Selected Indigenous Science

and Technologies
John Marlon Dispo
Indigenous knowledge system
• Indigenous knowledge is the knowledge that people in a given community have
developed over time, and continue to develop. It is based on experience, often tested
over centuries of use, adapted to local culture.

• Indigenous knowledge refers to the cumulative and complex bodies of knowledge,

know-how, practices and representations that are maintained and developed by local
communities, who have a long histories of interaction with the natural environment.
Some examples of Indigenous knowledge
• Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animal
behavior and celestial bodies
• Using herbal medicine
• Preserving foods
• Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties
• Preserving good seeds for planting
• Building local irrigation systems
• Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits
• Clothing that suits the environment
• Traditional textile manufacturing
Indigenous Science
The Concept of Indigenous Science
1. Indigenous Science uses science processing skills such as observing, comparing,
classifying, measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.

2. Indigenous Science is guided by culture and community values such as the following:
 The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator
 The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth”. It is the origin of their identity as people
 All living and non-living things are interconnected and interdependent with each other
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have a
responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings. It needs respect and proper care.
Indigenous Science
The Concept of Indigenous Science
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by
people and communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming
methods, and folk astronomy.

In summary, the Philippine communities have maintained vast amounts of indigenous

knowledge, cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs. The indigenous knowledge system
of the people served as the foundation for the development of indigenous science.
Some Examples of Indigenous
Technologies
Bahay Kubo
Dating well before the Spanish
Colonization, the bahay kubo has served as
an icon of Philippine culture.

The house was designed to the weather and

climate of the Philippines, and although it
has been innovated along the years, the style
and design has been well preserved.

Additionally, the “light and flexible”

structure had inspired William Le Baron
Jenney in designing the first metal-framed
skyscraper.
Lantaka
A type of bronze swivel gun mounted on
merchant vessels travelling the waterways
of the Malay Archipelago.

The guns were used to defend against

pirates demanding tribute for the local chief.

The metal smith, or panday Piray of

Pampanga was skilled at making weapons
and had established a foundry near the Pasig
River whose lantakas were used to defend
against the Spanish in 1570
Balangay
The Balangay is a traditional wooden boat
native to the Philippines, historically used
by ancient seafaring communities for
fishing, trade, and exploration.

The Balangay played a significant role in

Philippine maritime history, serving as a
symbol of the country's seafaring heritage
and ancient maritime prowess.

Today, efforts are underway to preserve and

revive this cultural icon, with modern
reconstructions and replicas serving as
reminders of its enduring legacy.
The Yo-Yo
Popularized in the 1920s by Filipino
immigrant Pedro Flores who, at the time,
was working in the US as a bellhop.

While not the first Yo-Yo invented, Flores’

design became the familiar Yo-Yo we see
today.

Instead of simply tying the axle to the end of

a string, he doubled the length of the string
and looped it around the axle. This design,
called the looped slip-string, allowed the yo-
yo to spin with greater stability and
suspension of movement.
Medical Incubator
Invented in 1941 by Dr. Fe del Mundo, this
invention became the foundation for modern
medical incubators seen today.

Her makeshift incubator was composed of

two native laundry baskets made of bamboo
which were placed one inside the other and
was provided with hot water all around
between the baskets to make warmth
available to the newborn babies, especially
premature born before the mother’s 37th
week of pregnancy

.
Banana Ketchup
Invented by food technologist Maria Orosa
y Ylagan during the Japanese occupation.
The Banana Catsup became vital for the
nutrition of POWs in the Philippines.

The ingredients used are native to the

Philippines, making it an excellent and
affordable alternative for the classic tomato
ketchup.