Topic 3

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and NATION-BUILDING

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PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Scientific and technological development in the Philippines began in the pre-colonial

period. Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, early Filipino settlers were
already using certain plant sand herbs as medicines. Systems of farming and animal-raising
were also implemented. Moreover, early Filipinos had also developed different modes of
transportation, whether terrestrial or maritime.

A complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras when they
built rice terraces y hand. Through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on
the mountains in cold temperatures. They incorporated an irrigation system that uses water
from the forests and mountain tops to achieve an elaborate farming system. The rice terraces
of the Cordilleras, which are still functional, show the innovative and ingenious way of the
natives to survive in an otherwise unfriendly environment.
COLONIAL PERIOD

Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of

construction. Walls, roads, bridges and other large infrastructures were built using some of the
Engineering skills and tools brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish government
developed health and education systems that were enjoyed by the principalia class.

Old Manila Intramuros

University of Sto. Tomas

The American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the Philippines. They
established a government agency, the Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing
development in the field of science and technology.
 Bureau of Science

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After achieving independence from the colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continued to pursue programs in science and technology. Each leadership had
its own science and technology agenda. However, it is important to note than some Philippine
presidents posted more developments in the field than others.

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was
former president Ferdinand Marcos. Under his term, many agencies in science and technology
were established and strengthened, including the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in placed of the abolished Weather Bureau; the
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); and the reconstituted National Science
and Technology Authority ( originally established in 1958 as the National Science and
Development Board and now the Department of Science and Technology), among others.
Marcos saw the key to nation- building is the continued development of science and
technology. The progress in science and technology continued even after his rule and the
presidents after him left their own legacies in the field.
Source:
McNamara, D.J., Valverde, V.M. Beleno III, R . (2018) Science, Technology, and Society. C & E
Publishing, Inc.