[Type here]

BRIEF HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

STONE AGE
-Archaeological finding shows that modern man from Asian mainland first came over land across narrow
channels to live in Batangas and Palawan about 48,000 B.C
-Subsequently they formed settlements in Sulu, Davao, Negros, Samar, Zamboanga, Laguna, Rizal,
Bulacan, and Cagayan.
-They made simple tools and weapons of stone flakes and later developed method of sawing and
polishing stones around 40,000 B.C
-By around 3,000 B.C they were producing adzes ornaments of seashells and pottery. Pottery flourished
for the next 2000 years until they imported Chinese porcelain. Soon they learned to produce copper, iron,
bronze and goldmetal tools and ornaments.
IRON AGE
-lasted from 3rd century BC to the 11th century AD. During this period Filipinos were engaged in
extraction, smelting and refining iron from ores, until the importation of cast iron form Sarawak and later
from China.
- they learn to weave cotton, make glass ornaments, and cultivate lowland rice, dike fields and terraced
fields utilizing spring water in mountain regions.
-they also learned to build boats for trading purposes.
-Spanish chronicles noted refined plank built warships called caracoa suited for interisland trade raids.
-Sophisticated designs of gold, silver jewelleries, ceramics and metal tools.
10TH CENTURY AD
-Filipinos from Butuan were trading with Champa (Vietnam) and those from Ma-I (Mindanao) with
China as noted in Chinese records containing several references from Philippines. These archaeological
findings regulated that relations between Philippines, China and Vietnam had been well established from
the 10th century to the 15th century AD
- The people of Ma-I and San Hsu (Palawan) traded bee wax, cotton, pearls, coconut heart mats, tortoise
shell, and medicinal betel nuts, panie cloths, lead fishnets sinker, colored glass beads, iron pots, iron
needles and tin.
BEFORE THE SPANIARDS
-Filipinos were already engaged in activities and practices related to science forming primitive or first
wave technology. There were curative values of some plants on how to extracts medicine from herbs, they
had an alphabet, a system of writing, a method of counting and weights measure. They had no calendar
but counted years by the period of the moon and from one harvest to another.
SPANISH REGIME
-the later part of 16th century
 [Type here]

Development of schools
*COLLEGIO DE SAN ILDEFONSO- CEBU 1595
*COLLEGIO DE SAN IGNACIO- MANILA 1595
*COLLEGIO DE NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO- MANILA 1597
COLLEGIO DE SAN JOSE- MANILA 1601
Development of hospitals
*SAN JUAN LAZARO HOSPITAL – the oldest in the Far East was founded in 1578
17th AND 18TH CENTURY
-Successive shipwrecks and attacks of pirates on the galleons led to declining profits from the trade that
led to economic depression in Manila during the latter part of the 17th century.
-the REAL SOCIEDAD ECONOMICA DE LOS AMIGOS DEL PAIS DE FILIPINOS founded by
Governor Jose y Vargas in 1780 encourage research in agriculture and industry. The society promoted
cultivation of indigo, cotton, cinnamon and silk industry.
-in 1789 Manila was opened to Asian shipping inaugurating an era of increase in export of rice hemp,
tobacco, sugar and indigo imports of manufacturing goods.
-the licentiate degree equivalent to a master’s degree was granted bachelor’s degree in pharmacy to its
first six graduates who included Leon Ma. Guerero. He is considered as the father of Philippine pharmacy
due to his works on medicinal plants of the Philippines.
- There were no schools for engineering but they offered nautical four year course for pilot of merchant
marine.
THE 19TH CENTURY
-In 1863 the colonial authorities issued a royal degree to reform the existing educational system.
-In 1871 the school of medicine and pharmacy were opened to UST, after 15 years it had granted the
degree of Licenciado en Medicina to 62 graduates.
AMERICANS
-Have great influence in science and technology to Filipinos compared to Spaniards.
*Established public education system
*Improved engineering and health condition
*Established a modern research university (UP)
*Created more public hospitals
*Mineral resources were explored and exploited
*Improved communication and transportation
*Science education “science”
*Researches to control malaria, cholera, tuberculosis and other tropical diseases
*Protestant church mission had reached to far-flung areas
 [Type here]

Science and technology was challenged by World War II. Infrastructures, institutions and public facilities
were destabilized, burned and destroyed.
The new republic has been focusing on using its limited resources. Overseas Development
Allocation (ODA) from different countries help the country improve its scientific productivity and
technological capability.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Philippine government has the goal of preparing the whole country and its people in meeting the
demand of technologically driven world and capacitating the community to live in a world driven by
science.

National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) consult various sectors in the society to study how
Philippines can prepare itself in meeting ASEAN 2015 Goals.

The NCRP clustered these policies into four namely;

1. Social sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics.
3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical sciences
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry

1. Social sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance

 Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding it to the curriculum.
 Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue
 Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband
 Local food security

2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
 Emphasizing degrees , licenses, and employment opportunities
 Outright grants for peer monitoring
 Review of RA 9184
 Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of development

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 [Type here]

 Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN- harmonized standards by

full implementation of Food and Drug Administration

 Creating an educational council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and

care.
 Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as a pool of
information.
 Allocating 2% of the GDP to research
 Legislating a law supporting human genome projects

4. Biological sciences, Agriculture and Forestry

 Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws.
 Use of biodiversity and standard model by ASEAN countries.
 Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous peoples’ conservation.
 Formulation of common food and safety standards

Other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through DOST

 Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology. This is
also funded by Overseas Development Aid (ODA) from different countries.
 Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the field of
science and technology
 Establishing more branches of the Philippine science high school system
 Creating and developing science and technology parks
 Balik scientist program
 Establishments of National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex in UP
Diliman.

Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE) identified several capacity building
programs such as;
 Establishment of national centers of excellence
 Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and Science
Education Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD.
 Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the country in
different research and development areas.
 Establishment of science and technology business centers
 Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine science high school system.
In the field of education, several science related programs and projects were created to develop scientific
literacy of the country
 Special science classes and special science elementary schools were established in different
regions.
 Improved basic education in science and mathematics
 [Type here]

 Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics in k-12 curriculum.

 CHED launched Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PICARI)

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embark various research and
projects.
o Use of alternative and safe energy
o Harnessing mineral resources
o Finding cure for various diseases and illnesses
o Climate change and global warming
o Increasing food production
o Preservation of natural resources
o Coping with natural disasters and calamities
o Infrastructure and development
There are various laws regarding conservation, health-related, technology-building, and supporting
basic research , among others. Some laws are in line with international treaties such as the United Nations
(UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Association of
Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and other international agencies.

INTERNATIONAL TREATY NATIONAL GOALS

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

POLICIES PROGRAMS PROJECTS

SOCIAL NEEDS ISSUES AND

LEGAL FRAMEWORKS
PROBLEMS

FAMOUS FILIPINO IN FIELD OF SCIENCE

Science is filled with names of foreign scientist: Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Newton, Faraday, Darwin, and
many other Western scientist. We rarely hear of Filipino scientist being discussed in science classes. Lee-
Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientist who have made significant contribution in
Philippine science. These scientist are also famous abroad especially in different science disciplines:
agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering and biology.
Filipino Scientist
1. Ramon Cabanos Barba
 [Type here]

 Is a Filipino inventor and horticulturist best known for inventing a way to induce more flowers in
mango trees using ethrel and potassium nitrate.
 Barba was proclaimed a National Scientist of the Philippines in June 2014.

2. Josefino Cacas Camisco

 Works on observing characteristics of Antartica by using satellite images.
3. Jose Bejar Cruz
 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
-cone snails are ocean predators with beautiful shells. These snails produce a potent venom to paralyze
their prey. The venom contains a complex mixture of substances that includes neurotoxins, which are
chemicals that block the conduction of nerve impulses.
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit
His research on herbal medicine
6. Rafael Dineros Guerero III
The father of Tilapia sex-reversal
Observes that one of the most prominent problems in tilapia culture is over population. Tilapia matures up
to 2-3 mos from its frystage and can produce 5000 eggs every 3 mos depending on its size.
7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.
For inventing meconium drug testing.
8. Lilian Formalejo Patene
 For doing research on plant biotechnology.
9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz
 For being an outstanding educator and graph theorist.
10. Gregorio Ligot Tangonan
 For his research in the field of communication technology.
Other outstanding Filipino Scientist
Caesar A. Saloma – an internationally renowned physicist.
Edgardo Gomez – a famous scientist in marine science.
 [Type here]

William Padolina – chemistry and president of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) –
Philippines.
Angel Alcala – marine science.

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

THE CONCEPT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
-Focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science.
-teaching means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping to explain scientific concepts and
processes effectively.
-learning means understanding and loving science in both pedagogy and most interesting topics.
- Understanding implies developing and applying science-process skills and using science literacy in
understanding the natural world and everyday activities.
SCIENCE EDUCATION
-is a vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this area that prepares citizen in a scientifically
and technologically driven world.
- Provide skills and knowledge necessary to live at this age of science and develop citizenry that meet the
goals of science in the society.
SCIENCE EDUCATION IN BASIC AND TERTIARY EDUCATION
BASIC EDUCATION – Helps students learn important concepts, facts, and skills that are needed to cope
up in everyday life.
- Develops love for knowledge
- Passion for innovative things
- Curiosity about nature
- Creativity and,
- Strong foundation for future science-related careers

TERTIARY EDUCATION – develops students’ understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific
works.
- Preparation of science teachers
- scientists
- Engineers
- Agriculture
 [Type here]

- Medicine and,
- Health sciences

SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

One outstanding program for science education supported by the government is the establishments of
science schools.
Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)
-Program for gifted students in Philippines
-service institute of DOST whose mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with
special emphasis pertaining to the sciences, with the end view of preparing its students for a science
career (RA No. 3661)
-visions a develop Filipino science scholars with scientific mind and passion for excellence
-they have proven to be a beacon of excellence, courage and hope for the country.
- Graduate students are expected to pursue degrees in science and technology.
SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT
-Pursuance to DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008 and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010
- Started June 2007 with 57 identified elementary schools.
- After six years it had grown to more than 60 schools nationwide.
- Provide a learning environment for science-inclined students.
- Promote a life long learning skills
- Foster holistic development of the learners.
- Science and health subject scheduled 70 minutes Gr. I- Gr. III, 80 minutes Gr. IV-Gr. VI
- They also utilizes different instructional approaches that address the learning styles and needs of
the learners like the use of investigatory projects.
QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
-established September 17, 1967
-originally known as QUEZON CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
-turned into a regional high school for NCR in 1999.
-product of a dream to establish a special science school
 [Type here]

-Focus on science and technology

-Teaches basic education courses and add science and technology subjects.
-An avenue to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity
-Supported by local government and Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
-Established on October 1, 1963
-first science high school in the Philippines
-aims to produce scientists with souls.
-humanities and other electives are included in their curriculum
-administer an entrance exam (Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT))
-MSAT has five parts; aptitude test in science and mathematics, problem-solving test in science and
mathematics and proficiency in English.
-outstanding alumni and wins various national competitions
Central Visayan Institute Foundation
-home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic Learning Program
(DLP).
- The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to foster the highest level
of learning, creativity and productivity
- This takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established in 1992 which
organize small international workshops to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and
perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.
INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Filipinos in early times, tried to invert tools that will help them in everyday life. And also developed
alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and the physical world. The system of knowledge is
called indigenous knowledge, which is the foundation of indigenous science.
 Indigenous Knowledge System
Is embedded in the daily life experiences of young children as they grow up. Living in a society
where the members of the community prominently practice indigenous knowledge, parents and older
folks served as their first teachers. Their method of teaching are very effective in transmitting cultural
knowledge in their minds. The lessons they learned are intimately interwoven with their cultural and their
environment. This lessons are comprised of good values and life stories of people on their daily life
struggle.
EXAMPLES OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE
 [Type here]

 Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals behaviour and
celestial bodies.
 Using herbal medicine
 Preserving foods
 Classifying plants and animals into group and families based on cultural properties
 Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting
 Using indigenous technology in daily lives
 Building local irrigation system
 Classifying different type of soil for planting based on cultural properties
 Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits
 Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard
INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
A part of indigenous knowledge system practical by different groups of people and early civilizations. It
includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices and representations that guide human societies
in their enumerable interactions with the natural milieu:
Agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining natural phenomena and strategies for coping with changing
environments. Ogawa (1895)
According to Cajete (2004)
Indigenous science includes everything from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical
technologies practical by indigenous peoples both past and present.
Indigenous beliefs also develops desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific attitudes
identified by Johnston (2001):
 Motivating attitudes
 Cooperating attitudes
 Practical attitudes
 Reflective attitudes
Pawilen[2005] explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse structures and
converts through the interplay between the society and the environment, according to Kuhn [1962]
developmental stages of most science are characterized by continual competition between a number of
distinct views of nature. Sibisi [2004] also pointed out that indigenous science provides the basics of
astronomy, pharmacology, food technology or metallurgy which were derived from traditional knowledge
and practices.
[Type here]