LESSON 4.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Explain how important indigenous science is
2. Explore different versions of what science and technology is in the
Philippines
3. Identify indigenous practices within your local indigenous community or
province

CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND
This lesson will give light to many different knowledge and technologies of
the early civilizations that have greatly contributed to science. It includes expertise
and practices that guide the society in their social interactions with nature.

Figure 5. Philippine Indigenous Medicine

Indigenous Science

Indigenous Science, as described by Snivley and Williams (2016), refers to

the science knowledge of how the people’s culture are affected depending on
the interests of the society in a community.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

USES science process

skills such as GUIDED BY the COMPOSED OF
observing, culture in a Traditional
measuring, community Knowledge
communicating, and
predicting

Figure 6. Concept of Indigenous Science

31
Indigenous Science is guided by the culture and values in a community such as
the following:
a. The land which is a source of life is a gift from the Creator.
b. The “Mother Earth” is the origin of their identity as people.
c. The interdependence of all living and non-living things.
d. It is the responsibility of the human beings, as trustees, to preserve the land
and its natural resources.
e. Nature is a friend to human beings and needs proper respect and care.

Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous people, who have personal experiences in their daily lives
combined with that of their ancestors, have vast knowledge of their environment
and the relationship within them. This knowledge has contributed to modern
science and natural resource management. They were able to produce
innovations that aids in transportation, agriculture, building houses, and roots of
food and medicine.

Figure 7. Ifugao Rice Terraces and their forest products

Examples of Indigenous Knowledge are using herbal medicine that are not
tested yet but are being patronized by the society, preserving food, predicting
weather conditions through observation of animal’s behavior, classifying living
organisms into groups based on cultural properties, selecting good seeds for
planting, building irrigation systems, and classifying different types of soils that are
good for planting.

Irrigation System Food Preservation

Herbal cure

The Role of Indigenous Science in the Advancement of Science and Technology

Indigenous Science has played a huge role in providing knowledge that
are passed on from generation to generation. It has helped provide new
perspectives on the development of many technological advancements. Existing
practices of Indigenous people are essential for the survival and adaptation of the
society in diverse conditions in both natural and socio-cultural synergies.

32
 In the Philippines, many indigenous people continue to thrive remote and
yet self-sufficient communities. At present, they are still able to uphold their
traditions in agriculture, wood carving, and forestry practices. For instance, many
Ifugao people believe that endemic trees are associated with spirits and so they
conserve them. They also implement customary laws as foundation for justice and
unity within their tribes.

SUMMARY
Science is the pursuit of knowledge. Although approaches to gathering this
knowledge may be culturally diverse, they are of great importance in the
development of modern science. Indigenous technology is extremely beneficial
and we cannot ignore the knowledge of those who have pioneered and
understood the changes in the environment from generation to generation.

ACTIVITY
Instruction: Follow the statement below,

Identify Filipino indigenous knowledge or practices in your community.

REFERENCES
Camacho, L. et.al.(2015). Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for the Sustainable
Management of Ifugao Forests in Cordillera Philippines. International Journal
of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services and management
Janian, J. (2018). Philippine Indigenous Medicine: Not Clinically Tested but
Patronized by Filipinos. Retrieved from
https://steemit.com/philippines/@juvyjabian/philippine- indigenous-
medicines-not-clinically-tested-but-patronized-by-filipinos
Kawasaki, J. (2012). Enhancing Indigenous Knowledge in Rice Terraces. Our
World. United Nations University. Retrieved from
https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/enhancing-indigenous- knowledge-in-rice-
terraces

33
Kupe, C. (2014). Indigenous Knowledge and School Science: Possibilities for
Integration. Researchgate. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318774703
Indigenous_knowledge_systems_and_science_and_technology

Malli, P. (2018). The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Advancing Science and

Technology. Retrieved from https://medium.com/anth374s18/the-role-of-
indigenous-knowledge-in- advancing-science-and-technology-
c1327bc5641c

Snively, G., & Williams, L. (2016). Knowing Home: Braiding Indigenous Science with
Western Science. Book One. University of Victoria. Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada. Retrieved from
https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/knowinghome/chapter/chapter-6/

Southern Leyte State University. Indigenous Science and Technology in the

Philippines. Course Hero. Retrieved from
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p38mcfl/AGRICULTURE- Swidden-
farming-Agricultural-cycle-pendupi-miyan-pemeres-Balatik/
The Canadian Press & Jesse Popp. (2018). How Indigenous Knowledge Advances
Science and Technology. Laurentian University. Retrieved from
https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news- pmn/how-indigenous-
knowledge-advances-modern-science-and-technology#:~:text=
Technology%20to%20TEK&text=Indigenous%20knowledge%2C%20also%20
known%2 0as,through%20generations%20by%20Indigenous%20people.

34