DANIE

What is Historical Antecedents?

1. The events, circumstances, or societal settings that precede and

influence later advancements in science and technology are referred to as
historical antecedents.

2. Historical antecedents refer to the events, conditions, or social

contexts that precede and shape subsequent developments in science and
technology.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, the progression of science and technology has not

occurred in a vacuum; it has been deeply intertwined with social factors. The
interaction between societal needs, cultural values, and scientific inquiry has
often led to transformative changes in how science and technology develop
and are applied.

Historical antecedents reveal how social imperatives have shaped the

trajectory of scientific and technological advancements. For instance, during
periods of colonial rule, societal needs such as agricultural productivity and
public health improvements significantly impacted the focus and direction of
scientific endeavors.

IN THE PHILIPPINES

This includes the indigenous societies, trade interactions, colonization

processes, revolts, and foreign occupations that contributed to the evolution
of Filipino identity, governance, and social structures. Understanding these
antecedents helps to contextualize contemporary issues and cultural
practices within the broader narrative of Philippine history.

Pre – Colonial Era

Philippine Pre-colonial Society is both different and the same as in the
present. Some aspects of the pre-colonial period have survived into our time.
The following is a description of the way of life of pre-colonial Filipinos

A. CULTURE and TRADITIONS

Religion

 Pre-colonial Filipinos believed in immortality of the soul and life after

death
 They also believed in the existence of a number of gods whom they
worship and made offerings to according to rank. Examples;

^ Bathalang Maykapal (creator)

^ Idinayale (god of griculture)

^ Sidapa (god of death)

^Balangaw (rainbow god)

^ Mandarangan (war god)

^ Agni (fire god)

^ Lalahon (goddess of harvest)

^ Siginarugan (god of hell)

^ Diyan Masalanta (goddess of love) etc.

 Also showed respect for animals and plants like the crocodile, crow,
tigmamanukin; some trees were not also cut because they were
thought to be divine
 Disease were thought to be caused by the temper of environmental
spirits
 Filipinos also venerated the dead by keeping alive their memory by
carving idols of stone, gold or ivory called likha or larawan; food, wine
and other things were also shared with the dead
 Adored idols called anitos or diwatas to whom they made offerings
 Some anitos were considered bad; however, they made offerings to
them too in order to appease them or placate their anger
 Priestesses such as the babaylan/baylana or katalona acted as
mediums to communicate with these spirits.
Burial

 The dead was placed in a wooden coffin and buried under the house
complete with cloth, gold and other valuable things
 Upon the death of the person, fires were made under the house and
armed men acted as sentinels to guard the corpse from sorceres
 Professional Mourners were hired to accentuate the depth of mourning
 Sometimes, the relatives of the dead wore rattan bands around their
arms, legs and necks and they abstained from eating meat and
drinking wine
 The ancients distinguished mourning for a woman from that of a man –
mortal (for women) and maglahi (for men)

Divination and Magic Charms

 Ancient Filipinos are quite superstitious and put much stock into
auguries, and magic charms
 They interpreted signs in nature like the flight of birds, the barking of
dogs, the singing of lizards, and the like, as good or bad omens
depending on the circumstances
 They also consulted with the pangatauhan, soothsayers, to tell their
fortunes
 There was also a belief in the existence of the aswang, mangkukulam,
manggagaway, tiyanak, and the tikbalang

 Amulets and charms were also used by the ancients like the anting-
anting, gayuma, odom or tagabulag, wiga or sagabe, and tagahupa
 These beliefs were not eradicated with the coming of Western
Civilization and most of them were practiced behind the backs of the
Christian missionaries
 The result was a blending of pagan and Christian beliefs that made
Filipino Catholicism unique
Marriage customs

> Men were in general, monogamous; while their wives are called asawa,
while concubines are called “friends”

> In order to win the hand of his lady, the man has to show his patience and
dedication to both the lady and her parents

> Courtship usually begins with paninilbihan

> If the man wins the trust of the parents, he does not immediately marry
the woman, but he has to satisfy several conditions:

- give a dowry or bigay-kaya

- pay the panghihimuyat

- pay the wet nurse bigay-suso

- pay the parents himaraw

- bribe for the relatives called sambon (among the Zambals)

> Once he had settled all of the above requirements, he brings his parents to
meet with the bride-to-be’s parents to haggle and make the final
arrangements; this is called pamamalae or pamamanhikan or
pamumulungan

> The wedding ceremonies vary depending on the status of the couple; but
normally, those from the upper class, a go-between was employed

> Weddings are officiated by the priestess or babaylan

> Uncooked rice is thrown on the couple after the wedding ceremony

Mode of Dressing

 Male attire was composed of the kanggan (sleeveless jacket) and

bahag (loincloth)
 The color of the kanggan indicates rank — red for the chief, black or
blue for the commoners
 Men also wear a turban called putong, which also tell the social
status/achievement of the individual wearing it
  Female attire consisted of baro or camisa (jacket with sleeves) and
saya or patadyong (a long skirt); some women wore a piece of red or
white cloth on top of their skirt subuanon women called tapis.

Houses

 Built to suit the tropical climate

 Called bahay kubo, made of wood, bamboo, and nipa palm; it was built
on stilts and can be entered through ladders that can be drawn up
 Some Filipinos, such as the Kalingas, Mandayas and Bagobos built
their houses on treetops
 Others, such as the Badjaos, built their houses on boats .

Social Classes

 The society was made up of three classes;

^ Nobles (made up of the datu and their families),
^ Mahadilika or maharlika (freemen) and the
^ Alipin (dependents)
 Members of the nobility were addressed with the title Gat or Lakan
among the Tagalogs
 Alipin or dependents acquired their status by inheritance, captivity,
purchase, failure to settle debts, or by committing a crime
 There were two kinds of dependents: aliping namamahay and alining
sagigilid
 In the Visayas, dependents were of three kinds :

Tumataban, - worked in the master’s house only when there was

feasting or revel to be organized.

Tumarampok, - were allowed to live in their own houses, working a

day for their master, three for themselves, in most instances substituting
rice for labor.

Ayuey - were the most exploited group. They were required to serve
their masters almost full-time, typically working three days for their
master and only one day for themselves. This made their lives particularly
harsh compare to the other classes of oripun.
 B. WRITING SYSTEM

Languages

There are more than one hundred languages in the Philippines, eight of
which are considered MAJOR LANGUAGES. They are: Tagalog, lloko,
Pangasinan, Pampangan, Sugbuhanon, Hiligaynon, Samarnon or Samar-
Leyte, and Magindanao

 These languages are descended from Austronesian or Malayo-

Polynesian language
 The differences might be accounted for the need to forming new words
and phrases to fit the new environment
 Many of the words or terms in Filipino languages were derived from
Malayan
 Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Filipinos used a syllabary which was
probably of Sanskrit or Arabic provenance
 The syllabary consisted of seventeen symbols, of which three were
vowels and fourteen consonants

Baybayin is a specific type of writing system known as an abugida, which is a

subset of syllabaries. Baybayin is a unique example of an abugida used
historically in the Philippines.

 Pre-colonial Filipinos wrote on bark of trees, on leaves and bamboo

tubes, using their knives and daggers, pointed sticks or iron as pens
and the colored saps of trees as ink
 Only a few of this writings survive into the present because early
Spanish missionaries destroyed many manuscripts on the ground that
they are the work of the Devil himself
 Some pieces of literature, however, have been handed down to us
orally

Literature

 Pre-colonial literature may be classified into : floating or oral and

written literature
 Tagalogs have the bugtong (riddle), suliranin and indulanin (street
songs), sabi (maxim), sawikain (saying), talindaw (boat songs), diyuna
 (song of revelry), kumintang (war song which evolved into a love
song), dalit and umbay (dirge), tagumpay, balikungkong, dupayinin
and hiliraw (war songs), uyayi and hele (lullabies), ihiman (bridal song),
tagulaylay (mournful song), tigpasin (rowing song), tingad (household
song), and kutang-kutang (couplets usually chanted by the blind)

 Various forms of Maranao literature inspired by Islam comsisted of

tutul (folktale), tubad-tubad (short love poems), pananaro-on (sayings
and proverbs), sowa-sowa-i (drama), antoka (riddle or puzzle), and
darangan (epic poetry).
 Ilocano literature for it’s part has many kinds of songs sung on
different occasions; this includes dal-ot (song during baptismal party,
wedding, or a feast), badeng (love song sung in a serenade), and dung-
aw (dirge).
 Filipinos were fond of composing epic poetry, which is why the country
is unique for having more than twenty epic poems. Examples of this
are Hudhud and Alim (Ifugao), Biag ni Lam’ang ( The life of
Lam’ang/Ilocano), Bantugan, Indarapatra at Sulayman, and Bidasari.

C. SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

Government

 Unit of government was the barangay, which consisted of from 30 to

100 families. The term came from the Malay word “balangay” meaning
boat.
 Barangays are a number of geographically scattered, self-sufficient,
autonomous communities present all over the archipelago long before
the Spaniards came. They were essentially subsistence economies
producing mainly what they needed but with exception to those early
Filipinos who are involved in trades. In a subsistence economy, goods
are produced for oneself or one’s family and not to be sold to make a
profit.
 Barangays were headed by chieftains called Datu
 The subject served their chieftain during wars, voyages, planting and
harvest, and when is house needs to be built or repaired; they also
paid tributes called buwis.
 The chief or datu was the chief executive, the legislator, and the judge;
he was also the supreme commander in times of war
 Conflicts between or among barangays were settled by violence; those
who win by force is always right.
Laws

 Were either customary (handed down from generation to generation

orally) or written (promulgated from time to time as necessity arose)
 Dealt with various subjects such as inheritance, property rights,
divorce, usury, family relations, adoption, loans, etc.
 Those found guilty of crimes were punished either by fine or by death;
some punishments can be considered as torture by modern standards
 However, it must be noted that ancients did not believe in endangering
society by letting loose a gang of thieves of recidivists who are
incapable od reform

Legislation

 Before laws are made, the chief consults with a council of elders who
approved of his plan
 They are not immediately enforced until the new legislation is
announced to the village by the umalokohan, who also explains the law
to everyone

Judicial Process

 Disputes between individuals were settled by a court made up of the

village chief and the council of elders; between barangays, a board
made up of elders from neutral barangays acted as arbiter
 The accused and the accuser faced each other in front of the “court”
with their respective witnesses
 Both took an oath to tell the truth; most of the time, the one who
presents the most witnesses wins the case
 If the losing party contests the decision, he is bound to lose in the end
because the chief always take the side of the winner

Trial by Ordeal

 To determine the innocence of an accused, he is made to go through a

number of ordeals which he must pass
 Examples include dipping one’s hand in boiling water, holding a lighted
candle that must not be extinguished, plunging into a river and staying
underwater for as long as possible, chewing uncooked rice and
spitting, etc.
  Among the Ifugaos, ordeal by combat was common, i.e “bultong”
(wrestling), “alaw” (duel)

D. CRAFTSMANSHIP
 First glimpse can be seen in primitive tools and weapons that were
polished along the lines of leaves and petals of flowers
 Can also be seen in beads, amulets, bracelets, and other ornaments
made of jade, red cornelian, and other stones
 Dyed and ornamented their barkcloth with designs of attractive colors
 In the Iron Age, aside from armlets, bracelets, rings, and headbands,
tattoos also became fashionable; metals and glass also came into use;
weaving became a preoccupation for women; weapons were
manufactured with designs on their handles; pottery with incised
designs were made; and carvings made of wood, bone, ivory or horn
were also done not only for the use of the living but also of the dead
 The zigzag designs on ancient lime tubes and the ornamental carvings
on combs reflect Negrito influence
 Indonesian influence can be seen in the apparel of the Kalingas,
Maranaos, Manobos, and Bagobos
 Malay influence can be traced to the wood carvings found in utensils,
boats, and wooden shields of the people of Sulu, Mindanao and
Mountain Province
 Islamic influence can be gleaned from the ornamental and decorative
art of the Lanao Muslims; most represent geometric and plant designs
because Islams is iconoclastic.
 Ifugao art deals with human and animal representations but not fish
and plant forms; Ifugao art is functional

E. AGRICULTURE

When it comes to agriculture, the early Filipinos were able to grow crops
such as rice, cotton, and other vegetables. They were also able to
domesticate swine, goats, and fowls. Lowland rice was cultivated in diked
fields and in the interior mountain regions as in the Cordillera, and in
terraced fields which utilized spring water.

 Agricultural productivity was enhanced by use of irrigation ditches like

those found in the Ifugao RICE TERRACES
 Landholding was either public (less arable land that could be tilled
freely by anyone) and private (rich and cultivated lands belonging to
nobles and datus)
 Some rented land and paid in gold or in kind
  Main source of livelihood:
^ Rice
^ Coconuts
^ sugar cane
^ cotton
^ hemp
^ bananas
^ oranges
^ and many species of fruits and vegetables were grown

Livestock

 Pre-colonial Filipinos raised chickens, pigs, goats, carabaos, and small

native ponies

Fishing

 Was thriving industry for those who live in the coast or near rivers and
lakes
 Various tools for fishing such as nets , bow, and arrow, spear, wicker
basket, hooks and lines, corrals and fish poisons were also used
 Pearls fisheries abound in Sulu

Mining

 Comparatively developed before the coming of the Spaniards

 The ancients mined gold in many parts of the archipelago and were
traded throughout the country and with other countries

Lumbering and Shipbuilding

 Were flourishing industries

 Filipinos were said to be proficient in building ocean-going vessels
 All kinds of boats or ship were built, which the Spaniards later call
“Banca, Balangay, Lapis, Caracoa, Virey, Vinta, and Prau”

Weaving
  Home industry that was dominated by women
 Using crude wooden looms, textiles such as sinamay from hemp,
medrinaque from banana, coconut, linen, and silk, were woven

Trade

 Was conducted between or among barangays, or even among the

islands
 There was trade too with other countries such as China, Siam, Japan,
Cambodia, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and other islands of old Malaysia
 Did not use any currency but conducted trade through barter
 Sometimes, goods were priced in terms of gold or metal gongs
 Chinese traders noted that Filipinos were very honest in their
commercial transactions

Spanish Colonial Era (1565–1898):

- INTRDUCTION OF SPANISH COLONIAL ERA

 Early Advances and Influences:

- Astronomy and Cartography: During the Spanish colonial period, the

Spanish introduced advanced European techniques in cartography and
astronomy. The establishment of the Manila Observatory in 1865 is a prime
example. The observatory was founded to study meteorological and
astronomical phenomena, partly to improve navigation and trade.

 Social Influences:

- Religious Influence: The Catholic Church played a significant role in

education and scientific research. The Church's support for scientific
endeavors was often tied to its own interests in astronomy for practical
purposes, like improving navigation for missionary work.

 Infrastructure and Urban Planning:

The Spanish colonial administration's focus on urban planning and

infrastructure, such as the construction of roads, bridges, and fortifications,
was driven by social and military needs. The scientific knowledge of
engineering and hydrology was applied to these projects, which in turn
shaped urban development and societal organization in colonial Manila.

During the Spanish colonial rule, urban planning and infrastructure

development were significantly influenced by Spanish principles and
practices. Here are some key aspects:

Urban Planning

1. Grid Pattern Layout

2. Central Plaza

3. Ordinances and Guidelines

Infrastructure

1. Roads and Bridges

2. Water Systems

3. Public Buildings

American Colonial Era (1898–1946):

- INTRODUCTION
- Public Health Initiatives: The American colonial administration
placed a strong emphasis on public health and sanitation. This
led to the establishment of the Philippine Health Service, which
conducted extensive research on tropical diseases and
implemented vaccination campaigns. The social need to address
widespread health issues, such as malaria and tuberculosis,
drove advancements in medical science and public health
policies.
Vaccination Campaigns: The colonial government launched extensive
vaccination campaigns to combat infectious diseases such as smallpox and
cholera. These campaigns were crucial in reducing the incidence of these
diseases.

During the American colonial period in the Philippines, several vaccination

campaigns were initiated to combat infectious diseases.

 Smallpox Vaccination Campaign:

 Cholera Vaccination Campaign:

Establishment of the Board of Health: In 1901, the American colonial

government established the Board of Health for the Philippine Islands. This
body is responsible for overseeing public health matters, including
sanitation, disease control, and health education.

Sanitation Improvements

1. Sewage Systems:

2. Water Supply Improvements:

Health Education: Public health education campaigns were conducted to

inform the population about hygiene practices and disease prevention. These
campaigns aim to change public behavior and reduce the spread of
infectious diseases.

Hospitals and Health Facilities: The Americans built and improved

hospitals and health facilities across the Philippines.

Economic Developments

 Infrastructure Improvements: The construction of roads, bridges,

and railways facilitated trade and mobility.

Bridges

Jones Bridge

Quezon Bridge
Agricultural Advancements

Post-War Era (1946–present):

INTRODUCTION

Post-independence (1946–1965)

-PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ACT

Marcos Era (1965–1986)

First term

-NLex

Second term

The 1969 Philippine balance of payments crisis

Contemporary Period (1986-Present)

The contemporary period of Philippine history, spanning from 1986 to the

present, is marked by significant political, economic, and social changes. This
era began with the People Power Revolution in February 1986, which led to
the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy
under President Corazon Aquino.

-PRESIDENTS 1986-2022
 Agricultural Research: In the post-war period, the need to address food
security and improve agricultural productivity led to significant
advancements in agricultural science.

The establishment of institutions like the Philippine Rice Research

Institute (PhilRice) focused on developing high-yield rice varieties and
improving farming techniques to meet the social demand for food
security. Absolutely, the post-war period was pivotal for agricultural
research in the Philippines. The establishment of the Philippine Rice
Research Institute (PhilRice) in 1985 was a significant milestone.
PhilRice has been instrumental in developing high-yield rice varieties and
improving farming techniques to enhance food security.

 Disaster Management

Early Warning Systems- The development of advanced early

warning systems has been crucial. For instance, the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) provides timely weather forecasts and
warnings for typhoons and other severe weather conditions. Similarly,
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) monitors volcanic and seismic activities, issuing alerts to
mitigate risks.