Name: Mae Ann P.

Casiano BSBA-FM 2A

1. Do you believe that the colonizers brought science in the Philippines?

The impact of colonization on the scientific and technological advancement of

the Philippines cannot be denied. The presence of colonizers played a significant role in the
introduction and development of advanced scientific studies and technology in the country.
However, the study of science in the Philippines did not begin with Spanish colonization.
Instead, it has roots that stretch back thousands of years to the knowledge, skills, and
innovations of the pre-Spanish Filipino communities.

Scientific practices were already a part of the pre-Spanish Filipino culture. Their
mastery of sawing, drilling, and polishing hard stones resulted in the creation of various artifacts
such as adzes, seashell ornaments, cotton weaving, and pottery. Their knowledge extended to
herbal medication and agricultural practices. Additionally, they possessed an alphabet, a
number system, a weighing and measuring system, as well as a calendar. The early Filipinos'
ingenuity also led to the engineering of a plank-built ship, the Karakoa.

2. How did science start in the country?

The development of science in the Philippines has a rich and diverse history
deeply intertwined with its indigenous cultures and the influence of external forces. During an
interview, Dr. Anduaga emphasized that science and society have an inseparable connection,
particularly in the context of the Philippines. Our country has become an excellent setting for
historical studies on science. The pre-Spanish Filipinos possessed a wealth of knowledge and
expertise in various fields such as agriculture, astronomy, herbal medicine, and metallurgy.

Archaeological discoveries suggest that approximately 50,000 years ago, Homo

sapiens or modern humans were residing in Palawan and Batangas. Over 40,000 years, they
have honed their skills in crafting rudimentary tools and stone weapons and eventually
progressed to mastering the art of sawing, drilling, and polishing hard stones. These Stone Age
communities eventually formed settlements on the major Philippine islands, including Sulu,
Mindanao, Negros, Samar, and Luzon. By around 3,000 B.C., they were producing a variety of
artifacts, including adzes, seashell ornaments, and pottery with intricate designs.

In addition, they were also weaving cotton, smelting iron, making pottery and
glass ornaments, and were also engaged in agriculture. Early Filipinos had also learned to build
boats for coastal trade. Notably, Spanish chroniclers at the time documented the presence of
superbly designed plank-built vessels known as "Karacoas.”