The Philippine Government

Science and Technology

Agenda
Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, you are expected

to:
• Examine the role of science and
technology in nation-building; and
• Analyze the contributions of
government policies on science and
technology to the social and economic
growth of the century.
INTRODUCTION:

Science and technology have played a crucial role in the

development of the Philippines as a nation. Throughout its
history, the Philippines has been influenced by different
cultures and colonial powers, each leaving its mark on the
country's scientific and technological development.
Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in
the Philippines:
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD:
Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century, the Philippines had great
scientific and technological growth. Indigenous Filipinos had their own expertise
and practices in agriculture, medicine, and navigation, among other things.
• AGRICULTURE - Indigenous people created their own agricultural techniques,
such as the kaingin system, which involves clearing ground for cultivation by
cutting and burning areas of the forest.
• MEDICINE - Indigenous people developed their own knowledge and practices
based on local herbs and plants for medicine. Traditional healers. sometimes
known as babaylan or manghihilot, were well-respected members of their
communities, offering medical care, spiritual instruction, and social assistance.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD:
• NAVIGATION - Indigenous people evolved their own techniques of
navigating the oceans, relying on the stars, wind, and other natural phenomena
to lead them. The practice of seafaring was vital to the region's trade and
commerce, and it helped to build linkages between different regions of the
archipelago and other parts of Southeast Asia
- Other developments included metallurgy, textile manufacturing, and
architecture. They invented methods for mining and smelting metals such as
gold and copper, they also developed their own weaving techniques, producing
textiles from native fibers like as abaca and cotton.
COLONIAL PERIOD: (Spanish Colonial Period)
The Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, which began with Ferdinand Magellan's
arrival in 1521 and lasted until 1898, had a substantial impact on the country's scientific
and technological progress. Among the significant developments during this time period
are:
The Spanish introduced new crops and agricultural techniques such as tobacco, corn,
and coffee. Governor General Francisco de Sande built the country's first
experimental farm in 1573.
The founding of the University of Santo Tomas; was founded in Manila on 1611 and
was Asia's first university.
Public works construction: public works such as roads, bridges, and public buildings
were built.
The Spanish introduced new technology to the Philippines, notably the printing press
COLONIAL PERIOD: (Spanish Colonial Period)

 Hospitalization: the Spaniards also erected

hospitals in key cities throughout the
Philippines, which provided medical care as well
as training for native doctors and nurses. In
1577. the first hospital, Hospital Real de Manila,
was established.

 Expansion of Christianity and the development

of Churches: Several churches and cathedrals
were built. These constructions necessitated
extensive architectural and engineering skills
and were frequently constructed with local
materials such as coral stone.
COLONIAL PERIOD: (American Colonial
Period)
The American occupation of the Philippines from 1898 to 1946
had a considerable impact on the country's scientific and
technological progress. Among the significant developments
during this time-period are:
o The Bureau of Science was formed in 1901 by the American
colonial government, and it played an important role in
fostering scientific research and development in the
Philippines.
o New technologies were introduced to the Philippines by
Americans, including the telephone, electric power, and
automobile.
o Infrastructure development: The Americans made significant
investments in infrastructure development, like roads, bridges,
and railways.
 COLONIAL PERIOD: (American
Colonial Period)

o The establishment of schools and universities: They helped boost

literacy rates and promote education in the Philippines by
establishing a public school system.
o New crops and agricultural practices: They introduced new crops
such as cotton and wheat, as well as new agricultural techniques
such as crop rotation and fertilizer use.
o Public health promotion: Americans invested in public health
programs such as the development of public hospitals and the
promotion of vaccination campaigns.
 POST-COLONIAL PERIOD:

Began after World War II, saw substantial changes in the country's
science and technology scene. During this time, the following
significant events occurred:
 Establishment of Research Institutions: Following the war, the
Philippine government established several institutions, including the
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, the Philippine Science High
School, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and
Natural Resources Research and Development.
 Education Expansion: The government invested substantially in the
construction of new schools and colleges, resulting in growth in the
number of students pursuing degrees in science and technological
sectors.
  Industry Development: In the 1950s and
1960s, the Philippines government undertook
an industrialization program to promote the
POST- country's economic growth.
 Science and Technology Policies: In the 1970s,
COLONIAL the Philippine government established the

PERIOD:
Science and Technology for National
Development Program (STNDP), with the goal
of promoting the incorporation of science and
technology into the county's development
objective.
 International Cooperation: The country joined
the Internation Atomic Energy Agency, the
United Nations Educational. Scientific and
Cultural Organization, and other international
organizations devoted to scientific research.
THANK YOU!!!