HISTORY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IN THE PHILIPPINES
Coastal areas had advanced
technologies, including modern Trade relations with China, Borneo,
artillery production and navigation Malacca, and the Malay peninsula
tools. facilitated cultural and
technological exchanges.

PRECOLONIAL Agriculture, weaving,

pottery making, and
boat-building were
A sparse population and
prevalent.
abundant natural resources
minimized pressure for
invention and innovation.

Technical and vocational schools

established; Manila developed as
a cosmopolitan center.

Spanish colonization
led to the
establishment of SPANISH Focus on agriculture

COLONIAL
schools, hospitals, and dominated by foreign
scientific research. capital and technology.

In 1611, University of
Santo Tomas (UST)
founded as the highest Progress in medicine and pharmacy
institution of learning. was notable, but research and
development in native industries
weaken.

In the early 20th century,

Secularized public schools
introduced English as the
medium of instruction. Establishment of the
University of the
Philippines and
Establishment of the
University of the AMERICAN scholarships for higher
education.
Philippines
scholarships
and
for
COLONIAL
In 1611, University of
higher education.
Santo Tomas (UST)
Progress in medicine and pharmacy founded as the highest
was notable, but research and institution of learning.
development in native industries
weaken.

Expansion of education and

encouragement of private higher
education.

Challenges included

COMMONHEALTH
limited control over
foreign trade
policies and the
disruption caused by PERIOD
the Pacific War.

Emphasis on promoting
scientific development for
economic growth
Evolution of the National
Science Development Board
(NSDB) into the National
Science and Technology
Establishment of basic sciences
Authority (NSTA) in 1982.
excellence centers nationwide
in 1983.

Continued
emphasis on
science and
engineering
POST-INDEPENDENCE
education.

Formation of professional organizations Government support was

advocating for standards and curriculum bolstered with the Science Act
improvement. of 1958 and the establishment
of new agencies.