Science and Technology in Pre Colonial Period in the Philippines Setting

Pre Colonial in the Philippines started at 15th to 17th century. In the history of

science and technology in the Philippines there was few written information about

Philippine society, culture and technology before the arrival of Spaniards in 1521.

According to these sources, the early Filipinos had attained a generally simple

level of technological development, compared with those of the Chinese and Japanese,

but this was sufficient of their needs at that period of time.

Based on the Philippine science history, even before the colonization by the

Spaniards in the Philippines, the natives of the archipelago already had practices to link

to science and technology. Filipinos already gained knowledge of the medical and

therapeutic properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs that

is actually known as herbal medicines in their time. They also developed alphabet and

number system which help them in better communication. Filipinos were already

engaged in farming activities, like planting wheat and crops, shipbuilding for

transportation, mining and weaving which they created our first clothes called “baro’t

saya”.

In the Pre Spanish Era, Filipinos had already engaged in the field of engineering

where Banaue Rice Terraces located at Ifugao is one of the best product they

developed during that time. In addition, the colonization of the Philippines contributed to

growth the science and technology field. The Spanish introduced formal education and

founded scientific institution. During the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines,

Parish schools were established where religion, reading, writing, arithmetic and music
was taught. Sanitation and more advance methods of agriculture was taught to the early

Filipinos which help them to improve their agricultural land.

The study of medicine in the Philippines was given priority in the Spanish era.

The Spanish also contributed to the field of engineering by constructing government

buildings, churches, roads, bridges and forts that would help Philippines grow in

modernization.

Over all the Pre Colonial Period in the Philippines made a great start of

technological advancement using the resources they have. During their time, these

inventions are useful to make the lives of people better. As the times goes by, these

inventions of them are used to make innovations that we are now using up to modern

times.

The relationship between science and technology and society, can be described by the

example of rain falling on a mountain. Rain that has fallen on a mountain does not

immediately wash away downhill. First, it is captured and stored by forest, giving life to

trees and other vegetation and creating a verdant landscape. This can be compared to

the accumulation of scientific knowledge and the continuing search for truth, obtained

through basic research, and perhaps demonstrates that science has intrinsic value

itself. Meanwhile, the rain water stored in the forest bubbles out from springs and flows

downhill in a steadily widening stream. A single stream flow can separate in a large

number of sub-flows, and sometimes the flow go underground into a subterranean

network. This situation can be compared to the diversity of research and development
that can arise based on scientific knowledge, leading to the planting of various new

technology seeds. Eventually, the river reaches farming communities and urban cities,

where it is utilized for drinking water and other household purposes, for agricultural or

industrial uses, and for various other needs, universally benefiting all aspects of society.

This is equivalent to research and development resulting in practical technologies that

boost the prosperity of people’s society and lives, and to the utilization of science and

technology in response to various issues facing society. If the forest fails to capture a

sufficient amount of the falling rain, society will quickly be faced with drought and people

will not be able to live in the same way, realization of societal progress through science

and technology requires a sufficient accumulation of scientific knowledge. In other

words, science can be considered to be the foundation strength of society. However,

this foundation strength is not something that can be acquired in a single day or night,

but instead requires a steady, continuous build-up.

Science is a body of knowledge pursued by scientists. What the scientists do is referred

to as the process. Knowledge derive from science lead to products, which are often

referred to as technology, like in manufacturing. All these take place in the society.

Therefore science, technology and society are intricately linked. People study science in

individual compartments like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but they do not know

their relevance in the community and to their individual lives. STS cover every aspect of

the pure sciences. When you finished writing your exams in Physics, Chemistry, and

Biology you thought that was all there is to those subjects. Those subjects are part of

your life. An automobile is a product of Science, what you call technology.

We use cars and in the community (Society). It took a lot of Physics knowledge,

Chemistry knowledge to manufacture a car. The smoke from a car constitutes health

hazard. The chemist will tell you how carbon monoxide is hazardous to your health.

STS is a form of integrating knowledge from the various sciences. STS takes you into

consideration because you live in the society. One more aspect of the contribution that

science has made in the establishment of modern civilization has been the steady

spread around the world of scientific thought as science has progressed. Modern

science derived originally from certain sciences in one limited region, Western Europe,

where a culture of science developed. Yet while the debates may exist regarding

specific scientific results, the sciences and scientific thought are today widely accepted

in many countries around the world. The history of the worldwide spread of modern

science has varied sharply by country and region, and was often fraught with dissension

or friction.

The agency responsible for managing science and technology is the (DOST)

Department of Science and Technology. DOST is the premiere science and technology

body in the country charge with the twin mandate of providing central directions,

leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities and of

formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development. According

to the EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 128 “The Department of Science and Technology shall

provide central direction, leadership and coordination of scientific and technological

efforts and ensures that the result there geared and utilized in area of maximum

economic and social benefits for the people”.

KAMPILAN

According to Filipino history, the Kampilan is believed to be the sword that struck down

the famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan at the hands of the legendary Chief or Datu,

Lapu Lapu. However, there is no historical proof of exactly how he died in that particular

battle or if he even went “hand-to-hand with Datu Lapu Lapu.

It is a sword that has dual pointed with a carved hilt and made of steel swords of the

Sulu (Mindanao) that are being carried by warriors who are in the first line of defense.

The Kampilan is considered as the national weapon of the of Sulu & Mindanao areas.

History shows a single swinging motion (like a baseball bat swing), can chop two or

even three heads clean off depending on the fighting skill levels of the Kampilan

wielder. Which is exactly what these swords were originally designed to do. It is

believed to be the longest traditional sword ever carried by the Filipino warriors to date.

The Kampilan is the most documented swords by the Spanish Conquistadors during

their occupation of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898.

The Kampilan is a heavy double pointed sword with a rich history in the Philippines. As

maintained by tradition, the Kampilan is about 36″ to 44″ with a carved reptilian shaped

jaw bone hilt with a single edge. Kampilans were widely used as “head-hunting” swords

on enemies in the southern Philippines.

This weapon actually helped our ancestors to protect their own land from the foreign

people and also to protect them from the wild animals or anything that can actually harm

them. In addition, the ancient Filipinos use this weapon to hunt for their food every day.

Source: https://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/shop/kampilan/
BALANGAY

According to the Voyage of the Balangay, early Filipinos were a people of the sea, living

in coastal villages or near rivers. Boats were linked to many aspects of Filipino life:

fishing, trade, warfare, piracy (trade-raiding for goods and slaves), travel,

communication, and dwelling.

The Balanghai or Balangay or Butuan Boat is a plank boat adjoined by a carved-out

plank edged through pins and dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the

Chronicles of Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest Pre-Hispanic watercraft found in the

Philippines.

The first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia, the Balangay is only found in

the Philippines where a flotilla of such prehistoric wooden boat exists throughout the

world.

The finely built boat, made without the use of blueprints but was taught from one

generation to another, uses a technique still used by boat makers of Sibutu Island.

Made 15 meters long and 3 to 4 meters wide, the Balangay is propelled by sail of buri or

nipa fiber or padding and is large enough to hold 60 to 90 people. With the Balangay’s

size, it was used for cargo and raiding purposes, giving proof that Butuan played a

central role in trade.

In short, the balangay’s or Balanghai or Butuan is a plank boat that was used by the

ancient Filipino citizens in fishing (because many of them are living in the river banks or

somewhere near to the bodies of waters), tradings, travels, cargo and many more.
Thus, in this century we actually have a bountiful relationship with other places that

leads us to have prosperous economy.

Source: http://www.balangay-voyage.com/index.php?pg=about-the-balangay

BAYBAYIN

According to Mandirigma Research organization, baybayin is a pre-Spanish Philippine

writing system. It is a member of the Brahmic family and is recorded as being in use in

the 16th century. It continued to be used during the Spanish colonization of the

Philippines up until the late 19th Century.

The term Baybay literally means “to spell” in Tagalog. Baybayin was extensively

documented by the Spanish. Some have attributed it the name Alibata, but this name is

incorrect. (The term “Alibata” was coined by Paul Rodriguez Verzosa after the

arrangement of letters of the Arabic alphabet alif, ba, ta (alibata), “f” having been

eliminated for euphony’s sake.” ) Versoza’s reasoning for creating this word was

unfounded because no evidence of the baybayin was ever found in that part of the

Philippines and it has absolutely no relationship to the Arabic language. Furthermore,

no ancient script native to Southeast Asia followed the Arabic arrangement of letters,

and regardless of Versoza’s connection to the word alibata, its absence from all

historical records indicates that it is a totally modern creation. The present author does

not use this word in reference to any ancient Philippine script.

Modern scripts in the Philippines, descended from Baybayin, are Hanunó’o, Buhid,

Tagbanwa, the Kapampangan script and the Bisaya script.

Baybayin is one of a dozen or so individual writing systems used in Southeast Asia,

nearly all of which are abugidas where any consonant is pronounced with the inherent

vowel a following it— diacritical marks being used to express other vowels (this vowel

occurs with greatest frequency in Sanskrit, and also probably in all Philippine

languages).

In summary, baybayin is an ancient writing system of the ancient Filipinos that helped

them to communicate with each other even before the Spaniards discover our country.

In addition, this was mostly seen in a bamboo or pots. This was also their way to write

short announcements and poetry’s.

Source: http://mandirigma.org/?p=423 and https://blog.kabuay.com/tutorials/baybayin-

history/

karakoa

-outrigger warships, used by native Filipinos, notably the Kapampangans and

Visayans during seasonal sea raids

-were also used as trading ships

-origin of the name has been proposed to have been derived from Arabic meaning

"large merchant ship"

-possessed raised decks, sharply curved prows and sterns (crescent shape)

-they were an integral part of traditional sea raiding

-usually seasonal maritime expeditions against enemy villages for the purposes of

gaining prestige through combat, taking plunder, and capturing slaves or hostages and

sometimes brides as well

-they were distinct from other sailing vessels because they were equipped with

platforms for transporting warriors and for fighting at sea

 -large ones could carry hundreds of rowers and warriors

-mainly used as warships and troop transports during traditional seasonal sea raid or

piracy

-estimated to have speeds of up to 12 to 15 knots

-Spanish priest Francisco Combes described it in detail in 1667, impressed by the

speed and craftsmanship of the vessels, saying "That care and attention, which govern

their boat-building, cause their ships to sail like birds, while ours are like lead in this

regard

-has very shallow drafts so they can navigate right up to shoreline

-can reach up to 25 metres or 82ft in length

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoa

balarao(balaraw, bararao, bararaw) aka 'winged dagger'

-leaf-like blade and a finger-fitting grip consisting of two horn-like projections at the

pommel and no guards

-it is a status symbol among nobility and warriors

-is usually finely worked with precious metals, ivory, and horn

-described as early as the 1600s by Antonio de Morga and was detailing the use by

Visayans in headhunting raids

 -disappeared throughout most of its range during Spanish colonial period but

survived to modern times among the Mandaya people where it is known as

the bayadau or badao

-length is 30 cm or 12in, and width is 10cm or 4in

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balarao

In conclusion, Science and technology has a profound impact on all of humanity’s

activities. Science and technology inventions and discoveries, including the theory of

the origin of the universe, the theory of evolution, and the discovery of genes, have

given humanity many hints relating to human existence from civilized and cultural points

of view. Science and technology have had an immeasurable influence on the formation

of our understanding of the world, our view of society, and our outlook on nature. The

wide variety of technologies and science discoveries produced by humanity has led to

the building and development of the civilizations of each age, stimulated economic

growth, raised people’s standards of living, encouraged cultural development, and had a

tremendous impact on religion, thought, and many other human activities. The impact of

science and technology on modern society is broad and wide-ranging, influencing such

areas as politics, diplomacy, defense, the economy, medicine, transportation,

agriculture, social capital improvement, and many more. The fruits of science and

technology fill every corner of our lives. The hundred years of the twentieth century

have been called the “century of science and technology,” the “century of war,” and the

“century of human prosperity,” among other expressions. Science and technology have
thus far brought humanity immeasurable benefits. In the twenty-first century, dubbed the

“century of knowledge” and the time of a “knowledge-based society,” it is hoped that the

diverse potentials of science and technology, built upon the foundation of the hard-won

science and technology of the twentieth century, will be used to solve the serious issues

faced by humanity, such as global environmental problems. Moreover, it is also

important to hold the firm belief that science and technology must be faithfully passed

on to future generations as an irreplaceable asset of humanity, driven by the trust and

support of the public. Science and technology will most likely continue to be regarded by

humanity as an invaluable commodity. However, the relationship between science and

technology and society is assuming many shapes with the changing times. Against the

backdrop of the historical turnaround in the world order that came with the collapse of

the U.S.-Soviet cold war structure, and with accelerating scientific and technological

progress, as exemplified by the life sciences and IT, it is no exaggeration to say that

society is transforming abruptly and daily becoming more complex. This transformation

appears in public opinion polls as changes in public awareness of science and

technology and heightened public concern over the safety and security of society. In the

present, squarely addressing the relationship between science and technology and

society is an essential challenge to the sound development of science and technology,

one which it is important to continue addressing in the future based on historical and

civilized perspectives, while also maintaining a deep awareness of the needs of the

times.