CHAPTER 3:

Science, Technology and Nation-building

The development of science and technology in the Philippines has already come a long way.
Significant inventions and discoveries have been accomplished by or attributed to Filipinos. Science and
Technology greatly improved what God has given to us.

A. Pre-Colonial period

Early Filipino settlers were already using certain plants and herbs as medicine. Systems of farming and
animal-raising were also implemented (Most common livelihood). They are not modified by Spanish
thoughts and cultures way back then. Early Filipino settlers already have their different modes of Terrestrial
or Maritime transportations even before Spaniards came.
Hydrotherapy, in Los Baños, Laguna, is done by bathing in natural hot springs or sulfuric bodies of
water.
Complicated engineering by natives of Cordilleras was present when rice terraces was built. They also
have their irrigation systems which they use as the water system from the forests and mountain tops as
their farming system.
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

- Planting Crops (Sugar Growing)
- Animal-Raising
- Food Production
- Interpret movements of heavenly bodies to
predict seasons and climates
- Medicinal use of plants
-Building Houses (rocks, woods, barely metals)
-Irrigations
-Developing tools (Artillary, bronze casting,
measuring system, calendars)
-Musical instruments (gongs, drums, traditional
flutes)

B. Colonial period
Spaniards came to Philippine islands with the Portuguese explorer named Ferdinand Magellan in
1521. Philippines was in the name of Spain. By 1830’s Spanish culture and thoughts were taught to Filipino
culture.
Constructions such as walls, roads, bridges and other large infrastructures were built using some of
engineering skills and tools bought by Spaniards. Colleges and universities such as the University of Santo
Tomas was influenced by the said engineering skills of Spaniards way back the period of colonial economy.
Parish schools was one of the most dominant example of the constructions aspect at this time.
American occupation also gave life to Philippine’s modernization. They created a government agency
which is the Bureau of Science, which focuses on science necessities.

“Nurturing development in the field of science and technology”

The Galleon Trade was established due to colonial economy, trade was given focus by Spaniards
colonial authorities due to big profits.
 SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
- BIOLOGY - Constructions:
- Health and Education Systems ( Churches, roads, bridges, forts, government
- Developed Tools building)
(More Metallic) - Metal Structures
(Due to metal craftings)

C. Post-Colonial period

After achieving independence from the colonizers, Philippines where still on the path of development
and innovation but with different administrations and projects for science and technology.

Former President Ferdinand Marcos is one of the person who ushered in advancements in science
and technology. He created numerous agencies under his term;
Philippine Atmospheric Geological and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) -weather
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) – economy; plastic waste, food security
National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) –scientific and technological activities.

It was Marcos saw as the key to nation-building or how to develop science and technology under the
connection of the Philippine resources and capabilities. Other presidents contributed legacies in the field
as well.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
- Agriculture
- Food Processing
- Medicines (Pharmacies) - Industrial Technology
- Scientific Necessities (Bureau of Science)