expected to
recommend policies and programs that will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN Region.

The NCRP clustered policies into four, namely:

1.       Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance

      Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding to the curriculum
      Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue
      Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband
      Local food security

2.       Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
      Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities
      Outright grants for per mentoring
      Review of RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act)
      Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of development

3.       Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

      Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonized standards by full
implementation of the Food and Drug Administration
      Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and
care
      Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as pool of
information
      Allocating two percent of the GDP to research
       Legislating a law supporting human genome projects

4.       Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

      Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws
      Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
      Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people conservation
      Formulation of common food and safety standards

There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through the DOST. Some of these
projects are the following:

     Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology. The
government funds basic and applied researches. Funding of these research and projects are also
from the Overseas Development Aid (ODA) from different countries.
     Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the field of
science and technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the country needs to produce more
doctoral graduates in the field of science and technology, and produce more research in these
fields, including engineering.
     Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School system for training young
Filipinos in the field of science and technology
     Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry partnerships
    Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come home and work in the
Philippines or conduct research and projects in collaboration with Philippine-based scientists.
     Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage academe and
industry partnerships
     Establishment of National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex within the
University of the Philippines, Diliman.

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE, 2008) identified several capacity-building

programs such as:

     Establishment of national centers of excellence

    Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and Science Education
Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in science and engineering
     Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the country in different
research and development areas
     Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise, and incubate
technopreneurship ventures
     Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science High School system

In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were created to develop the scientific literacy of
the country. Special science classes were organized and special elementary schools were established in different regions.
Aside from this, science and mathematics in basic education were continuously improved.

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embark various research and projects. The
following are some of them:

1.       Use of alternative and safe energy

2.       Harnessing mineral resources
3.       Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4.       Climate change and global warming
5.       Increasing food production
6.       Preservation of natural resources
7.       Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8.       Infrastructure development

Major Development Programs and Personalities in Science & Technology in the Philippines
Major Development Programs and Personalities in Science &Technology in the Philippines
Now, we already have an idea of the policies and agenda of the Philippine government in science and technology. For us
to appreciate more of their contributions, let us know some Filipino presidents and scientists and the developments in
science and technology under their administration and inventions.

FERDINAND MARCOS

      Mandated the Department of Education and Culture (now DepEd) to promote science courses in
public high schools
      Additional budget for research projects in applied sciences and science education
      War damage fund donated to private universities to encourage them to create courses in science and
technology and to research

Establishment of:
Philippine Coconut Research Institute
Philippine Textile Research Institute
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission/Philippines Nuclear Research Institute
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
Philippine National Oil Company
Plant Breeding Institute
International Rice Research Institute
Bureau of Plant Industry
National Grains Authority (Now National Food Authority)
Philippine Council for Agricultural Research

CORAZON AQUINO

      NSTA was renamed to DOST to be represented in the cabinet and play an integral role in the
country’s sustainable economic recovery and growth
     Science and Technology Master Plan- to update the production sector, improve research activities,
and develop infrastructures for science and technology sector

FIDEL RAMOS

     In 1987, Philippines had approximately 3,000 competent scientists and engineers

     Doctors to the Barrio Program- made healthcare accessible in far-flung areas in the country
     National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science & Technology- created for high school
students who want to major in science and engineering college
     RA 8439: Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, Researchers, and other Science and Technology
in the government
     RA 7459: Inventors and Inventions Incentive Act
     RA 8293: The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines

JOSEPH ESTRADA

     RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

     RA 8792: Electronic Commerce Act of 2000
     Implementation of cost-effective irrigation technologies and providing basic health care services

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

     Science and technology sector were developed to strengthen the education system and to address
poverty
     Filipinnovation- coined to refer Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia
     RA 9367: Biofuels Act – to utilize indigenous materials as sources of energy
     Farmers were encouraged to use rice that can withstand environmental hazards
     RA 10601: Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law- to modernize agricultural and
fisheries machinery and equipment

BENIGNO AQUINO III

      Under his administration, new national scientists were named:
     Gavino C. Trono- made extensive studies on seaweed species which helped families in the
coastal populations
     Angel C. Alcala- served as the pioneer scientist and advocate of coral reefs
     Ramon C. Barba- studied the induction of flowering of mango and micropropagation of
important crop species
     Edgardo D. Gomez- national-scale assessment of damaged coral reefs which led to a national
conservation program

RODRIGO DUTERTE

     Philippine Space Technology Program- launched Diwata-2 in 2018 after the launch of Diwata-1 in

2016 that displayed the Philippine flag in space
    RA 11305” An Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program” was signed into law by the
president on June 15, 2018. This law would give more incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientists,
inventors, and engineers who would share their expertise in the country.
     271 new weather stations were installed by the Department of Science and Technology throughout the
country.

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and technology. These laws serve as a legal
framework for science and technology in the country. These laws vary according to different themes such as
conservation, health-related, technology building and supporting basic research among others. Some laws and policies
are in line with international treaties such as United Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international agencies.

The development of policies in science and technology is shaped or influenced by several variables: policies need to be
aligned to national goals, consider international commitments based on legal frameworks, and respond to various social
needs, issues, and problems. Science and technology policies ensure that the whole country and all people will
experience the progress that science can bring.

Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Newton, Faraday, Darwin, and many
other Western scientists. We rarely hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in science classes. Lee-Chua (2000)
identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientists who have made significant contributions in Philippine science. These scientists
are also famous abroad especially in different science disciplines: agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine
science, chemistry, engineering, and biology.

These Filipino scientists are:

1.       Ramon Cabanos Barba- for his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes
2.       Josefino Cacas Comiso- for his works on observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using
satellite images
3.       Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.- known internationally in the field of electrical engineering; was elected as officer
of the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
4.       Lourdes Jansuy Cruz- notable for her research on sea snail venom
5.       Fabian Millar Dayrit- for his research on herbal medicine
6.       Rafael Dineros Guerrero III- for his research on tilapia culture
7.       Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.- for inventing the meconium drugs testing
8.       Lilian Formalejo Patena- for doing research on plant biotechnology
9.       Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz- for being an outstanding educator and graph theorist
10.       Gregory Ligot Tangonan- for his research in the field of communications technology
11.       Fe del Mundo- invented the incubator. An incubator is an apparatus used to maintain environmental
conditions suitable for newborn baby.  

12.       Gregorio Y. Zara- inventor of videophone. Videophone is a two-way television patented as a photo
signal separator network.  

13.       Agapito Flores - invented the fluorescent lamp which is the most widely used source of lighting in the
world today.  

14.      Daniel Dingel- inventor of the water - powered car in 1969. His hydrogen reactor uses electricity to
transform ordinary tap water with salt into deuterium oxide or heavy water.  
 15.      Diosdado Banatao- most known for introducing the first single-chip graphical use interface (GUI)
accelerator that made computers work faster and for helping develop Ethernet controller chip that made
internet possible

16.       Abelardo Aguilar- invented the antibiotic erythromycin from a strain of bacterium

called Streptomyces erythreus.

17.       Rolando dela Cruz- invented mole remover that had the ability to easily remove moles and warts on
the skin without surgical procedures.

18.       Maria Orosa- invented banana ketchup from the commonly known tomato ketchup

There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and abroad for their outstanding contributions in
science:

      Caesar A. Saloma- an internationally renowned physicist

      Edgardo Gomez- famous scientist in marine science
      William Padolina- chemistry and president of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-
Philippines
      Angel Alcala- marine science

There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the list. Yet, the Philippines still need more
scientists and engineers, and there is a need to support scientific research in the country.

Many Filipino scientists, whether they are in the country or abroad, always excel in their job. The Filipino spirit in their
souls has never faded. They continue to bring honor to the country. They make ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
They are always at par with other scientists in spite of the limited facilities we have here in the country.

Week 6: Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines

Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines
Filipinos, especially during the early times, tried to invent tools that will help them in everyday life. They also developed
alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and in explaining the world around them. This system of knowledge is
called indigenous knowledge, which is the foundation of indigenous science.
What is indigenous knowledge?
     Indigenous knowledge is embedded in the daily life experiences of young children as they grow up. They live
and grow in a society where the members of the community prominently practice indigenous knowledge. Their
parents and other older folks served as their first teachers and their methods of teaching are very effective in
transmitting cultural knowledge in their minds. The lessons they learned are intimately interwoven with their
culture and the environment. These lessons comprised of good values and life stories of people on their daily life
struggles. Their views about nature and their reflections on their experiences in daily life are evident in their
stories, poems and songs.
Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are taught and practiced by the indigenous people are:
     Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals’ behavior
and celestial bodies
     Using herbal medicine
     Preserving foods
     Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties
     Using indigenous technology in daily lives
     Building local irrigation systems
     Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties
     Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits
     Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard
What is Indigenous Science?
       It is part of the indigenous knowledge system practiced by different groups of people and early civilizations.
     It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices, and representations that guide human societies
in their enumerable interactions with the natural milieu: agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining natural
phenomena, and strategies for coping with changing environments.
      Includes everything, from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by
indigenous peoples both past and present through science as part of culture and how science is done largely
depends on the cultural practices of the people.
CONCEPT OF INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

1.      Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.
2.       Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as the following:
     The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.
     The earth is revered as “Mother Earth”. It is their origin of identity as people.
     All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other
     Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have
a responsibility to preserve it.
     Nature is a friend to human beings- it needs respect and proper care.

3.     Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and
communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
astronomy.
Indigenous science is important in the development of science and technology in the Philippines. Like the ancient
civilizations, indigenous science gave birth to the development of science and technology as a field and discipline.
Indigenous science helped the people in understanding the natural environment and in coping with everyday life.