Chapter 1: Lesson 3 - Science and Technology in Nation

Building

Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

History
Pre-Spanish Era
 Before the colonization by the Spaniards of the Philippine Islands, natives of the
archipelago already had practices linked to science and technology
 Filipinos were already aware of the medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants
and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs
 In Pre-Spanish times, the natives had their own of culture and traditions and their
belief system and indigenous knowledge
 Scientific knowledge is observed in painting, animal rearing, and food production
 Observe and interpret movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and
climates and organizing days into nights.
 Technology used in building houses, irrigation, and developing tools for planting,
hunting, cooking and fishing
 For fighting enemies during war or tribal conflicts; for transportation, b0th land
and waterways
 They also developed technologies for creating musical instruments
 They already had an alphabet, number system, a weighing and measuring
system and a calendar. They were also engaged in farming, shipbuilding, mining
and weaving
 The Banaue Rice Terraces was among the products of engineering by pre-
Spanish era Filipinos.

Spanish Colonial Era

 The Spanish introduced formal education and founded scientific institutions
 Establishment of schools for girls and boys introduced concepts of subjects and
disciplines
 Beginning of formal science and technology
 The Spanish established colleges and universities in the archipelago including
the oldest existing university in Asia, the University of Santo Tomas.
 Exchange for ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology, and Western
practices in the country
 Filipinos excelled in academics, study abroad and contributed to the
advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature
  The Spanish also contributed to the field of engineering by constructing
government buildings, churches, roads, buildings, and forts
 The study of medicine is given priority.
 Superstition, Catholic doctrines, and cultural and traditional norms halted the
growth of science in the country

American Colonial Era

 Influenced development of science and technology
 Established public education system
 Improved engineering works and health conditions
 Transportation and communication systems were improved in some parts
 Science during the American period inclined towards agriculture, food
processing, forestry, medicine and pharmacy

Post-Commonwealth Era
 In 1958, the Philippine Congress passed the Science Act of 1958 which
established the Science Act of 1958 which established the National Science
Development Board
 During the 1970’s, the importance given to science grew
 Funding for science was also increased
 In 1986, the National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the
Department of Science and Technology, giving science and technology a
representation in the cabinet.
 In August 8, 1988, the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology was
created which came up with the first Science and Technology Master Plan or
STMP.

Government Policies on Science and Technology

Science and Technology Policies and Strategies
Expansion in science and technology have marked the onset of the third millennium. It
harnessed rationally and effectively these could help eradicate hunger, destitution and
dignity.
1. Paradigm shift: towards an evergreen revolution.
2. Investment in agriculture, agricultural sciences, research and technology
development.
3. Pro-poor science development and technology transfer: Science with a human face
4. Science-led agricultural diversification
5. Building bridges for science: strategic partnerships and regulatory framework
6. Globalization and liberation: the role of science
7. Linking science, nutrition and development

Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba – for his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine
Mangoes
2. Josefino Cacas Comiso – for his works on observing the characteristics of Antarctica
by using satellite
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. – known internationally in the field of electrical engineering; was
elected as officer of the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz – notable for her research on sea snail venom
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit – for his research on herbal medicine
6. Rafael Dineros Guererro III – for his research on tilapia culture
7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea 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 graph theorist
10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan – for his research in the field of Communications
Technology

Other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and abroad for
their contributions in science
11. Caesar A. Saloma – an internationally renowned physicist
12. Edgardo Gomez – famous scientist in marine science
13. William Padolina – chemistry and president of National Academy of Science and
Technology (NAST) – Philippines
14. Angel Alcala – marine science