LESSON 2:

Science and technology

and nation building.
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Science, in pre-Spanish Philippines, is embedded in the way of life of

the people. Scientific knowledge is observed in the way they plant their
daily task, and for food production. Science is observed in the way they
interpret the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and
climates and in organizing days into months and years. They use
science in preparing the soil for purposes and like any other ancient
cultures, they discovered the medicinal uses of plants.
Technology is used by people in building houses,
irrigations and developing tools that they can use in
everyday life. They developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies during
war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation, both on
land and on waterways. They also developed
technologies in creating musical instruments.
The different archeological artifacts discovered in different
parts of the country also prove that the Metal Age also
had a significant influence on the lives of early Filipinos.
The sophisticated designs of gold silver jewelry, ceramics,
and metal tools proved that their technological ideas
helped in the development of different tools. Also, trading
with China, Indonesia, Japan and other nearby countries
have influenced their lives by providing different
opportunities for cultural and technological exchange.
When the Spanish colonized the country, they brought with
them their own culture and practices. They established
schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept of
subjects and discipline, it was the beginning of formal science
and technology in the country, known now as school of
science and technology.

Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized,

adapting some. Western technology and their ways of life. The
Filipinos developed ways to replicate the technology brought
by the Spaniards using indigenous materials. Medicine and
advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and
universities established by the Catholic orders.
The development of science and technology in the
Philippines, based on its brief history, is shaped by
several factors and influences. Like in the history of
science I other countries, it is always shaped by human
and social activities, both internal and external.
 Science and technology may
have significant impact on
the lives of the people and in
the development of the
Philippines society. However,
improving the quality of
science education still
remains as a big challenge in
the country. School science
from basic education to
graduate education is
Figure 3: Influences in the Development of Science and improving slowly and there
technology in the Philippines.
are only few students
enrolling in science and
technology courses.
Government Policies on Science and Technology
The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, project and
policies to boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole
country and its people to meet the demands of a technology driven world and
capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science.

Padilla-Concepcion (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN 2015 Agenda, the
government, particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has sought the
expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) to consult various sectors
int the society to study how the Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015 Goals.
As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is expected to recommend policies and programs that
will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN Region.

Figure 4: Development of Science and Technology
Policies in the Philippines.
As shown in the diagram, the
development of policies in science
and technology is shaped or
influenced by several variable;
policies need to be aligned to
national goals, consider
international commitments-based
problems. Science and technology
policies ensure that the whole
country and all people will
experience the progress that
science can bring. Policies are
guide to direct all efforts to a goal
of developing a scientifically
advanced country.
Famous Filipino in the Field of Science
School Science is filled with names of foreign scientist; Einstein,
Galileo Galilei, Faraday, Darwin, and many other. Western scientists.
We rarely hear of Filipino scientist being discussed in science classes.
Lee Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientist who have
made significant contributions Philippine science. These scientists are
also famous abroad especially in different science disciplines;
agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science,
chemistry, engineering and biology.
The Filipino scientists are:

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba- his distinguished achievements in the field of

plant physiology, focusing on induction of flowering of mango and on
micro propagation of important crop species.
2. Josefino Cacas Comiso- for his works on observing the characteristics of
Antarctica by using satellite images.
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.- known internationally in his field of electrical
engineering; was elected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineering.
4. Lourdez Jansuy Cruz- notable for her research on sea snail venom.
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit- for his research on herbal medicine.
6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III- for his research on tilapia culture.
7. Enrique Mapua Ostera Jr.- for inventing the meconium drugs
testing.
8. Lilian Formalejo Patena- for doing research on plant
biotechnology.
9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz- for being an outstanding educator and
graphs and theories.
10.Gregory Ligot Tangonan- for his research in the field of
communications technology.
There is other outstanding Filipino scientist who are recognized here and
abroad for their outstanding contributions in science:

 Caesar A. Saloma- an internationally renowned physicist

 Edgardo Gomez- famous scientist in marine science
 William Padolina- chemistry and president of National Academy of
Science and Technology (NSAT)- Philippines
 Angel Alcala- marine science.

There is other scientist in the Philippines who were not identified in the list.
Many Filipino scientist are product of good school science. It means
they were taught and inspired by great teachers. Their interests in
science started to manifest during their childhood years. Their natural
environment ignited their curiosity to learn more about the natural and
physical environment.
THANK YOU