Even before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, local or native Filipinos were already

practicing science and technology in the building of the rice terraces and the
mummification of dead person. Filipinos were already aware of therapeutic properties and
medicinal values of plants. Filipinos were already engage in farming, poultry and use of trees
for building homes.

With the Spanish colonization, Filipinos started to learn and got education on science and
technology. Spanish has introduced formal education and founded scientific institution.

The study of medicine was given priority in schools and engineering and constructions to
build infrastructures such as, houses, building, ports, roads and bridges were introduced.

During American colonization further studies were made in the field of medicine,
engineering, architectures, sciences, agriculture, etc. On July 01, 1901 Bureau of Government
Laboratories was established and placed under the Department of Interior.

In 1905, The Bureau of Science was established and later in 1946 it was replaced by Institute
of Science to address the lack of information which were required in country’s industries.

In 1958, President Carlos P. Garcia through the Philippine Congress passed Science Act that
established the National Science Development Board.

From 1968 to 1986, the government of President Ferdinand Marcos has given more
importance to science and technology. He declared that the advancement of science and
technology shall have priority in the national development.