Science, technology

and society

Ma. Nina Eloisa A. OMlang

A. FILIPINO SCIENTISTS

Filipino Scientist
1. Fe Villanueva del Mundo - Her works and
(27 November 1911 – 6 accomplishments were focused
August 2011) on addressing the lack of
medical equipment in rural
communities during the
aftermath of the war. She is
known for inventing an
incubator made of
bamboo specifically designed
for places without
electrical power.
Her work and accomplishment
were focused on addressing
the lack of medical equipment
in rural communities during the
aftermath of the war. She is
known for inventing an
incubator made of bamboo
specifically designed for
places without electrical
power.
2. Diosdado P. Banatao The first Windows graphics
 accelerator chip for personal
computers, and the first
system logic chip set for IBM's
PC-XT and PC-AT. With the
latter finding, computers
could operate considerably
more quickly and people
could communicate with
them visually rather than
merely through the command
line.
3. Gregorio Zara (March 8, As a photo phone signal
1902–October 15, 1978) separation network, the two-
way television telephone,
also known as the
videophone, was patented
in 1955. In the late1990s,
while the digital era was just
getting started, it caught
fire. The videophone
initially gained popularity as a
tool for the deaf that made it
simple to conduct video
conferences and distance
learning.
4. Daniel Dingel ( January A few knowledgeable people
19, 1928 – October 18, have used water as a fuel
2010) source that has been
scientifically verified to
work to power cars, trucks,
and other types of machinery.
Water(h2o) is not only a
proven fuel, but it is also being
used today by thousands of
people who have made the
decision to either run their cars
or trucks entirely on water or
on a combination of water
and gasoline by building a
 few simple devices that are
easily retrofitted into any car
or truck that runs on gasoline
or diesel
5. Angel Chua Alcala (born His creation of the first
March 1, 1929) artificial coral reef system
in the Philippines is his
most significant contribution
to the preservation of marine
biodiversity. During his time as
the Secretary of
Environment and Natural
Resources, he founded it in
Dumaguete in 1977.
Currently, all of Southeast
Asia uses this technique
to create an environment
conducive to the survival
of local aquatic species.
6. Julia Arca Banzon (March Julian Banzon, a chemist
23, 1908 – September 13, from the Philippines,
1988) studied how to make
alternative fuels. He
experimented with the
synthesis of ethyl esters
fuels from sugarcane and
coconut, and he developed a
method of chemically, as
opposed to physically,
extracting leftover coconut oil.
7. Marc J. Loinaz ( August The CMOS (complementary
20, 1967) metal oxide semiconductor)
technology used in today's
computer chips is the
foundation of the camera-on-
a-chip concept. The camera
works by concentrating light
through a lens on a chip
containing 100,000sensors,
 each one-fifth the diameter
of a human hair. This
produces real-time video
images that potentially
match the quality of images
produced by camcorders,
which rely on a few non-CMOS
processors. The image is
processed, the color is
adjusted, and flaws are
smoothed out by hardware on
the chip. CMOS cameras
consume less power and
take up less space than
conventional CCD (charge-
coupled devices) cameras.
8. Narciso “Tata” Mosuela Mosuela kept his word and
created a prototype of a
portable stove for her,
complete with cement and
steel feet and a chimney.
He struggled a lot to get his
super kalan just right. Until it
functions well, he made minor
tweak sand sent the smoke
directly out the chimney
connection. Using anything
that burns, including wood,
paper, dried dung and leaves,
maize cobs, and coco shells,
the "super kalan" novelty
stove may be ignited. This
stove's body is an
aluminum alloy, while the
heat intensifier is
constructed of cast iron.
9. Enrique Ostrea (born in To identify the existence of
the Philippines in 1941) certain chemicals, the first
meconium [stool] is examined.
 This test shows if a person has
been exposed to alcohol,
cigarettes, smoke, or other
environmental toxins. This
device, often known as the
Meconium.
10. Abelardo Aguilar Erythromycin is a lifeline
for individuals with
bacterial infections of the
respiratory system, skin,
urinary tract, and soft tissue—
particularly those who are
allergic to penicillin.
Erythromycin is a macrolide, a
kind of antibiotic that works by
preventing the formation of
bacterial proteins to prevent
(or even kill) bacterial
development. Additionally, it is
evidence of Filipino ingenuity
and how corporate interests
may violate the freedoms of
individual thinkers and
producers.
11. Dr. Arturo Alcaraz Dr. Arturo Alcaraz is a
volcanologist specializing in
geothermal energy
development. In 1967,
ArturoAlcaraz and team
powered an electric light
bulb using steam-powered
electricity. This was the
first geothermal power
generated in the Philippines.
12. Luz Oliveros Belardo Filipino chemist, Luz Oliveros
(1906 – 1999) Belardo researched the
phytochemical properties of
plants in the Philippines for
natural products, essential
 oils, and the medicinal
qualities.
13. Emerita De Guzman Filipino scientist Emerita De
Guzman researched the
propagation of pure macapuno
trees. Her research led to the
faster propagation of pure
macapuno trees and increased
macapuno nut production
from 3-5 macapuno nuts to 14-
19 nuts (1980). She also
invented tissue culture
techniques for the rapid
propagation of abaca and
banana plants.
14. Dr. Francisco Fronda Dr. Francisco Fronda is known
(1896 - 1986) as the Father of poultry science
in the Philippines. Francisco
Fronda has improved methods
of production for the poultry
and livestock industry.
15. Felix Maramba Felix Maramba built a coconut
oil-fueled power generator. He
also is the developer of one of
the world's most profitable
biogas systems.
16. Dr. Jose O. Juliano Researched nuclear chemistry
and physics. His particular
contributions relate to his
published work, especially
“Rapid and Non- destructive
Analysis of Sulfur and Calcium
by Radioactivation and
Photoneutron Counting” and
“Disintegration of Iron-52 and
Iron-53,” which increase
understanding of nuclear
science.
17. Amando Kapauan Specialized in environmental
 chemistry. He conducted
research into the effects of
heavy metals in the
environment, focusing on the
mercury found in water, fish
and the Filipino soil. He also
helped develop chemical
instrumentation that worked
with computers.
18. Benjamin Cabrera Doctor Benjamin Cabrera has
developed innovations in drug
treatments against diseases
caused by mosquitos and
agricultural soil.
19. Eduardo San Juan Invented the moon buggy in
1968, which allowed for
greater exploration of the
moon's surface.
20. Jeffrey S Perez Contributed to understanding
fault lines and earthquakes in
the Philippines.

B. PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE FROM OLD CULTURE

- When I have ubo my lola or lolo do the “Hilot” it is the

C.
The remarkable contributions of the 20 popular
Filipino scientists serve as a testament to the nation’s
intellectual potential and dedication to progress. These
scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in
various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, engineering,
and environmental science, which have significantly
improved the quality of life for many. Fe del Mundo’s
innovations in pediatric medicine have saved countless
lives, while Gregorio Zara’s work in aeronautics paved the
way for advancements in aviation. Meanwhile, Julian
Banzon’s research on alternative fuels remains relevant
today as the world shifts towards sustainable energy.
These pioneers not only advanced scientific knowledge
but also proved that Filipinos have the capability to make
meaningful contributions to the world. Their
achievements continue to inspire future generations to
pursue careers in science and technology, fostering a
culture of innovation and discovery.
 Similarly, the enduring influence of old cultural
practices and values in Filipino households today reflects
the deep connection between tradition and daily life.
From the practice of “Hilot” (it is our traditional massage
and healing) to the continued use of herbal medicine like
lagundi and tawa-tawa, these age-old traditions remain
relevant and effective. Family-oriented values, such as
bayanihan (spirit of communal unity) and pagmamano
(the gesture of respect to elderlies), continue to be
deeply ingrained in Filipino society, shaping how we
people interact and support one another. The fusion of
scientific advancements and cultural heritage showcases
the resilience of Filipino identity, demonstrating how both
modern innovation and ancestral wisdom contribute to a
progressive yet culturally rooted society.