Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

Introduction:

 This report discusses the influence of Science and Technology on the development of
Philippine society.
 The history of SciTech in the Philippines dates back to before the country gained
independence from American colonizers.
 Even before Spanish colonization, the early inhabitants of the archipelago had their own
unique culture and traditions.
 How do science, and technology contribute to nation-building? 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.

Science in Pre-Spanish Philippines:

 Scientific knowledge was deeply embedded in the daily lives of early Filipinos.
o They demonstrated scientific understanding in agriculture by:
 Planting crops strategically to ensure food supply.
 Taking care of animals to assist with daily tasks and food production.
 Using the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climate
and to organize time into months and years.
 Preparing the soil for effective farming.
o They also discovered the medicinal properties of various plants, similar to other
ancient cultures.

Technology in Pre-Spanish Philippines:

o Early Filipinos used technology in various aspects of life:

o They built houses, irrigation systems, and developed tools for everyday
activities.
o They created tools for planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their
enemies during war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation on land and water.
o Additionally, they developed technologies to craft musical instruments.
o Additionally, they demonstrated creativity and ingenuity by developing
technologies for crafting musical instruments, reflecting the cultural
importance of music and art in their society.
Archaeological Artifacts

o Archaeological artifacts reveal that the Metal Age greatly impacted early Filipino life.
(Pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino)
o Early Filipinos created with gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools, showcasing
advanced technology and skill.
o Trade with China, Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries brought cultural and
technological influences.
o These exchanges and practices reflect the development of early Filipino society.

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Philippines had great scientific and
technological growth. Indigenous Filipinos had their expertise and practices in agriculture,
medicine, and navigation, among other things.
• AGRICULTURE- Indigenous people had their own agricultural techniques such as the
kaingin system, which involves clearing ground for cultivation by cutting and burning areas of
the forest. They also created irrigation systems, such as the rice terraces in the Cordillera
region, which enabled them to grow rice in sloped locations. Indigenous people have also
domesticated animals for their own purposes, such as pigs, chickens, and dogs.
• MEDICINE- indigenous people develop their own knowledge and practices based on
local herbs and plants for medicines. They established traditional healing methods that were
passed down from generation to generation and are still practiced in some regions of the
country today. Traditional healers, sometimes known as babaylan or manghihilot, were well-
respected members of their communities, offering medical care, spiritual instructions, and
social assistance.
• NAVIGATION- Indigenous people evolved their own techniques for navigating the
oceans, relying on the stars, wind, and other natural phenomena to lead them.

SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

o 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:
o The Spanish introduced new crops and agricultural techniques such as tobacco, corn, and
coffee, as well as new agricultural techniques such as plowing and irrigation. Governor
General Francisco de Sande built the country’s first experimental farm in 1573.
o The founding of the University of Santo Tomas: The University of Santo Tomas was
founded in Manila in 1611 and was Asia’s first University. it was critical to the advancement
of science and medicine in the Philippines.
o Public works and construction: During the Spanish colonial period, public works such as
roads, bridges, and public buildings were built. These infrastructural projects
necessitated extensive engineering and architectural skills.
o The Spanish introduced new technology to the Philippines, notably the printing press in
1593, which played an important role in the diffusion of knowledge and ideas.
o Hospitalization: The Spanish also created hospitals in key cities throughout the
Philippines, which provide medical care as well as training for native doctors and nurses.
In 1577, the first hospital, Hospital Real de Manila, was established.
o The expansion of Christianity and the development off churches: After the Spanish
introduced Christianity to the Philippines, several churches and cathedrals were built.
This expansion necessitated extensive architectural and engineering skills and was
frequently constructed with local materials such as coral stone.

The Galleon Trade, which took place between 1565 and 1815, had a tremendous impact on the
Philippines' technological and cultural development. The trade unintentionally led to significant
changes in the Philippines, despite its main goal or purpose of boosting the Spanish colonial
economy by enabling the flow of products between Asia and the Americas.
The Philippines developed into a hub for the trade of products, concepts, and technology from
around the globe as a result of the Galleon Trade. The introduction of new crops like maize,
cacao, and tobacco had a lasting effect on Filipino agriculture, even if the Spaniards were the
main beneficiaries. Together with other crops, these ones gave the local farmers a new range of
options and gave the Filipino people a means of subsistence. Additionally, Western technology
and tools were brought to the area through trade, and although they were first meant to meet
the demands of the Spanish colonists, the native populace gradually benefited from them.
Everyday living was made better by these instruments and technology, from crafts to
agriculture.
Teaching Filipino students in Europe was a major component of this cultural exchange. Those
who had the chance to study overseas were exposed to cutting edge information in the fields of
engineering, medicine, literature, and the arts. After coming back to the Philippines, these
students started to drive reform and modernization. They aided in the growth of the
intellectual and cultural life of the nation, frequently pushing for social reforms and serving as
an inspiration for later movements that opposed colonial rule.
All in all, the Galleon Trade was not only an economic enterprise that benefitted the Spanish,
but it also provided the Philippines with a window into the world, allowing it to absorb ideas,
innovations, and customs that would shape the country's future. Nonetheless, a number of
issues did in reality restrict the nation's ability to adopt a more scientific and rational mindset.
First of all, Catholicism, which was brought by Spanish colonists, had a widespread influence.
The Church dominated culture and education, and its teachings frequently prioritized religion
over reason, which discouraged the advancement of science. Because the Church ran the
schools, the curriculum was strongly religious and prioritized theology over scientific inquiry.
Moreover, a significant number of Filipinos maintained superstitious beliefs that originated
from ancient animist traditions and were frequently supported by the Church. These beliefs
occasionally clashed with scientific knowledge and hindered a more evidence-based approach
to comprehending the world.
The blending of religious doctrine and superstitious beliefs resulted in a setting where scientific
reasoning and technological progress were not given top priority. Despite its economic success
in trade, the Philippines did not see the same scientific and industrial advancements as other
areas during that time, with this being a crucial factor.

American Influence on Science and Technology in the Philippines:

1.Establishment of Public Education: The Americans introduced a formal public education
system, reorganized science education, and emphasized nature studies and sanitation in basic
education. Improvement of Infrastructure:
2.Engineering works, transportation, and communication systems were modernized, although
accessibility was still limited.
3.Health Care: the first Philippines public hospital was The Philippine General hospital. More
public hospitals were established, and the health of the population was improved through
research and disease control efforts (malaria, cholera, tuberculosis).
4.University of the Philippines: Established as a modern research university to advance science
and education.
5.Exploitation of Resources: The Americans explored and exploited the mineral resources of
the Philippines to benefit both the colony and American interests.
6.Introduction of Modern Science: Science education was formalized in schools, and American
scholars introduced new knowledge and technology.
7.Protestant Missions: Brought hospitals and schools to far-flung areas, further contributing to
the development of science and health in remote regions.
Impact of World War II on Science and Technology:
1.Destruction of Institutions: Schools, hospitals, and public facilities were destroyed, and the
country struggled to rebuild from the ruins of war.
2.Limited Recovery Resources: The capacity to rebuild was limited, but reparations from Japan
helped restore schools, hospitals, and transportation systems.
3.Rebuilding Efforts: Reparation funds were used to rebuild essential infrastructure and
provide technological training and human resource development.
4.Post-War Development Focus: After the war, the Philippines concentrated on improving its
science and technology capabilities, particularly by training professionals like engineers,
scientists, and doctors.
5.Overseas Development Allocations (ODA): refers to financial aid, technical support, and
other forms of assistance provided by foreign countries and international organizations to help
developing countries.

Development of science and technology in the Philippines.

Internal factors
o Survival
o Culture
o Economic activities

External factors
o Foreign colonizers
o Trade with other countries
o International economic demands

• Despite the importance of science and technology, the quality of science education in the
Philippines remains a challenge.