Villareal, Roma Francesca T.

February 5, 2019
STS - C2 Prof. Norber Falguera

Review on: The History of Science and Technology in the Philippines: From
Precolonial to Philippine Revolution by Benjamin M. Vallejo Jr. PhD

Science and technology, as it may seem today, have an indispensable role to the
society. It has shaped the way we live and understand reality. Waking up one day and
realizing everything is gone is almost unimaginable, for the society has been too
dependent on utilizing and upgrading the different discoveries carried out by scientists
and mathematicians for centuries. Having said all these, it is important that we educate
ourselves about the roots or history of science and technology in our own country, no
matter how advanced or forward the world might seem today.

It is quite astonishing to realize that the early inhabitants of the Philippine islands
had figured out ways to deal with the natural world, long before the colonization of the
Spaniards. Their knowledge of the world they live in, or what they used to call as
“Agham”, can be considered as their means of survival through the use of primitive
technology, as recorded by the first Europeans in the Philippines, the Spanish friars.
Although science was perceived in a more religious sense, and is not yet viewed in a
very detailed and empirical approach, it has helped the early inhabitants of the country
understand agriculture, meteorology, cosmology, and geology, and how these branches
are all interconnected or interrelated with one another. As Spain started to colonize the
Philippines and impose their way of life to Filipinos, part of this was the introduction of
modern science. Even if the very first universities’ primary goal is to prepare students for
priesthood, science was part of the program of study. This, in turn, gave birth to many
discoveries and novel studies in the field of zoology, botany, pharmacy, and biology.
From then on, the application of science and technology has contributed so much in
navigation, agricultural and industrial development, and most especially in the field of
medical and health sciences. The continuous utilization of the enlightenment idea of
science and technology even sparked the interests and talent of some of the most
renowned and honorable Ilustrados of the country, namely; Jose Rizal, Antonio Luna,
Francisco Liongson, and Francisco del Rosario.
 The rise of science and technology in our homeland did not just exist in a vacuum,
but through historical, social, and national contexts. Who we are today and how we deal
with our surroundings are brought forth by the very first discoveries and innovations
initiated and made possible by our forefathers. Knowing how science and technology
emerged and transformed throughout history in our own country does not only show us
how science could evolve through time, but it also lets us know that Filipinos, given their
dedication and love for their fellowmen, found science and technology as one of the
many ways of how they could contribute and help in making the country’s vision
possible and within reach.