RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

MODULE NO. 4

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE

PHILIPPINES

Topics to be delivered in the module:

1. Indigenous Knowledge System
2. Indigenous Science

Learning Objectives

1. discuss the concept of indigenous science; and

2. Discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science
and technology in the Philippines.

Overview

This lesson focuses on indigenous science and technology in the Philippines.

Filipinos, especially during the early times, tried to invent tools that will help them in
everyday life. They also developed alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena
and in explaining the world around them. This system of knowledge is called
indigenous knowledge, which is the foundation of indigenous science.

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 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

Topic Presentation

WHAT IS INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE?

➢ Refers to the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies
with long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings for rural and
indigenous people.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Embedded in the cultural traditions of regional, indigenous, or local communities.
Orally passed.
Evident in stories, poems, and songs.

Indigenous Knowledge That Are Taught And Practice By Indigenous People

➢ Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing

➢ animal’s behavior and celestial bodies.
➢ Using herbal medicines.
➢ Preserving foods.
➢ Classifying plants and animals into families and groups.
➢ Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting.
➢ Using indigenous technology in daily lives.
➢ Building local irrigation systems.
➢ Classifying different types of soil for planting.
➢ Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits.
➢ Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables.

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 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

WHAT IS INDIGENOUS SCIENCE?

According To:
Gribbin, 2001; Mkapa, 2004; Sibisi,2004- Indigenous science is part of the
indigenous knowledge system practiced by different groups of people and early
civilizations

Paliwen, 2005- It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices,

and representations that guide human societies in their enumerable interaction
their natural milieu: agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining natural
phenomena, and strategies for coping with changing environments.

Ogawa 1995- He claimed that it is collectively lived in and experienced by the

people of a given culture.

Cajete 2004- Indigenous science includes everything, from metaphysics to

philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous peoples
both past and present.

Iaccarino 2003- collaborated this idea by explaining that science is a part of

culture, and how science is done largely depends on the cultural practices of
the people.

Johnston (2000)- indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values namely;

o Motivating Attitudes- practice of motivating people by influencing their
thoughts and behaviors.
o Cooperating Attitudes – it influences a person’s desire and
willingness to cooperate and produces an emotional response.
o Practical Attitudes- making sensible decisions and choices.
o Reflective Attitudes- a willingness to think about things that you don’t
understand.
Khun 1962- Developmental stages of most sciences are characterized by
continual competition between a number of distinct views of nature, each

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 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

partially derived from, and all roughly compatible with the dictates of scientific
observation and method.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO)- recognized indigenous science as a historical and valuable
contribution to science and technology.

Indigenous science is important in the development of science and technology

in the Philippines. Like the ancient civilizations, indigenous science gave birth to the
development of science and technology as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous
science helped the people in understanding the natural environment and in coping with
everyday life.

Additional Knowledge

Further Reading

INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY
https://theconversation.com/indigenous-technology-is-often-misunderstood-heres-
how-it-can-be-part-of-everyday-life-167191

Guided Exercises / Learning Activities

Activity 4

Research indigenous technology or ancient practices that have existed in

various parts of the world that are still relevant, and prevalent, today. Choose
3 from the topics below:
Food
Agriculture & Aquaculture
Fire Management
Astronomy and Geology
Health and well-being
Transport

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 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

References

Serafica, J. et.al. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Rex Printing Company,
Inc., First Edition, 2018.

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