SCIENCE, TENCHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVE
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:
Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, the natives of the archipelago already
had practices linked to science and technology. Modern men came to mainland Asia around 50 000 years
and up until about 40 000 years ago used stone tools and weapons. They also later developed shell
ornaments and pottery. Remnants of these are still present today as many people are still using clay pots
in cooking.

Eventually, Filipinos gained the skill to extract metals such as gold, copper, bronze, and iron and
use these metals for many purposes. Other activities such as weaving, making glass ornaments, and
tools development were done by our ancestors.

Before arrival of the Spaniards, Filipino communities are already thriving and interacting with
other cultures such as the Chinese, Indonesians, and Japanese. There is trade between other countries
for porcelain, glass beads, and metal products with materials such as beeswax, cotton, pearl, tortoise
shells and nuts. Early Filipinos were also involved in coastal trade, and seamanship became highly
developed. These trades also influenced technology development in the Philippines.

Early Filipinos also have their own system of writing, though literary tradition is still mainly oral.
Also, systems of weighing, measuring, and time were also present in early Filipino society.

Filipino technology in agriculture was also present and highly developed. There exist systems of
farming and animal-raising both for food production and helping in daily tasks. Early Filipinos were also
engaged in various agricultural practices such as developing irrigation systems, predicting weather
conditions and seasons through animal behavior and celestial bodies, classifying plants and animals
based on their properties, preparing seeds for planting, classifying soils according to their properties, and
growing plants in yards. In terms of health and medicine, early Filipinos have been using certain plants
for their medical properties in treating ailments and healing injuries.

By Agricmarketing at en.wikipedia - I created this work entirely by myself., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?
curid=17010616

The Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of engineering by pre-Spanish
era Filipinos. Through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on the mountainsides in
cold temperatures. They incorporated an irrigation system that uses water from the forests and mountain
tops to achieve an elaborate farming system. These terraces, which are still functional, show the
innovative and ingenious way of the natives to survive in an otherwise unfriendly environment.

Pre-colonial Filipino science and technology is basically folk science and indigenous
knowledge. There was also no pressure for a large science and technology development because of the
relatively small population, simple needs, and abundant natural resources.
Indigenous Science

According to Pawilen (2005) and Sibisi (2004), indigenous science includes complex arrays of
knowledge, expertise, practices, and representations derived from traditional knowledge and practices
that guide human societies in their numerable interactions with the natural milieu, such as astronomy,
metallurgy, agriculture, medicine, food technology, naming and explaining natural phenomena, and
strategies for coping with changing environments. It has developed diverse structures and contents
through the interplay between the society and the environment. Pawilen (2005) also developed a simple
framework for understanding indigenous science.

THE CONCEPT OF INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem-solving, inferring, communicating and predicting. Indigenous science is guided by
culture and community values such as the following:

 The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.

 The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth”. It is the origin of their identity as people.
 All living and non-living things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources.
 Nature is a friend to human beings – it needs respect and proper care.

According to Johnston (2000), indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values that are relevant
or consistent to scientific attitudes, such as motivating, cooperating, practical, and reflective attitudes.

An indigenous knowledge system is embedded in the daily life experiences of young children as
they grow up. They live in a society where the members of the community prominently practice
indigenous knowledge. Parents and other older folks served as first teacher and their methods of
teaching are very effective in transmitting cultural knowledge. Lessons learned (good values, life stories
from daily struggles) are intimately interwoven with their culture and the environment. Views about nature
and their reflections on their experiences in daily life are evident in their stories, poems and songs.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

COLONIAL PERIOD
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PCOLONIAL
PERIOD
The colonization of the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology in the
archipelago.
Spanish Colonial Period

The Spanish colonial period is regarded as the time when modern science and technology in the
Philippines began. During this era, the Spanish colonizers changed the way that the Filipino society
works. They used of reduccion in consolidating scattered communities into larger and fewer communities
within hearing distance of church bells and adopted how Filipinos rule. They created towns, which made
tax collection, forced labor, and economic activities much easier to implement.

Science Education

Schools were established which were primarily managed by priests and missionaries. Thus,
religious education was given focus. The establishment of schools introduced concepts in science and
technology, which began formal science and technology education. Early science education focused on
the human body, plants, animals, and heavenly bodies. Early technology education focused on the use
and development of tools for everyday life.

Higher education was centered in cities such as Manila. However, only a select few have access
to these institutions, such as Spaniards, mestizos, and a few select Filipinos. Medicine and advanced
sciences were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by Catholic orders, though
training were generally poor. Biology, medicine, and pharmacy were given focus. For Bachiller en Artes
degrees, science subjects include physics, chemistry, natural history, and mathematics.

Other schools were also established. Vocational education was introduced by the latter part of
19th century. However, there is a lack of engineering schools and nautical schools and agricultural schools
were few.

Also, by 1863, the government initiated reforms in education where basic education and higher
education will be supervised by the government. However, this was not fully implemented. Overall,
public education was not very progressive.

Agriculture, Trade, and Industry

The opening of the Suez Canal allowed the penetration of liberal ideas to the Philippines from
Europe and eased communication and transportation. This also allowed select Filipinos were able to go
to Europe and study science and technology. Prominent ones include Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna.

By Boxer Codex (1590) - Unknown Spanish Author/Compiler with Likely Chinese Artist from Spanish
Colonial Manila, Philippines, circa 1590 AD. -
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oid=VAB8326&pn=8&size=large, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?
curid=82198314
 Galleon trade allowed both goods and ideas from the West to reach the country, though this
benefited the colonizers and the Chinese merchants more than the Filipinos. Trade was given more
focus by the Spaniard colonial authorities due to the prospect of big profits. These trades allowed other
ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology and Western practices to reach the country. Because of
the Galleon trade, the shipbuilding industry progressed.

Initially, agriculture and industry were neglected and its progress was slow. However, the
founding of the Real Sociedad Economica de los Amigos del Paris de Filipinas encouraged its eventual
development. Many crops were cultivated and some industries were developed. When the Philippines
became open for foreign trade, industries such as embroidery, tobacco, and weaving flourished. Trade
and commerce also led to the establishment of public amenities, such as transportation, lighting, banking,
and information services, especially in Manila.

Other Aspects

Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of construction. In
terms of engineering, Spaniards introduced town planning and building with materials such as bricks and
tiles. Because of this, churches, hospitals, and other public buildings were built.

Hospitals became centers for research work, especially in terms of the causes and treatments of
infectious diseases, such as malaria, cholera, and leprosy. Herbal medicines were researched and
catalogued. Sanitation was also given importance for public health purposes. Laboratorio Municipal
Ciudad de Manila was created in 1887 for public health concerns and medical analysis.

Meteorological studies were promoted by the Jesuits, who founded the Manila Observatory.
These studies became important and frequent that public typhoon warnings were able to be issued. The
Observatory also led to seismological and astronomical studies. Research on Philippine flora, agronomy,
geology, and chemistry was also done during the Spanish era though very little of the results and
activities of these are known.

Some contributors in science and technology during this period are Fr. Ignacio Mercado., Dr.
Trinidad Pardo de Tavera and Dr. Leon Ma Guerrero, chemist Anaclento del Rosario, and medicine
scholars Dr. Manuel Guerrero, Dr, Jose Montes and Dr. Elrodario Mercado.

Though the Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years, science and technology
did not fully grow and reached its full potential. This is due to superstitions and Catholic doctrines and
poor administration of the Spanish government, among others.

American Colonial Period and the Commonwealth Period

The American colonial period saw a rapid growth in science and technology in the Philippines.
These are due to progress in public education and research and science public services.

The Americans established the public education system and created a Department of Public
Instruction in 1901. The public educational system is free, with English as a medium of instruction. They
reorganized school science. Basic education focused on nature studies and science and sanitation.
Normal schools were also established to train teachers, as well as other professional and technical
schools. Industrial and vocational courses were offered but were not preferred by Filipinos at the time,
and choosing career paths that led to what they perceive as more prestigious jobs was preferred.

It was during the American colonization period that the University of the Philippines was
established. The University started with mostly foreign teachers and professors. Filipinos were sent
overseas for education and training and later on, replaced many of the foreign professors of the University
of the Philippines.
 The private education sector also flourished. They started out to be ill-equipped and inadequate
in equipment and facilities, but regulations by the American colonial government improved the sector
eventually.

Studying overseas was also encouraged by the American government and select students were
sent to be trained as engineers, physicians, teachers, nurses, and other professionals. They were asked
to serve in the Philippines as a return for this privilege.

Science and technology focused on agriculture, food processing, forestry, medicine and
pharmacy. The Americans established the Bureau of Government Laboratories in 1901 to deal with the
study of tropical diseases and laboratory projects. This was replaced with the Bureau of Science in 1905
to nurture the development of science and technology. In this bureau, serums and prophylactics needed
by the Philippine General Hospital and Bureau of Health were manufactured and diseases were studied.

Reorganization of different offices based on their specializations were also done during this time,
such as the Weather Bureau, Bureau of Health, Mines, Forestry, Agriculture, Coast and Geodetic Survey,
Plant Industry, and Animal Industry.

The American colonial government also improved engineering works and health conditions by
creating more public hospitals than the Spaniards and by doing research to control diseases. They
improved transportation and communication. New technologies were also introduced by American
scholars in the country.

During the Commonwealth period, where a transitional government was established for
Philippine’s eventual independence, the Constitution actually acknowledged the importance of science
and technology. Other government corporations and councils were created, such as the National
Economic Council, National Power Corporation, National Development Company, and National Abaca
and Other Fibers Corporation.

The Americans have more influence in the development of science and technology in the
Philippines compared to the Spaniards. American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the
country. However, the Philippines remained as agricultural country and industrialization was still slow.
This seems to stem from the focus on agricultural and medical sciences characteristic during this time.
Also, mineral resources in the country were exploited during this time. In addition, the Philippines was not
able to become fully independent due to the economic ties with the Americans. Unfortunately, the
Japanese government occupied the Philippines between 1942 and 1945, which halted science and
technology development in the Philippines.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
IN THE PHILIPPINES:
POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After colonization by Japan, the country focused on building institutions and public facilities such
as schools, hospitals, and transportation systems as well as providing technological training and human
resource development. Human resource development focused on producing engineers, scientists,
technology experts, doctors, and other professionals.

Though limited in resources, the country focused in improving science and technology. One way
is through the use of Overseas Development Allocations (ODA) to help in scientific productivity and
technological capability.

In the sector of education, private institutions remained the main source of higher education by
Filipinos. Still, the number of students pursuing physical sciences, engineering medicine, and agriculture
is inadequate to meet the needs of the country.
 Nevertheless, professional organizations such as the Philippine Medical Association and
Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers which aimed to review and revise the curriculum for their
respective fields to improve instruction and professional training.

Also, many more government agencies were established such as the Institute of Science,
Institute of Nutrition, Science Foundation of the Philippines, and Commission on Volcanology. However,
government support for science and technology was still inadequate. For example, in 1950, the US
Economic Survey Mission to the Philippines reported that the budget for research as well as
compensation for scientists is still low. Because of this, the Institute of Science was the reorganized to
become the Institute of Science and Technology, with the additional mandate to improve technological
development and explore natural resources for economic growth.

By 1957, the state of science and technology in the Philippines was still declining. Due to this,
the Science Act of 1958 was enacted. This established the National Science Development Board, the
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, and the National Institute of Science and Technology. By 1960s,
the Philippine Inventor’s Commission and Philippine Coconut Research Institute were also established.
Also, by 1964, the Philippine Science High School started its operation through Republic Act 3661 signed
by President Diosdado Macapagal.

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was former
president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. During his term, many agencies were established such as the
Philippine Textile Research Institute, National Grains Authority (now the National Food Authorirty), Plant
Breeding Institute, International Rice Research Institute, Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (now
the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development),
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, National Committee on
Geological Sciences, Philippine National Oil Company, National Academy of Science and Technology.
The current site of the Department of Science and Technology in Taguig was then proclaimed as the
Philippine Science Community. It was during Marcos’s term that the National Science Development
Board and its agencies were reorganized into a National Science and Technology Authority to provide
central direction and coordination of scientific and technological research and development.

In terms of science education, the Marcos regime encouraged the Department of Education and
Culture to promote science education. The Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science
high schools were established and salaries of both teachers and administrators were increased. Among
other manifestations of his support in science and technology education are listed below:

 SECOND SONA (January 23, 1967): He declared that science was necessary for the
development programs, and thus, directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science
courses in public high schools.

 THIRD SONA (January 22, 1968): He recognized that technology was the leading factor in
economic development, and channeled additional funds to support projects in applied sciences
and science education

 FOURTH SONA (January 27, 1969): He gave a big part of the war damage fund to private
universities to encourage them to create courses in science and technology and to research. The
government also conducted seminars for public and private high school and college science
teachers, training programs and scholarships for graduate and undergraduate science scholars,
and workshops on fisheries and oceanography.

 FIFTH SONA (January 26, 1970): He emphasized that the upgrading of science curricula and
teaching equipment is crucial to the science development program. He also assisted 107
institutions in undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists to study nuclear science and
technology abroad, and providing basic training to 482 scientists, doctors, engineers, and
technicians.
  SEVENTH SONA (January 24, 1972): He spoke about his major development projects in
reforming sectors of education. Such projects included research and development schools,
technical institutes, science education centers, and agricultural colleges and vocational high
schools.

The presidency of Corazon Aquino saw the replacement of NSTA to DOST. She also created
the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up with the first Science and
Technology Master Plan or STMP. The goal of STMP was for the Philippines to achieve newly
industrialized country status by the year 2000. It was during her term that Executive Order No.128 was
signed, which reorganized the National Science and Technology Authority.

During Fidel Ramos’ presidency, the number of science and technology personnel increased,
more Philippine High Schools were established (in Visayas and Mindanao), and health care services were
given importance through programs such as "Doctors to the Barrio Program." His administration also saw
the establishment of the Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel (Republic Act No. 8439),
Science and Technology Scholarship Law of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7687), Inventors and Inventions
Incentives Act (Republic Act No. 7459), and The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic
Act No. 8293), and the Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was
established.

The presidency of Joseph Estrada saw the legislation of Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
(Republic Act No. 8749) and Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792). He also has a
full-scale program for cost-effective irrigation technologies and programs for social and social services for
those in need.

During Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term, projects for the environment and science and
technology (like the “Biofuels” act) was given focus to increase economic level. "Filipinnovation" was also
coined to help the Philippines to be an innovation hub in Asia. The STI was developed further by
strengthening the schools and education system such as the Philippine Science High School (PSHS).

During Benigno Aquino III’s term, he conferred four new National Scientist for their contribution in
the scientific field.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects and policies to
boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people to meet
the demands of a technologically driven world and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by
science.

Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the key government institution for science
and technology. DOST has sought the expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines
(NCRP) to consult various sectors in the society to study how the country can prepare itself in meeting the
ASEAN 2015 Goals. As a result of the consultation, NCRP is expected to recommend policies and
programs that will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the ASEAN Region. The following
were the policies that were the results of the consultation.

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

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

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

3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

a. Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonized standards by
full implementation of the Food and Drug Administration
b. Creating an educational council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services
and care
c. Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as pool of
information
d. Allowing two percent of the GDP to research
e. Legislating a law supporting human genome project

4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

a. Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws
b. Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
c. Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people’s conservation
d. Formulation of common food and safety standards

Other programs supported by the Philippine government through DOST include:

1. Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology
2. Providing scholarships for studies of students in science and technology
3. Establishing more branches of Philippine Science High School System
4. Creating and developing science and technology parks
5. Establishment of Balik Scientist Program
6. Establishment of National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex

Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering identify several capacity building
programs such as:

1. Establishment of national centers of excellence

2. Manpower and institutional development programs
3. Establishment of regional centers to support scientific industries
4. Establishment of science and technology business centers
 5. Strengthening of science education at an early age

Philippine Development Plan

The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (PDP) is a massive undertaking in improving the
country’s infrastructure, increasing energy access, lowering costs for citizens, keeping up with economic
growth, and staying within the bounds of global agreements for climate change and sustainable growth. It
was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board and President
Rodrigo Duterte on February 20th, 2017. The impact will be manifested in the following outcomes:

 The Philippines will be an upper middle-income country by 2022.

 Growth will be more inclusive as manifested by a lower poverty incidence in rural areas –
from 30 percent in 2015 to 20 percent in 2022.
 The Philippines will have a high level of human development by 2022.
 The unemployment rate will decline from 5.5 percent to 3-5 percent in 2022.
 There will be greater trust in government and in society.
 Individuals and communities will be more resilient.
 Filipinos will have greater drive for innovation.

The pillars of the said program are

1. Malasakit: refers to the goal to regain people’s trust in public institutions and each other.
These strategies aim to promote awareness of anti-corruption measures, invigorate the public
sector, increased access to legal aid, and promoting culture sensitive governance.

2. Pagbabago: aimed at reducing inequality by increasing opportunities for growth and

transformation. The popularized term has been ‘inclusive growth’. Universal social protection,
basic education, and other social services will be improved upon while also raising the
country’s status in the global market for more opportunities.

3. Patuloy na Pag-unlad: focuses on economic growth. The Philippines have seen massive
growth in the past decade or so through their change from an agricultural economy to
industry and manufacturing focused powerhouse. The Philippines plan to focus on continued
growth of their technology, R&D, and innovation sectors.

Philippine Congress has also created laws that serve as legal framework for science and
technology. Some other areas that the country is looking forwards related to science and technology
include:

1. Use of alternative and safe energy

2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Fighting climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYGOVERNMENT POLICIES ON

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the global
advancement of science and technology. The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms
of natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built
from indigenous materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment. Among these inventions
are a mosquito ovicidal / larvicidal trap system called OL trap by DOST for the dengue problem and e-
jeepney, which evolved from the military jeeps left by the Americans after World War II but utilizes
electricity instead of the more expensive diesel.
Below is a list of scientists and their contributions. This list include all scientists Lee-Chua (2000)
identified in her book Ten Outstanding Filipino Scientists who have made significant contributions in
different science disciplines: agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry,
engineering and biology.

ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR. CAESAR A. SALOMA

JR.
He is a neonatologist who has He has made major He is an internationally
significantly impacted science contributions to the theory and renowned physicist recognized
and technology in the practice of automatic control. His for his contributions to photonics
Philippines for his contributions work in the 1970s and 1980s on and signal processing that were
to the field of pediatrics, the control of leader-follower accomplished with colleagues
neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and systems is still considered one and students at the National
neonatal drug addiction, of the major contributions of the Institute of Physics. He led the
including his pioneering work on half-century in the theory of development of a method to
the detection of fetal exposure to hierarchical control systems. He generate high-contrast images
drugs, tobacco, alcohol and was also elected as officer of the of semiconductor sites via one
environmental toxicants, by famous Institute of Electrical and photon optical beam-induced
analysis of meconium, a Electronic Engineering. current imaging and confocal
newborn’s first stools. reflectance microscopy. The
project received a US patent on
June 26, 2007.

LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT MARI-JO PANGANIBAN RUIZ

She is known for discovering the He is known for his She is known for being an
seedless breed of lime and phytochemical work for the outstanding educator and graph
pomelo, and for doing research development of lagundi as part theorist.
on plant biotechnology. of the National Integrated
Research Program on Medicinal
Plants.
 EDGARDO GOMEZ LOURDES JANSUY CRUZ JOSEFINO CACAS COMISO
He is a Professor Emeritus for She is a Filipino biochemist whose He was instrumental on a global
marine biology at the University research has contributed to the project observing the planet for
of the Philippines Marine understanding of the biochemistry rapidly declining perennial sea
Science Institute. He saw the of toxic peptides from the venom of ice cover, and produced a paper
need to protect the Philippines fish-hunting Conus marine snails. on the subject that has been
archipelago’s vast marine Her research shed light on the cited over one thousand times.
resources in particular that of effects of conotoxins on the central His work has revealed the
coral reefs. He also pioneered nervous system and how it can extraordinary rate at which
giant clam (Tridacna gigas) cause muscular paralysis, Arctic ice is affected by global
breeding stationed in Bolinao sleepiness, or drowsiness, warming, at approximately three
and other protective areas for involuntary motion and more. times the intensity of the global
coastal communities of the average.
Philippines.

WILLIAM PADOLINA RAMON CABANOS BARBA ANGEL ALCALA

He was a former president of He is known for his invention of He contributed to the country’s
National Academy of Science flower induction of mango trees. marine development and
and Technology (NAST). He is The impact and importance of concerns. He is known for his
recognized for his significant his discoveries, along with his fieldwork to build sanctuaries
contributions in the field of self-motivation to help others, and to promote biodiversity in
natural products chemistry, led him to change how mangoes the aquatic ecosystems of the
coconut chemistry, and other crops are grown Philippines.
biotechnology and in around the world, thus improving
management of research and the livelihood for those who work
development. in agriculture industry.

GREGORY LIGOT TANGONAN RAFAEL DINEROS

GUERRERO III
He is known for his research in He was recognized because of
the field of communications his scientific and technical
 technology. He has been contributions to the growth of
instrumental in developing Sex Reversal and Hatchery
applications of optoelectronics in Techniques that help the
radar, optical networking and commercial fabrication of high
analog systems. yielding market-size tilapia in
the Philippines and other
nations.

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is trying its best to improve the state of science education in the country. One of
the strategies is to establish science schools that will encourage students to pursue their career in
science and technology and to nurture their gifted potentials.

Science education focuses on teaching, learning and understanding science. Teaching science
involves exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and
processes effectively. Learning science includes both pedagogy and helping students understand and
love science. Understanding science implies developing and applying science process skills and using
science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life.

John Dewey argued that “education and learning are social and interactive processes, and thus
school itself is a social institution through which social reform can and should take place. In addition, he
believed that students thrive in an environment where they are allowed to experience and interact with the
curriculum, and all students should have the opportunity to take part in their own learning.” (Talebi, 2015)

Science education in basic science helps students learn important concepts and facts that are
related to everyday life (Carale & Campo, 2003; Meador, 2005; Worth & Grollman, 2003); includes
important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up
with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002); develops positive attitude such as the love for knowledge,
passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature and creativity (Lind, 1997), and develops a
strong foundation for studying science and for considering science-related careers in the future.

On the other hand, science education in tertiary education deals with developing students’
understanding and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works and focuses on the preparation of
science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in various science-related fields such as
engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. In addition to major courses, this is also done
through offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum.

In the field of science education, several science-related programs and projects were created to
develop scientific literacy. These include:

1. Special science classes

2. Special science elementary schools
3. Philippine Science High School System
4. STEM track of the K-12 educational system
5. PICARI project
6. Offering basic science courses in the General Education curriculum
Science Schools in the Philippines

PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEMS (PSHSS)

VISION: We are the leading science high school in the Asia Pacific Region preparing
our scholars to become globally competitive Filipino scientists equipped with
21st century skills and imbued with the core values of truth, excellence, and service to
nation.

MISSION: The Philippine Science High School, operating under one

System of Governance and Management, provides scholarship to
students with high aptitude in science and mathematics.

The PSHS System offers an education that is humanistic in spirit, global in perspective, and in
orientation.  It is based on a curriculum that emphasizes science and mathematics and the development
of well-rounded individuals.

The PSHS System prepares its students for careers in Science and Technology and contributes
to nation building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in Science and
Technology. It is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is the service institute of
the DOST whose mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for secondary course with emphasis on
subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of preparing its students for a science career
(Republic Act No. 3661)

PSHSS students have proven to be a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the country.
They have brought honor to the Philippines through their exemplary achievements in various international
competitions and research circles.

Graduates of PSHSS were expected to pursue degrees in science and technology at various
colleges and universities locally or abroad.

SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT

MISSION: To provide a learning environment to science inclined children through a special curriculum
which recognizes multiple intelligences and is geared towards the development of God-loving,
nationalistic, creative, ecologically aware, scientifically and technologically oriented and skilled individuals
who are empowered through lifelong learning skills.

It is in pursuance to DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. It started in
June, SY 2007-2008: Batch I with 57 identified elementary school. Another 3 schools in Region V were
included since its inception. In SY 2011-2012, the program was again expanded for Batch 3; additional 5
schools in Region V were included

The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological
knowledge, skills, and values. The SSES utilizes Science curriculum that will provide for the
development of lifelong learning skills and foster the holistic development of the child. The
subject Science& Health is taught starting in Grade1 and provides longer instruction time
in Science. In Grades I-III, 70 minutes and for Grades IV-VI, 80 minutes. The Curriculum also utilizes
varied teaching approaches/strategies to address the multiple intelligences, learning styles and needs of
the learners.

QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Established on September 17, 1967, it was originally named

Quezon City Science High School. It was appointed as the Regional
Science High School for the National Capital Region since 1998. The

1By Source, Fair use,

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/
index.php?curid=36833659
 focus of the curriculum is on science and technology. The school envisions to serve as a
venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students to develop spirit of
inquiry and creativity. The school is well-supported by the Local Government Unit and by
the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). The school is under the Department of
Education.

MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION: To provide relevant and quality education through its Special

Science Curriculum, its empowered school manager and staff, its
committed, dedicated and well-trained learning facilitators and support
personnel and its linkages with various publics for the development of
active, productive, morally upright and development-oriented Filipinos.

VISION: A nerve center of excellence that enables healthy life-long

2By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair
learners with strong moral, social, cultural and technological
use, foundation to actively participate in the development of a strong
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.p
hp?curid=63587886 republic.

It was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School (MSHS). It was also
the first science high school in the Philippines. The curriculum of the school puts more emphasis on
science and mathematics. It aims to produce scientists with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses
and other electives are included in their curriculum.

The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test
(MSAT), for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science, aptitude test in
mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem-solving test in mathematics, and proficiency in
English.

CENTRAL VISAYAN INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

MISSION: As the educational arm of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation, the High
School Department shall endeavor to equip each student with the necessary skills for
future work and further studies. It shall develop and protect each individual's talents and
innate creativity, and guide each one towards the path of fullest realization of potential
and creative abilities. It shall instill in the youth a spirit of service to country and love of
God, above all.

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic
Learning Program (DLP), which is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to
foster the highest level of learning, creativity and productivity.

It takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established in 1992, which
organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and
perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1. Different contributions and influences on science and technology made a mark during the
different time periods in Philippine history. Give these important influences and how they
contributed to the development of science and technology in the country.

Historical Contribution/s Importance

Period
 Pre-colonial
period
Spanish
colonial period
American
colonial period
Post-colonial
period

2. Enumerate the different government policies pertaining to science and technology. Which do you
think has the biggest contributions to the nation building?

3. Identify science schools established to promote science education in the Philippines. Which do
you think has the best vision and mission? Why?

4. Match the names of famous Filipinos in the field of Science in column A to their contributions in
column B.

Column A Column B
1. CAESAR A. SALOMA A. photonics and signal processing
2. EDGARDO GOMEZ B. flower induction of mango trees
3. ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA C. communications technology
JR. D. automatic control
4. FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT E. seedless breed of lime and pomelo
5. GREGORY LIGOT F. giant clam breeding stationed in Bolinao
TANGONAN G. outstanding educator and graph theorist
6. JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR. H. effects of conotoxins on the central nervous system
I. phytochemical work for the development of lagundi
7. LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA J. neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and neonatal drug
8. LOURDES JANSUY CRUZ addiction
9. MARI-JO PANGANIBAN RUIZ K. coconut chemistry
L. commercial fabrication of high yielding market-size
10. RAMON CABANOS BARBA tilapia

5. Discuss the concept indigenous science and its contribution in the development of science and
technology in the Philippines.

SUMMARY

The following learning points summarize what you have learned in this section:

 Even before the time of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, various people and communities
already practiced science. They invented tools and built structures, studied medicinal use of
plants and used indigenous science in agriculture.

 The growth of science and its development as a field in the country is a hybrid of indigenous and
foreign ideas. Spain and the United States, played an important role in building the foundation of
science in the Philippines. To further strengthen the science program in the country, the
government establishes various science programs, policies and projects

 Through the years, many Filipinos were able to establish themselves as scientists and science
educators in various scientific areas and fields. Invention and innovations were done by these
Filipino scientists. Finally, the demands of globalization prompted the Philippines to invest in
science and technology programs and projects.
 Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in helping the public
develop science and literacy. This is important in the promotion and development of science and
technology in the country.

 Science education deals with the development of people in science, which is the heart of science,
technology and society.

 To promote science education, science schools were established to develop gifted students in
science and mathematics. Science programs and projects were organized and developed to
nurture innovation in science in the country, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers and
research in science and technology.

 The communities in the Philippines have maintained vast amounts of indigenous knowledge,
cultural practices, traditions and beliefs.

 The indigenous knowledge system of the people served as the foundation for the development of
indigenous science.

REFERENCES

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Quezon City: C&E Publishing.
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2017-2022_Final.pdf
3. Caoili, O. (1986). A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines. In Analysis of
Conditions for National Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation.
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