MODULE 3

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The need to develop a country's science and technology has generally

been recognized as one of the imperatives of socioeconomic progress in the
contemporary world. This has become a widespread concern of governments
especially since the post-world war II years. An important dimension of this
concern is the problem of dependence in science and technology as this is
closely tied up with the integrity of their political sovereignty and economic
self-reliance. There exists a continuing imbalance between scientific and
technological development among contemporary states of all research and
development facilities located in developed countries and almost completely
concerned with the latter's problems. Dependence or autonomy in science
and technology has been a salient issue in conferences sponsored by the
United Nations.

The country’s technological leap refers to its scientific and

technological backwardness, dependence on foreign technologies and capital,
and its subordination to foreign dominance, exploitation and control. Locked in
the international division of labor, the Philippines played the role of the
exporter of primary commodities and importer of production technologies.
Accordingly, based on the nation’s economic history, it is the acceptance of
the international division of labor that has perpetuated and worsened the
underdevelopment of our economy. Assessing cycle of backwardness and
dependence, the nature of science and technology, technological innovations
and technological potentials as nuanced in the Philippine context, the paper
maps our country’s stages of technological capabilities. Despite achievements
in agriculture, industry and health during the past few years, the problem
remains that we do not yet have genuine endogenous industries in chemicals,
metals, pharmaceuticals, automotive and electronics. The Philippines, once at
par with other countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia in scientific and
technological development, is now lagging behind most of its neighbors. The
inadequate government support and the lack of an effective economic
demand for local innovations are seen as reasons for the slow development.
The national strategy is technological leapfrogging, as it attempts to liberate
the country from dependence and backwardness by importing selected high
technologies in order to acquire adaptive, replicative, and innovative mastery
of these advanced technologies (Yu, Wu, & Chen, 2017).

Science and technology in the Philippines describes scientific and

technological progress made by the Philippines and analyses related policy
issues. The main agency responsible for managing science and technology
(S&T) is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The Present state of STS in the Philippines:

1. Shortage of research funds

2. Lack of coordination of R&D systems in this country
3. Lack of science consciousness

The main agenda for the Science and Technology in the country had been
spearheading. The importance of science and technology of highly developed
countries all over the world hold a high regard for science and technology.
This prioritization makes the country competitive in innovation and self-
sustaining development that will allow the economy to lean on its own
production, making international trade an icing on its economic cake (National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017).

Research and development (R&D) activities of the Department of Science

and Technology (DOST) has been at the forefront of initiatives since they are
meant to give the country new sources of income and promote sustainable
development. Key areas being targeted are health, energy and emerging
technologies, disaster risk reduction, and national integrated research
agenda. The department values its institutional partners since private firms
have the hardware and industry knowledge on research and

development. These institutional partners are given incentives when

participating in government-funded research. Companies are given the right of
first refusal for licensing rights and can even have top picks from graduating
scholars, who previously worked in their R&D programs. Academic institutions
are also key partners in the DOST’s goal of making breakthrough discoveries
in the field of R&D. Academic institutions that are registered in Tuklas Lunas
Centers harness collective resources and knowledge of the academe in
finding the next medical breakthrough, with the help of the country’s
biodiversity. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is putting up
various "Tuklas Lunas" (cure discovery) Centers in the country that would
lead other research institutions in regions towards the unification of efforts for
the discovery of new drugs from natural substances. The Tuklas Lunas Center
(TLC) project is an innovative way to strengthen health research and harness
the capabilities of health researchers in the regions as a component of the
agency’s discovery program that aims to develop new drugs for tropical and
other diseases, including cancer (Tacconelli, et. al, 2018).
Science and Technology Information (STI) in the country is necessary in
order to keep up with the developments in our time wherein technology and
innovation are game changers. Through the Science for Change Program
(S4CP), the DOST can significantly accelerate STI in the country and create a
massive increase in investment on Science and Technology (S&T) Human
Resource Development and R&D. S4CP focuses on Accelerated R&D
Program for Capacity Building of R&D Institutions and Industrial
Competitiveness which is composed of four (4) programs namely: (1) Niche
Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program, (2) R&D Leadership
(RDLead) Program, (3) Collaborative R&D to Leverage PH Economy
(CRADLE) for RDIs and Industry Program, (4) Business Innovation through
S&T (BIST) for Industry Program (Littrell, et.al., 2020). MODULE Iii
Science and technology in the Philippines

Fig.1 The four components of the DOST Science for Change Program (source:
https://www.dost.gov.ph)

The NICER Program capacitates Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

in the regions to make a significant improvement in regional research by
integrating its development needs with the existing R&D capabilities and
resources. It provides institutional grants for HEIs in the regions for R&D
capacity building to improve their S&T infrastructure. The NICER Program
was established in consultation with the academe and industry; and endorsed
by the Regional Development Council (RDC). Hence, a

NICER is a Unique center for collaborative R&D to address specific

S&T needs of local communities and industries, thereby accelerating regional
development (Quimba, et.al, 2017).  
Development Areas for Science and Technology in the Philippines (Evenson
& Ranis, 2017)

1. Investment
2. Local Medicine
3. Culture
 4. Research
5. Manpower
6. Capital
7. Patents
MODULE Iii
8. Ecosystem Science and technology in the Philippines

The Guiding Principles of Science Curriculum Framework (Lee, et.al, 2019)

1. Science is for everyone.

2. Science is both content and process.
3. School science should emphasize depth rather breadth, coherence
rather than fragmentation, and use of evidence in constructing
explanation.
4. School science should be relevant and useful.
5. School science should nurture interest in learning.
6. School science should demonstrate a commitment to the development
of a culture of science.
7. School science should promote the strong link between science and
technology, including indigenous technology.
8. School science should recognize that science and technology reflect,
influence, and shape our culture.
 MODULE 4
PHILIPPINES’ GREATEST INVENTIONS

Our country is blessed with so many innovations and inventions that

improve the lives of humanity. Scientific breakthroughs made by the Filipino
personalities in science and technology share their creativity, passion,
uniqueness and great ideas. Also, the indigenous products, practices, and
technology had significantly changed the world of science in a global setting
and perspective.

In the quest for improving the lives of people, many scientific

breakthroughs have been given distinctive recognitions. Thus, let this
information acquaint you with the most famous Philippine inventions and their
corresponding brainchild.
PHILIPPINES’ WELL-KNOWN INVENTORS/INNOVATORS

1. Dr. Fe del Mundo. She pioneered the field of Pediatrics in the

Philippines. In 1941, she designed the bamboo incubator. This
makeshift device is economical and easy to build, making it ideal for
use for rural communities without electricity. Also, she was the first
woman to be recognized as a National Scientist here in the
Philippines.
2. Dr. Abelardo B. Aguilar. He contributed so much in the discovery of
erythromycin where he stumbled upon the bacteria 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘺𝘤𝘦𝘴
𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘢𝘦𝘶𝘴 (now 𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘢𝘦𝘢 obtained from the soil
samples in his backyard. In 1949, he submitted his research work to
his company Eli Lilly and Company, branded the antibiotic into Ilosone
(after Iloilo), but never gave him the credit he was due.
3. Dr. Gregorio Zara. the inventor of the first videophone.
4. Dr. Angel C. Alcala. A national scientist best known for his research
related to the rehabilitation of coral reefs. He created the first artificial
MODULE Iv
reef used for fisheries in Southeast Asia. Philippines’ greatest inventions
5. Benjamin Almeda Sr.. He is known as the “Father of Filipino
inventors.” He was recognized in the innovation industry for inventing
various original food processing machines like meat grinder, rice
grinder and coconut grater.
6. Dr. Julian A. Banzon . He is a National Scientist and biochemist
credited for his research in alternative fuel.
7. Dr. Ramon C. Barba. A well-known Filipino scientist and horticulturist
best known for his contribution towards advancements in the mango
industry. He developed the flower induction of mango trees improving
yields.
8. Anacleto S. Del Rosario.  He invented the formula for producing a
pure kind of alcohol from tuba in a nipa palm and recognized as the
"Father of Philippine Science and Laboratory".
 9. Roberto Del Rosario. He developed the Karaoke Sing Along System
(SAS).
10. Dr. Pedro B. Escuro. A Filipino scientist known for his isolation of
nine rice varieties.
11. Dr. Carmen Ll. Intengan. A food and nutrition researcher who
contributed to the advancement of nutrition in the country.
12. Clara Y. Lim-Sylianco. A national scientist who worked on mutagen,
antimutagen and bio-organic mechanism.
13. Dr. Bienvenido O. Juliano. A national scientist known for his
outstanding contributions to the chemistry and technology rice grain
quality.
14. Felix Maramba. A scientist who built a coconut oil-fueled power
generator and a developer of biogas systems.
15. Maria Y. Orosa. A chemist and the pioneering food technologist on
food preservation. She invented the palayok oven, developed recipes
for local products, condiments like her famous banana ketchup,
desiccated and powdered form of a citrus fruit nips and other recipes.
16. Dr. William G. Padolina. He is recognized for his significant
contribution on the chemistry of the coconut; medicinal plants
chemistry and biogas production.
17. Francisco Quisumbing. a Filipino chemist who invented Quink ink.
18. Rudy Lantano Sr. He developed the Super Bunker Formula-L, a
revolutionary fuel half-composed of water.
19. Dr. Virgilio Malang. He is one of the renowned Filipino inventors that
developed the Feminine Hygiene or the External Vaginal Cleanser.
20. Diosdado Banatao. He developed the first single-chip graphical user
interface accelerator that made computers work a lot faster.

Throughout history, the development of science and technology are

made through the efforts of indigenous people. In the Philippines, many
indigenous peoples such as the Ifugaos in Cordillera Mountains have
sustained to thrive in their self-sufficient communities.

SELECTED INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGIES

Indigenous Knowledge

 Refers to the cumulative and complex body of knowledge, know-

how, practices and histories of interaction with the natural
environment (UNESCO, 2012).
 Defined as the knowledge that an indigenous (local) community
accumulates over generations of living in a particular
environment (Rÿser 2011)

Indigenous Practices
 refers to the traditional and customary practices as expression
of a culture or sub-culture,
Example:
1. Forestry practices
 Farming Practices like the Swidden farming was described as the
oldest form of agroforestry practice in Ifugao.

2. Healing/Medical Practices
 Herbalism and Plant Medicine. Ethnic knowledge about the medicinal
properties of plants has been a great contribution in pharmacological
development. The uses of herbal and botanical plants for medicines
were practiced since immemorial and it was carried up to the present.
But due to the introduction of processed synthetic medicine, users are
shifting to it. Nevertheless, the IPs of Tublay, Benguet even up to the
present practices some of these health practices being done before.
 Hilot or Ablon. A recognized technique also practiced in other parts of Asia
which involves the hands.

3. The ancient Visayans, as well as the highland tribes of northern Luzon or

Cordillerans, are known for their intricate art of tattooing. The highland tribes
of the Cordillera practiced tattoo rituals or pagbabatuk while batuk in Visayan
were thought to be widespread in the island, and the fierce Visayan warriors
are called pintados. Our forefathers believed that tattoo is an art and used this
to express themselves.

Whang-Od Oggay (Fang-Od) is the last practicing traditional mambabatok or

tattooist using traditional thorns, a bamboo hammer, and soot. She lives in
Tinglayan and belongs to the Butbut Kalinga ethnic group.

Indigenous Technology
 Refers to the technology evolved by indigenous people.
Example:
1. Indigenous musical instruments like tumpong (also inci by the Maranao), a
type of Philippine bamboo flute, Sulibaw is a hollow Igorot drum, topped with
pig skin or lizard skin, Karaga - is a guitar made up of bamboo where the
strings are slit from the bamboo itself and others.

2. Weaving
3. Basketry
4. Pottery 5. Carving

Indigenous Materials

1. Abaca (Manila hemp) initially used as material for rope found its way
inside Filipino homes as a great material for furniture and decor. The
versatility of abaca makes it easy to work with or create different designs with
it. Furniture Industry choose this material for because of its durability and
availability.
2. Coconut shell laminates are considered at par with the quality and
appearance of turquoise shells or ivory.
3. Bamboo often use as bed frames, sofa sets, and tables—proving that it's
versatile, sturdy and can give your home a laid-back tropical vibe.
4. Capiz Shells are often used in crafting wall art, decor, and even lighting
fixtures
5. Rattan is made of climbing palm tree leaves
6. Fabrics
a. Ifugao Tapis is characterized by a single rectangular piece of
MODULE Iv
colorful hand-woven wraps around oneself asPhilippines’
clothing.greatest inventions
b. Nalak is a special kind of rich color hand-woven abaca fabric
unique to the ethnic T’boli tribe of Southern Mindanao in the
Philippines. The extravagant colors come from vegetable dyes
and the natural pigments from tree barks.
c. Piña fiber is the ingenious fabric derived from the leaves of the
Spanish Red Pineapple, and is the finest of all Philippine hand-
woven fabrics. It is characterized by an ivory-white color,
naturally glossy, translucent, soft and fine with a high luster.
d. Hablon is a hand woven textile. It is made of jusi (banana fiber),
piña (pineapple fiber), locally grown silk threads, cotton, rayon,
and other indigenous materials. It produces various attractive
textile color like emerald, lavender, pink, tangerine, and crimson
colors.

This graphic organizer will help you understand about indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous S&T

Indigenous Practices Indigenous Materials

Indigenous Technology

Farming Abaka
Use of medicinal Plants Musical Instruments
Bamboo
Tattooing Weaving
Capiz
Pottery
Carving