DAVID, MIKEALLA JOY O.

SCITES030-E31

Activity No. 1

1. What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in
the Philippines?
 Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have been responsible for the
development of many technologies and have substantially contributed to
science. Indigenous science is important that it helped the people in
understanding the natural environment and in coping with everyday life.
Indigenous science plays a big role and extremely beneficial to
understanding the phenomenon fully when collaborated with modern
science. It is crucial to understand the world with these cultural
perspectives and wisdom gained from real-life first-hand experiences by
the indigenous people. When it comes to understanding ecological
relationships and natural resource management, indigenous knowledge
has played a huge role in providing cumulative wisdom passed on from
generation to generation. Indigenous perspectives are holistic and
founded upon interconnectedness, reciprocity, and the utmost respect for
nature.
 Example: The active ingredient in the pain reliever Aspirin, acetylsalicylic
acid, was first discovered by Indigenous people who utilized the bark of
the willow tree. Medicinal plant properties are still being recognized to
this day — especially in tropical ecosystems — as Indigenous people
share their knowledge. Indigenous knowledge about the medicinal
properties of plants has been instrumental in pharmacological
development.

2. What are the significant contributions of the Spaniards and Americans to the

development of science and technology in the Philippines?
 The colonization of the country has led to the development of the country
and one of this development includes the progress of science and
technology in the country. For example, formal education and founded
scientific education, Spaniards has introduced education in the country.
Also, the galleon trade has been the key for the Filipinos to study abroad
making them more knowledgeable most especially on scientific
knowledge. In terms of technology, Americans have introduced
technology such as television, machines, telephones, x-rays etc. Science
 during the American period was inclined towards agriculture, food
processing, forestry, medicine, and pharmacy.

3. Give the different laws and agencies related to Science and Technology in the
Philippines. What can you say about the implementation of some science and
technology policies and projects in the country?
 There are different laws and agencies related to Science and Technology
in the Philippines like:
o Republic Act No. 2067. AN ACT TO INTEGRATE, COORDINATE,
AND INTENSIFY SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT AND TO FOSTER INVENTION; TO PROVIDE
FUNDS THEREFOR; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
o The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the
executive department of the Philippine government responsible
for the coordination of science and technology-related projects in
the Philippines and to formulate policies and projects in the fields
of science and technology in support of national development.
 The science and technology policies and projects in the country are
mainly for the benefit of the people. The projects are helpful in some ways
that could lessen the adversity of the nation.

4. Identify several issues in the Philippines. What science and technology-related policies
could be developed and implemented to solve these issues?
 There are several issues in the Philippines which includes: overpopulation,
lack of access to safe drinking water in rural areas and inefficient public
transportation system. These are some of the issues that could be solved
with the utilization of modern technology. Like for example in
overpopulation, this could be helped through people having more access
to contraceptives and reformation of curriculum regarding sex education
and responsible parenthood and for those who are poor, and illiterate
should be taught by government health workers regarding this matter
through public forums and seminars and it should be mandatory. For lack
of access to safe drinking water in rural areas, water filtration systems
should be distributed in the provinces. Lastly for inefficient public
transportation system, many roads should be opened and constructed to
avoid traffic congestion.
5. Identify several Filipino scientists and give their contributions in the field of science.
 Lucille Abad (Senior science research specialist and chief of the Chemistry
Research Section, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)) - She
developed a plant vitamin – an effective plant growth promoter using
 irradiated seaweeds. This research has also been recognized by the Japan-
based Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia.
 Phillip Alviola (Curator at the Museum of Natural History, University of the
Philippines (UP) Los Baños) - Alviola helped develop methods to monitor
biodiversity in protected areas. He's been studying mammals, the diversity
of cave-dwelling bats, and bat viruses, which earned him the moniker "Bat
Man."
 Nathaniel Hermosa II (Associate professor at the National Institute of
Physics, UP Diliman) - Physicist Hermosa's breakthrough research
"twisted" light and "slowed" it down.
 Mario Antonio Jiz II (Senior science research specialist, Research
Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)) - Jiz significantly contributed
to the study of schistosomiasis and the development of a vaccine against
this disease. Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by parasitic
worms.
 Lanndon Ocampo (Associate professor, Cebu Technological University) -
Ocampo developed guidelines for strategic sustainable practices in
manufacturing companies. He significantly contributed to how industries
could help address climate change.
 Jeffrey Perez (Supervising science research specialist, Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)) - "Faultfinder" Perez contributed
largely to the better understanding of fault lines and earthquakes in the
Philippines.
 Rogel Mari Sese (Program leader, National Space Development Program) -
Sese is an astrophysicist and an advocate of space research and
development. He is spearheading what could be the Philippines' space
research agency.
 Aletta Concepcion Yñiguez ( Assistant professor at the Marine Science
Institute, UP Diliman) - Yñiguez's studies contributed significantly to
improving the Philippine sardine industry and managing red tide.