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STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 4

SCIENCE, TENCHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING

MODULE OVERVIEW

This module will discuss the influence of science and technology in the development of the Philippine
society. It identifies government programs, projects, and policies geared toward boasting the science and
technological capacity of the country. This will also include discussions on Philippine indigenous science and
technology.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the contributions of Filipino scientists in science and technology;
2. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building
3. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to
nation building
4. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on the
development of the Filipino nation

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, the natives of the archipelago already had
practices linked to science and technology. Modern men came to mainland Asia around 50 000 years and up
until about 40 000 years ago used stone tools and weapons. They also later developed shell ornaments and
pottery. Remnants of these are still present today as many people are still using clay pots in cooking.

Eventually, Filipinos gained the skill to extract metals such as gold, copper, bronze, and iron and use
these metals for many purposes. Other activities such as weaving, making glass ornaments, and tools
development were done by our ancestors.

Before arrival of the Spaniards, Filipino communities are already thriving and interacting with other
cultures such as the Chinese, Indonesians, and Japanese. There is trade between other countries for
porcelain, glass beads, and metal products with materials such as beeswax, cotton, pearl, tortoise shells and
nuts. Early Filipinos were also involved in coastal trade, and seamanship became highly developed. These
trades also influenced technology development in the Philippines.

Early Filipinos also have their own system of writing, though literary tradition is still mainly oral. Also,
systems of weighing, measuring, and time were also present in early Filipino society.

Filipino technology in agriculture was also present and highly developed. There exist systems of
farming and animal-raising both for food production and helping in daily tasks. Early Filipinos were also
engaged in various agricultural practices such as developing irrigation systems, predicting weather conditions
and seasons through animal behavior and celestial bodies, classifying plants and animals based on their
properties, preparing seeds for planting, classifying soils according to their properties, and growing plants in
yards. In terms of health and medicine, early Filipinos have been using certain plants for their medical
properties in treating ailments and healing injuries.

By Agricmarketing at en.wikipedia - I created this work entirely by myself., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17010616

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The Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of engineering by pre-Spanish era
Filipinos. Through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on the mountainsides in cold
temperatures. They incorporated an irrigation system that uses water from the forests and mountain tops to
achieve an elaborate farming system. These terraces, which are still functional, show the innovative and
ingenious way of the natives to survive in an otherwise unfriendly environment.

Pre-colonial Filipino science and technology is basically folk science and indigenous knowledge.
There was also no pressure for a large science and technology development because of the relatively small
population, simple needs, and abundant natural resources.

Indigenous Science

According to Pawilen (2005) and Sibisi (2004), indigenous science includes complex arrays of
knowledge, expertise, practices, and representations derived from traditional knowledge and practices that
guide human societies in their numerable interactions with the natural milieu, such as astronomy, metallurgy,
agriculture, medicine, food technology, naming and explaining natural phenomena, and strategies for coping
with changing environments. It has developed diverse structures and contents through the interplay between
the society and the environment. Pawilen (2005) also developed a simple framework for understanding
indigenous science.

THE CONCEPT OF INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying, measuring,
problem-solving, inferring, communicating and predicting. 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 the origin of their identity as people.
 All living and non-living things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources.
 Nature is a friend to human beings – it needs respect and proper care.

According to Johnston (2000), indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values that are relevant or
consistent to scientific attitudes, such as motivating, cooperating, practical, and reflective attitudes.

An indigenous knowledge system is embedded in the daily life experiences of young children as they
grow up. They live in a society where the members of the community prominently practice indigenous
knowledge. Parents and other older folks served as first teacher and their methods of teaching are very
effective in transmitting cultural knowledge. Lessons learned (good values, life stories from daily struggles)
are intimately interwoven with their culture and the environment. Views about nature and their reflections on
their experiences in daily life are evident in their stories, poems and songs.

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BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

COLONIAL PERIOD
The colonization of the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology in the
archipelago.

Spanish Colonial Period

The Spanish colonial period is regarded as the time when modern science and technology in the
Philippines began. During this era, the Spanish colonizers changed the way that the Filipino society works.
They used of reduccion in consolidating scattered communities into larger and fewer communities within
hearing distance of church bells and adopted how Filipinos rule. They created towns, which made tax
collection, forced labor, and economic activities much easier to implement.

Science Education

Schools were established which were primarily managed by priests and missionaries. Thus, religious
education was given focus. The establishment of schools introduced concepts in science and technology,
which began formal science and technology education. Early science education focused on the human body,
plants, animals, and heavenly bodies. Early technology education focused on the use and development of
tools for everyday life.

Higher education was centered in cities such as Manila. However, only a select few have access to
these institutions, such as Spaniards, mestizos, and a few select Filipinos. Medicine and advanced sciences
were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by Catholic orders, though training were
generally poor. Biology, medicine, and pharmacy were given focus. For Bachiller en Artes degrees, science
subjects include physics, chemistry, natural history, and mathematics.

Other schools were also established. Vocational education was introduced by the latter part of 19 th
century. However, there is a lack of engineering schools and nautical schools and agricultural schools were
few.

Also, by 1863, the government initiated reforms in education where basic education and higher
education will be supervised by the government. However, this was not fully implemented. Overall, public
education was not very progressive.

Agriculture, Trade, and Industry

The opening of the Suez Canal allowed the penetration of liberal ideas to the Philippines from Europe
and eased communication and transportation. This also allowed select Filipinos were able to go to Europe
and study science and technology. Prominent ones include Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna.

By Boxer Codex (1590) - Unknown Spanish Author/Compiler with Likely Chinese Artist from Spanish Colonial
Manila, Philippines, circa 1590 AD. - http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/metsnav/common/navigate.do?
oid=VAB8326&pn=8&size=large, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?

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curid=82198314

Galleon trade allowed both goods and ideas from the West to reach the country, though this benefited
the colonizers and the Chinese merchants more than the Filipinos. Trade was given more focus by the
Spaniard colonial authorities due to the prospect of big profits. These trades allowed other ideas, crops, tools,
cultural practices, technology and Western practices to reach the country. Because of the Galleon trade, the
shipbuilding industry progressed.

Initially, agriculture and industry were neglected and its progress was slow. However, the founding of
the Real Sociedad Economica de los Amigos del Paris de Filipinas encouraged its eventual development.
Many crops were cultivated and some industries were developed. When the Philippines became open for
foreign trade, industries such as embroidery, tobacco, and weaving flourished. Trade and commerce also led
to the establishment of public amenities, such as transportation, lighting, banking, and information services,
especially in Manila.

Other Aspects

Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of construction. In terms
of engineering, Spaniards introduced town planning and building with materials such as bricks and tiles.
Because of this, churches, hospitals, and other public buildings were built.

Hospitals became centers for research work, especially in terms of the causes and treatments of
infectious diseases, such as malaria, cholera, and leprosy. Herbal medicines were researched and
catalogued. Sanitation was also given importance for public health purposes. Laboratorio Municipal Ciudad
de Manila was created in 1887 for public health concerns and medical analysis.

Meteorological studies were promoted by the Jesuits, who founded the Manila Observatory. These
studies became important and frequent that public typhoon warnings were able to be issued. The
Observatory also led to seismological and astronomical studies. Research on Philippine flora, agronomy,
geology, and chemistry was also done during the Spanish era though very little of the results and activities of
these are known.

Some contributors in science and technology during this period are Fr. Ignacio Mercado., Dr. Trinidad
Pardo de Tavera and Dr. Leon Ma Guerrero, chemist Anaclento del Rosario, and medicine scholars Dr.
Manuel Guerrero, Dr, Jose Montes and Dr. Elrodario Mercado.

Though the Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years, science and technology did
not fully grow and reached its full potential. This is due to superstitions and Catholic doctrines and poor
administration of the Spanish government, among others.

American Colonial Period and the Commonwealth Period

The American colonial period saw a rapid growth in science and technology in the Philippines. These
are due to progress in public education and research and science public services.

The Americans established the public education system and created a Department of Public
Instruction in 1901. The public educational system is free, with English as a medium of instruction. They
reorganized school science. Basic education focused on nature studies and science and sanitation. Normal
schools were also established to train teachers, as well as other professional and technical schools. Industrial
and vocational courses were offered but were not preferred by Filipinos at the time, and choosing career
paths that led to what they perceive as more prestigious jobs was preferred.

It was during the American colonization period that the University of the Philippines was established.
The University started with mostly foreign teachers and professors. Filipinos were sent overseas for
education and training and later on, replaced many of the foreign professors of the University of the
Philippines.

The private education sector also flourished. They started out to be ill-equipped and inadequate in
equipment and facilities, but regulations by the American colonial government improved the sector eventually.

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Studying overseas was also encouraged by the American government and select students were sent
to be trained as engineers, physicians, teachers, nurses, and other professionals. They were asked to serve
in the Philippines as a return for this privilege.

Science and technology focused on agriculture, food processing, forestry, medicine and pharmacy.
The Americans established the Bureau of Government Laboratories in 1901 to deal with the study of tropical
diseases and laboratory projects. This was replaced with the Bureau of Science in 1905 to nurture the
development of science and technology. In this bureau, serums and prophylactics needed by the Philippine
General Hospital and Bureau of Health were manufactured and diseases were studied.

Reorganization of different offices based on their specializations were also done during this time, such
as the Weather Bureau, Bureau of Health, Mines, Forestry, Agriculture, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Plant
Industry, and Animal Industry.

The American colonial government also improved engineering works and health conditions by
creating more public hospitals than the Spaniards and by doing research to control diseases. They improved
transportation and communication. New technologies were also introduced by American scholars in the
country.

During the Commonwealth period, where a transitional government was established for Philippine’s
eventual independence, the Constitution actually acknowledged the importance of science and technology.
Other government corporations and councils were created, such as the National Economic Council, National
Power Corporation, National Development Company, and National Abaca and Other Fibers Corporation.

The Americans have more influence in the development of science and technology in the Philippines
compared to the Spaniards. American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the country.
However, the Philippines remained as agricultural country and industrialization was still slow. This seems to
stem from the focus on agricultural and medical sciences characteristic during this time. Also, mineral
resources in the country were exploited during this time. In addition, the Philippines was not able to become
fully independent due to the economic ties with the Americans. Unfortunately, the Japanese government
occupied the Philippines between 1942 and 1945, which halted science and technology development in the
Philippines.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After colonization by Japan, the country focused on building institutions and public facilities such as
schools, hospitals, and transportation systems as well as providing technological training and human resource
development. Human resource development focused on producing engineers, scientists, technology experts,
doctors, and other professionals.

Though limited in resources, the country focused in improving science and technology. One way is
through the use of Overseas Development Allocations (ODA) to help in scientific productivity and
technological capability.

In the sector of education, private institutions remained the main source of higher education by
Filipinos. Still, the number of students pursuing physical sciences, engineering medicine, and agriculture is
inadequate to meet the needs of the country.

Nevertheless, professional organizations such as the Philippine Medical Association and Philippine
Institute of Chemical Engineers which aimed to review and revise the curriculum for their respective fields to
improve instruction and professional training.

Also, many more government agencies were established such as the Institute of Science, Institute of
Nutrition, Science Foundation of the Philippines, and Commission on Volcanology. However, government
support for science and technology was still inadequate. For example, in 1950, the US Economic Survey
Mission to the Philippines reported that the budget for research as well as compensation for scientists is still
low. Because of this, the Institute of Science was the reorganized to become the Institute of Science and
Technology, with the additional mandate to improve technological development and explore natural resources
for economic growth.

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By 1957, the state of science and technology in the Philippines was still declining. Due to this, the
Science Act of 1958 was enacted. This established the National Science Development Board, the Philippine
Atomic Energy Commission, and the National Institute of Science and Technology. By 1960s, the Philippine
Inventor’s Commission and Philippine Coconut Research Institute were also established. Also, by 1964, the
Philippine Science High School started its operation through Republic Act 3661 signed by President
Diosdado Macapagal.

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was former president
and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. During his term, many agencies were established such as the Philippine
Textile Research Institute, National Grains Authority (now the National Food Authorirty), Plant Breeding
Institute, International Rice Research Institute, Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (now the Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development), Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, National Committee on Geological Sciences,
Philippine National Oil Company, National Academy of Science and Technology. The current site of the
Department of Science and Technology in Taguig was then proclaimed as the Philippine Science Community.
It was during Marcos’s term that the National Science Development Board and its agencies were reorganized
into a National Science and Technology Authority to provide central direction and coordination of scientific and
technological research and development.

In terms of science education, the Marcos regime encouraged the Department of Education and
Culture to promote science education. The Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science high
schools were established and salaries of both teachers and administrators were increased. Among other
manifestations of his support in science and technology education are listed below:

 SECOND SONA (January 23, 1967): He declared that science was necessary for the development
programs, and thus, directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science courses in public
high schools.

 THIRD SONA (January 22, 1968): He recognized that technology was the leading factor in economic
development, and channeled additional funds to support projects in applied sciences and science
education

 FOURTH SONA (January 27, 1969): He gave a big part of the war damage fund to private
universities to encourage them to create courses in science and technology and to research. The
government also conducted seminars for public and private high school and college science teachers,
training programs and scholarships for graduate and undergraduate science scholars, and workshops
on fisheries and oceanography.

 FIFTH SONA (January 26, 1970): He emphasized that the upgrading of science curricula and
teaching equipment is crucial to the science development program. He also assisted 107 institutions
in undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists to study nuclear science and technology
abroad, and providing basic training to 482 scientists, doctors, engineers, and technicians.

 SEVENTH SONA (January 24, 1972): He spoke about his major development projects in reforming
sectors of education. Such projects included research and development schools, technical institutes,
science education centers, and agricultural colleges and vocational high schools.

The presidency of Corazon Aquino saw the replacement of NSTA to DOST. She also created the
Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up with the first Science and Technology
Master Plan or STMP. The goal of STMP was for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country
status by the year 2000. It was during her term that Executive Order No.128 was signed, which reorganized
the National Science and Technology Authority.

During Fidel Ramos’ presidency, the number of science and technology personnel increased, more
Philippine High Schools were established (in Visayas and Mindanao), and health care services were given
importance through programs such as "Doctors to the Barrio Program." His administration also saw the
establishment of the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel (Republic Act No. 8439), Science
and Technology Scholarship Law of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7687), Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act
(Republic Act No. 7459), and The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293), and

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the Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was established.

The presidency of Joseph Estrada saw the legislation of Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic
Act No. 8749) and Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792). He also has a full-scale
program for cost-effective irrigation technologies and programs for social and social services for those in
need.

During Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term, projects for the environment and science and technology
(like the “Biofuels” act) was given focus to increase economic level. "Filipinnovation" was also coined to help
the Philippines to be an innovation hub in Asia. The STI was developed further by strengthening the schools
and education system such as the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)..

During Benigno Aquino III’s term, he conferred four new National Scientist for their contribution in the
scientific field.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON 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.

Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the key government institution for 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 country can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015
Goals. As a result of the consultation, NCRP is expected to recommend policies and programs that will
improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN Region. The following were the policies that
were the results of the consultation.

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

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

2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
a. Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities
b. Outright grants for peer monitoring
c. Review of RA 9184
d. Harnessing science and technology as independent mover of development

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

a. Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonized standards by full
implementation of the Food and Drug Administration
b. Creating an educational council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and
care
c. Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as pool of
information
d. Allowing two percent of the GDP to research
e. Legislating a law supporting human genome project

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4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

a. Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws
b. Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
c. Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s conservation
d. Formulation of common food and safety standards

Other programs supported by the Philippine government through DOST include:

1. Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology
2. Providing scholarships for studies of students in science and technology
3. Establishing more branches of Philippine Science High School System
4. Creating and developing science and technology parks
5. Establishment of Balik Scientist Program
6. Establishment of National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex

Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering identify several capacity building
programs such as:

1. Establishment of national centers of excellence

2. Manpower and institutional development programs
3. Establishment of regional centers to support scientific industries
4. Establishment of science and technology business centers
5. Strengthening of science education at an early age

Philippine Development Plan

The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (PDP) is a massive undertaking in improving the
country’s infrastructure, increasing energy access, lowering costs for citizens, keeping up with economic
growth, and staying within the bounds of global agreements for climate change and sustainable growth. It was
approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board and President Rodrigo Duterte
on February 20th, 2017. The impact will be manifested in the following outcomes:

 The Philippines will be an upper middle-income country by 2022.

 Growth will be more inclusive as manifested by a lower poverty incidence in rural areas –
from 30 percent in 2015 to 20 percent in 2022.
 The Philippines will have a high level of human development by 2022.
 The unemployment rate will decline from 5.5 percent to 3-5 percent in 2022.
 There will be greater trust in government and in society.
 Individuals and communities will be more resilient.
 Filipinos will have greater drive for innovation.

The pillars of the said program are

1. Malasakit: refers to the goal to regain people’s trust in public institutions and each other. These
strategies aim to promote awareness of anti-corruption measures, invigorate the public sector,
increased access to legal aid, and promoting culture sensitive governance.

2. Pagbabago: aimed at reducing inequality by increasing opportunities for growth and

transformation. The popularized term has been ‘inclusive growth’. Universal social protection,
basic education, and other social services will be improved upon while also raising the country’s

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status in the global market for more opportunities.

3. Patuloy na Pag-unlad: focuses on economic growth. The Philippines have seen massive growth
in the past decade or so through their change from an agricultural economy to industry and
manufacturing focused powerhouse. The Philippines plan to focus on continued growth of their
technology, R&D, and innovation sectors.

Philippine Congress has also created laws that serve as legal framework for science and technology.
Some other areas that the country is looking forwards related to science and technology include:

1. Use of alternative and safe energy

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

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the global
advancement of science and technology. The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of
natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built from
indigenous materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment. Among these inventions are a
mosquito ovicidal / larvicidal trap system called OL trap by DOST for the dengue problem and e-jeepney,
which evolved from the military jeeps left by the Americans after World War II but utilizes electricity instead of
the more expensive diesel.

Below is a list of scientists and their contributions. This list include all scientists Lee-Chua (2000)
identified in her book Ten Outstanding Filipino Scientists who have made significant contributions in different
science disciplines: agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering and
biology.

ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA JR. JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR. CAESAR A. SALOMA
He is a neonatologist who has He has made major contributions He is an internationally renowned
significantly impacted science and to the theory and practice of physicist recognized for his
technology in the Philippines for automatic control. His work in the contributions to photonics and
his contributions to the field of 1970s and 1980s on the control of signal processing that were
pediatrics, neonatal leader-follower systems is still accomplished with colleagues
hyperbilirubinemia and neonatal considered one of the major and students at the National
drug addiction, including his contributions of the half-century in Institute of Physics. He led the
pioneering work on the detection the theory of hierarchical control development of a method to
of fetal exposure to drugs, systems. He was also elected as generate high-contrast images of
tobacco, alcohol and officer of the famous Institute of semiconductor sites via one
environmental toxicants, by Electrical and Electronic photon optical beam-induced
analysis of meconium, a Engineering. current imaging and confocal
newborn’s first stools. reflectance microscopy. The
project received a US patent on
June 26, 2007.

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LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA
She is known for discovering the
seedless breed of lime and
pomelo, and for doing research
on plant biotechnology.
EDGARDO GOMEZ
He is a Professor Emeritus for
marine biology at the University of
the Philippines Marine Science
Institute. He saw the need to
protect the Philippines
archipelago’s vast marine
resources in particular that of
coral reefs. He also pioneered
giant clam (Tridacna gigas)
breeding stationed in Bolinao and
other protective areas for coastal
communities of the Philippines.
WILLIAM PADOLINA
He was a former president of
National Academy of Science and
Technology (NAST). He is
recognized for his significant
contributions in the field of natural
products chemistry, coconut
chemistry, biotechnology and in
management of research and
development.
PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY
FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT
He is known for his phytochemical
work for the development of
lagundi as part of the National
Integrated Research Program on
Medicinal Plants.
LOURDES JANSUY CRUZ
She is a Filipino biochemist
whose research has contributed
to the understanding of the
biochemistry of toxic peptides
from the venom of fish-
hunting Conus marine snails. Her
research shed light on the effects
of conotoxins on the central
nervous system and how it can
cause muscular paralysis,
sleepiness, or drowsiness,
involuntary motion and more.
RAMON CABANOS BARBA
He is known for his invention of
flower induction of mango trees.
The impact and importance of his
discoveries, along with his self-
motivation to help others, led him
to change how mangoes and
other crops are grown around the
world, thus improving the
livelihood for those who work in
agriculture industry.
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MARI-JO PANGANIBAN RUIZ
She is known for being an
outstanding educator and graph
theorist.
JOSEFINO CACAS COMISO
He was instrumental on a global
project observing the planet for
rapidly declining perennial sea ice
cover, and produced a paper on
the subject that has been cited
over one thousand times. His
work has revealed the
extraordinary rate at which Arctic
ice is affected by global warming,
at approximately three times the
intensity of the global average.
ANGEL ALCALA
He contributed to the country’s
marine development and
concerns. He is known for his
fieldwork to build sanctuaries and
to promote biodiversity in the
aquatic ecosystems of the
Philippines.
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GREGORY LIGOT TANGONAN RAFAEL DINEROS GUERRERO

III
He is known for his research in He was recognized because of
the field of communications his scientific and technical
technology. He has been contributions to the growth of Sex
instrumental in developing Reversal and Hatchery
applications of optoelectronics in Techniques that help the
radar, optical networking and commercial fabrication of high
analog systems. yielding market-size tilapia in the
Philippines and other nations.

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is trying its best to improve the state of science education in the country. One of the
strategies is to establish science schools that will encourage students to pursue their career in science and
technology and to nurture their gifted potentials.

Science education focuses on teaching, learning and understanding science. Teaching science
involves exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and
processes effectively. Learning science includes both pedagogy and helping students understand and love
science. Understanding science implies developing and applying science process skills and using science
literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life.

John Dewey argued that “education and learning are social and interactive processes, and thus
school itself is a social institution through which social reform can and should take place. In addition, he
believed that students thrive in an environment where they are allowed to experience and interact with the
curriculum, and all students should have the opportunity to take part in their own learning.” (Talebi, 2015)

Science education in basic science helps students learn important concepts and facts that are related
to everyday life (Carale & Campo, 2003; Meador, 2005; Worth & Grollman, 2003); includes important skills
such as process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up with daily life activities
(Chaille & Britain, 2002); develops positive attitude such as the love for knowledge, passion for innovative
things, curiosity to study about nature and creativity (Lind, 1997), and develops a strong foundation for
studying science and for considering science-related careers in the future.

On the other hand, science education in tertiary education deals with developing students’
understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works and focuses on the preparation of
science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in various science-related fields such as
engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. In addition to major courses, this is also done
through offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum.

In the field of science education, several science-related programs and projects were created to
develop scientific literacy. These include:

1. Special science classes

2. Special science elementary schools
3. Philippine Science High School System
4. STEM track of the K-12 educational system
5. PICARI project
6. Offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum

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Science Schools in the Philippines

PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEMS (PSHSS)

VISION: We are the leading science high school in the Asia Pacific Region preparing our
scholars to become globally competitive Filipino scientists equipped with 21 st century skills
and imbued with the core values of truth, excellence, and service to nation.

MISSION: The Philippine Science High School, operating under one

System of Governance and Management, provides scholarship to students
with high aptitude in science and mathematics.

The PSHS System offers an education that is humanistic in spirit, global in perspective, and in
orientation.  It is based on a curriculum that emphasizes science and mathematics and the development of
well-rounded individuals.

The PSHS System prepares its students for careers in Science and Technology and contributes to
nation building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in Science and
Technology. It is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is the service institute of the
DOST whose mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with emphasis on subjects
pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of preparing its students for a science career (Republic Act No.
3661)

PSHSS students have proven to be a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the country. They
have brought honor to the Philippines through their exemplary achievements in various international
competitions and research circles.

Graduates of PSHSS were expected to pursue degrees in science and technology at various colleges
and universities locally or abroad.

SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT

MISSION: To provide a learning environment to science inclined children through a special curriculum which
recognizes multiple intelligences and is geared towards the development of God-loving, nationalistic, creative,
ecologically aware, scientifically and technologically oriented and skilled individuals who are empowered
through lifelong learning skills.

It is in pursuance to DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. It started in
June, SY 2007-2008: Batch I with 57 identified elementary school. Another 3 schools in Region V were
included since its inception. In SY 2011-2012, the program was again expanded for Batch 3; additional 5
schools in Region V were included

The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological
knowledge, skills, and values. The SSES utilizes Science curriculum that will provide for the development of
lifelong learning skills and foster the holistic development of the child. The subject  Science& Health is taught
starting in Grade1 and provides longer instruction time in Science. In Grades I-III, 70 minutes and for Grades
IV-VI, 80 minutes. The Curriculum also utilizes varied teaching approaches/strategies to address the multiple
intelligences, learning styles and needs of the learners.

QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Established on September 17, 1967, it was originally named

1By Source, Fair use,
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/
index.php?curid=36833659
Quezon City Science High School. It was appointed as the Regional
Science High School for the National Capital Region since 1998. The focus
of the curriculum is on science and technology. The school envisions to
serve as a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted
students to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity. The school is well-
supported by the Local Government Unit and by the Parents and Teachers
Association (PTA). The school is under the Department of Education.

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MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION: To provide relevant and quality education through its Special

Science Curriculum, its empowered school manager and staff, its
committed, dedicated and well-trained learning facilitators and support
personnel and its linkages with various publics for the development of
active, productive, morally upright and development-oriented Filipinos.

VISION: A nerve center of excellence that enables healthy life-long

2By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair
learners with strong moral, social, cultural and technological foundation
use, to actively participate in the development of a strong republic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.p
hp?curid=63587886
It was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School (MSHS). It was also the
first science high school in the Philippines. The curriculum of the school puts more emphasis on science and
mathematics. It aims to produce scientists with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses and other
electives are included in their curriculum.

The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT),
for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science, aptitude test in mathematics,
problem-solving test in science, problem-solving test in mathematics, and proficiency in English.

CENTRAL VISAYAN INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

MISSION: As the educational arm of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation, the High
School Department shall endeavor to equip each student with the necessary skills for future
work and further studies. It shall develop and protect each individual's talents and innate
creativity, and guide each one towards the path of fullest realization of potential and creative
abilities. It shall instill in the youth a spirit of service to country and love of God, above all.

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic Learning
Program (DLP), which is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to foster the
highest level of learning, creativity and productivity.

It takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established in 1992, which
organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and perspectives
on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

1. Describe briefly how science and technology evolved during each period in history.
2. Write your own impression on the current science education in the Philippines.
3. Prepare a listing with brief explanation of government policies in relation to the development and
functions of science and technology.
4. Prepare a personal written report on your own reaction/impression of our life today with the
advancement in science and technology.

SUMMARY

The following learning points summarize what you have learned in this section:

 Even before the time of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, various people and communities
already practiced science. They invented tools and built structures, studied medicinal use of plants
and used indigenous science in agriculture.

 The growth of science and its development as a field in the country is a hybrid of indigenous and
foreign ideas. Spain and the United States, played an important role in building the foundation of

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science in the Philippines. To further strengthen the science program in the country, the government
establishes various science programs, policies and projects

 Through the years, many Filipinos were able to establish themselves as scientists and science
educators in various scientific areas and fields. Invention and innovations were done by these Filipino
scientists. Finally, the demands of globalization prompted the Philippines to invest in science and
technology programs and projects.

 Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in helping the public develop
science and literacy. This is important in the promotion and development of science and technology in
the country.

 Science education deals with the development of people in science, which is the heart of science,
technology and society.

 To promote science education, science schools were established to develop gifted students in
science and mathematics. Science programs and projects were organized and developed to nurture
innovation in science in the country, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers and research in
science and technology.

 The communities in the Philippines have maintained vast amounts of indigenous knowledge, cultural
practices, traditions and beliefs.

 The indigenous knowledge system of the people served as the foundation for the development of
indigenous science.

REFERENCES

1. Quinto, Edward Jay M. and Nieva, Aileen D. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society. pp 47-60.
Quezon City: C&E Publishing.
2. National Economic and Development Authority. (2017). Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
Pasig City. Retrieved from http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Abridged-PDP-2017-
2022_Final.pdf
3. Caoili, O. (1986). A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines. In Analysis of Conditions
for National Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation. Quezon City:
University of the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/40192220/A_HISTORY_OF_SCIENCE_AND_TECHNOLOGY_IN_THE_P
HILIPPINES
4. https://prezi.com/p/-ycfrdomgpnv/brief-history-of-science-and-technology-in-the-philippines/
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_technology_in_the_Philippines#cite_note-sciust-3
6. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1967/01/23/ferdinand-e-marcos-second-state-of-the-nation-
address-january-23-1967/
7. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1968/01/22/ferdinand-e-marcos-third-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-22-1968/
8. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1969/01/27/ferdinand-e-marcos-fourth-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-27-1969/
9. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1970/01/26/ferdinand-e-marcos-fifth-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-26-1970/
10. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1972/01/24/ferdinand-e-marcos-seventh-state-of-the-nation-
address-january-24-1972/
11. https://dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Journals/
Compendium_of_Philippine_Science_and_Technology_Laws.pdf
12. https://study.com/academy/lesson/ramon-barba-biography-contributions-inventions.html
13. https://prabook.com/web/josefino.comiso/3591434
14. https://grainger.illinois.edu/alumni/distinguished/9338
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lourdes_J._Cruz
16. https://prabook.com/web/fabian.dayrit/259145

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17. http://biographynotmine.blogspot.com/2012/12/dr-rafael-d-guerrero-iii-father-of.html
18. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/la-consolacion-college/financial-management/lecture-notes/
filipino-scientist-and-their-contributions/5498880/view
19. https://rdcu.be/b6vnH
20. https://www.slideshare.net/iPagador/science-education-in-the-philippines
21. http://www.catanduanestribune.com/article/1Q1F
22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quezon_City_Science_High_School
23. https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/PH/Jagna/114999155247922/Central-Visayan-Institute-
Foundation
24. https://prezi.com/dejrmc4xbvhd/indigenous-science-and-technology-in-the-ph/

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