Individual activity #3: The beginning of STS in the Philippines

The video sheds light on how science and technology have played a significant role in
shaping the Filipino nation-state. And, as I expected, conflicts with politics and money are
considered while resolving the issue, as different groups, including scholars, scientists, the
government, and the general public, have interacted to promote development in the Philippines.
The video delved into the relationship between the development of science and technology, the
emergence of the Filipino nation, the influence of colonial politics and economic interests on
national identity, and the crucial role of science in the ideas of the Ilustrados.
General Antonio Luna’s journey left a significant impact on the Philippines’ scientific
studies in microbiology more particularly in the evolutionary battle against Malaria. Similar to
most Filipinos, I’ve only known him for being a hero and a general. However, upon watching, I
discovered that Antonio Luna was the first Filipino scientist to have a doctorate degree in
pharmacy. Luna's contributions provided practical solutions to real-life problems and directly
improved the lives of the Filipino people.
With all this information in mind, I think that Antonio Luna's work on malaria is an
excellent example of how science can be used to make a positive difference. Antonio Luna
dedicated himself to understanding and combatting the malaria parasite in the blood. His
research was focused on the life cycle of the malaria parasite, emphasizing its presence in the
blood. Luna's work included experiments related to the differentiation of Plasmodium in the
blood and the development of diagnostic techniques for malaria merozoites. These breakthroughs
significantly advanced our understanding of malaria, a disease that had long afflicted the Filipino
population.
What's remarkable about Luna's research is that it wasn't confined to the laboratory. His
work had a tangible impact on public health. This is what I believe made him a hero of his own.
For him, it wasn't just about advancing scientific knowledge, it was about saving lives and
enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos. Luna's contributions demonstrate the immense
potential of science and technology to drive societal progress and contribute to the development
of a nation.
Apart from that, there are factors and events happening that affected national identity, and
it is evident through colonial politics and economic interests during General Luna’s time. For
example, during the Spanish colonial period, scientific research in the Philippines primarily
focused on the natural environment and agriculture. This focus was driven by the need to support
the colonial economy and extract resources from the Philippines. Institutions like the
Universidad de Santo Tomas were established by the Spanish colonial administration, laying the
foundation for scientific education in the Philippines. However, these educational efforts
primarily served the interests of the colonial powers, reinforcing their dominance and
exploitation.
Moreover, the Ilustrados, a group of educated Filipino elites influenced by Enlightenment
ideas and Western scientific thought, also played a pivotal role in redefining the Filipino identity.
Drawing inspiration from European philosophers and scientists like Karl Marx and Charles
Darwin, they advocated for political and social reforms. They recognized the potential of science
as a tool for intellectual and political enlightenment. By applying scientific principles and
methods, they aimed to challenge the status quo and address the socio-political issues facing the
Filipino people.
In this context, science became central to the ideas of the Ilustrados. They believed that
scientific knowledge was a powerful instrument for achieving political and social change. By
applying scientific principles and methodologies to the challenges facing the Filipino nation,
they sought to address longstanding issues related to governance, social justice, and economic
development.
This just goes to show that this exploration underscores the complex yet powerful role of
science in shaping a nation’s identity and advancing societal progress. During the time in the
Philippines where the government was just at the onset of being developed, underscores the
importance of individuals like Antonio Luna one of our many heroes who used his expertise for
the good of the country.