QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY

MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Module 2 Science, Technology, and Nation-Building

Competencies 1. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building;
2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in
terms of their contributions to nation-building; and
3. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and
appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation.
Discussion Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the
Philippines

The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back
before the country gained its independence from the American colonizers.
Before the coming of the Spanish colonizers, the early inhabitants of the
archipelago had their own culture and traditions. They had their own belief
system that keeps them organized and sustained their lives and
communities for many years.

Science, in pre-Spanish Philippines, is embedded in the way of life of the

people. Scientific knowledge is observed in the way they plant their crops
that provide them food, in taking care of animals to help them in their daily
tasks, and for food production. Science is observed in the way they interpret
the movements of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and in
organizing days into months and years. They use science in preparing the
soil for agricultural purposes and like any other ancient cultures; they
discovered the medicinal uses of plants.

Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and in

developing tools that they can use in everyday life. They developed tools for
planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies during
war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation, both on land and on
waterways. They also developed technologies in creating musical
instruments.

The different archaeological artifacts discovered in different parts of the

country also prove that the Metal Age also had a significant influence on
the lives of early Filipinos. The sophisticated designs of gold and silver
jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools proved that their technological ideas
helped in the development of different tools. Also, trading with China,
Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries have influenced their lives by
providing different opportunities for cultural and technological exchange.

All these ancient practices in science and technology are considered now as
indigenous science or folk science.

When the Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their
own culture and practices. They established schools for boys and girls and
introduced the concept of subjects and disciplines. It was the beginning of
formal science and technology in the country, known now as school of
science and technology.

Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different concepts

related to the human body, plants, animals, and heavenly bodies.

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |1
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Technology focuses on using and developing house tools used in everyday

life.
Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized, adapting some
Western technology and their ways of life. The Filipinos developed ways to
replicate the technology brought by the Spaniards using indigenous
materials. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal
colleges and universities established by the Catholic orders.

The galleon trade has brought additional technology and development in

the Philippines. Although it is only beneficial for the Spaniards, these trades
allowed other ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology, and
Western practices to reach the countries. Some Filipino students who were
able to study in Europe also contributed to the advancement of medicine,
engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country.

The Philippines, being one of the centers of global trade in Southeast Asia
during that time, was considered to be one of the most developed places in
the region. Although the country is blessed with these developments, the
superstitious beliefs of the people and the Catholic doctrines and practices
during the Spanish era halted the growth of science in the country.

The Americans have more influence in the development of science and

technology in the Philippines compared to the Spaniards. They established
the public education system, improved the engineering works and the
health conditions of the people. They established a modern research
university, the University of the Philippines, and created more public
hospitals than the former colonial master. The mineral resources of the
country were explored and exploited during American times. Transportation
and communication systems were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country.

The Americans did everything to “Americanize” the Philippines. They

recognized the learning of science and introduced it in public and private
schools. In basic education, science education focused on nature studies
and science and sanitation, until it became a subject formally known as
“Science.” The teaching of science in higher education has also greatly
improved and modernized. Researches were done to control malaria,
cholera, and tuberculosis and other tropical diseases.

The desire of the Americans to develop the human resources of the

Philippines to serve their own interests is, somehow, beneficial in the
country. These allowed American scholars to introduce new knowledge and
technology in the country. The Protestant church missions in different
places in the country also brought hospitals and schools to far-flung areas.
Little by little, these efforts built a stronger foundation for science and
technology in the country.

However, World War II has destabilized the development of the country in

many ways. Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses
were burned, and many lives were destroyed. The country had a difficult
time to rebuild itself from the ruins of the war. The human spirit to survive
and rebuild the country may be strong but the capacity of the country to
bring back what was destroyed was limited. The reparation funds focused

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |2
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

on building some institutions and public facilities like schools, hospitals,

and transportation systems.

Since the establishment of the new republic, the whole nation has been
focusing on using its limited resources in improving its science and
technological capability. It has explored the use of ODA or Overseas
Development Allocations from different countries to help the country
improve its scientific productivity and technological capability. Human
resource development is at the heart of these efforts focusing on producing
more engineers, scientists, technology experts, doctors and other
professionals in the country.

The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its

brief history, is shaped by several factors and influences. Like in the history
of science in other countries, it is always shaped by human and social
activities, both internal and external.

Internal Influences
• Survival Development
• Culture of Science
• Economic Activities and
Technology in
the
External Influences
Philippines
• Foreign Colonizers
• Trade with Foreign Countries
• International Economic Demands

Figure 1. Influences in the Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines

Science and technology may have significant impact on the lives of the
people and in the development of the Philippine society. However, improving
the quality of science education still remains as a big challenge in the
country. School science from basic education to graduate education is
improving slowly, and there are only few students enrolling in science and
technology courses.

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.

Padilla-Concepcion (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN

2015 Agenda, the government, particularly the Department of 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 Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015
Goals. As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is expected to recommend
policies and programs that will improve the competitiveness of the
Philippines in the ASEAN Region.

The NCRP clustered these policies into four, namely:

1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |3
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

and Governance
• Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding 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

• Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-
harmonized standards by full implementation of the Food and Drug
Administration
• Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of
pharmaceutical services and care
• Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research
as pool of information
• Allocating two percent 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 biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
• Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people's
conservation
• Formulation of common food and safety standards

There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine

government through the DOST, Some of these projects are the following:

• Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and
technology. The government funds basic and applied researches.
• 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 for training young Filipinos in the field of science and technology
• Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and
industry partnerships.
• Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come
home and work in the Philippines or conduct research and projects in
collaboration with Philippine-based scientists.
• The establishment of the National Science Complex and National
Engineering Complex within the University of the Philippines campus in
Diliman.

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |4
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE,

2008) identified several capacity-building programs such as:
• Establishment of national centers of excellence
• Manpower and institutional development programs, such the
Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) to produce more
PhD graduates in science and engineering
• 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 to assist,
advise, and incubate technopreneurship ventures
• 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 the scientific literacy of the country.

Special science classes were organized and special science elementary

schools were established in different regions. Aside from these, science and
mathematics in basic education were continuously improved. The current
K to 12 education program included Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) as one of its major tracks in the senior high school
program to encourage more students to enroll in science-related fields in
college.

Lately, the Commission on Higher Education launched its Philippine-

California Advanced Research Institutes (PICAR) Project to allow several
higher education institutions in the Philippines and some US-based
laboratories, research institutes, and universities to work on research and
projects related to science, agriculture engineering, health, and technology.
This project is hoped to strengthen the STEM competitiveness of the
country.

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward
to embark various research and projects. The following are some of them:
1. Use of alternative and safe energy
2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science
and technology. These laws serve as a legal framework for science and
technology in the country. These laws vary according to different themes
such as: conservation, health-related, technology-building, and supporting
basic research, among others. Some laws and policies are in line with
international treaties such as the United Nations (UN), United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other international
agencies.

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |5
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

National Goals
SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
International Treaty
• Policies
Legal Frameworks • Programs
• Projects
Social Needs, Issues & Problems

Figure 2. Development of Science and Technology Policies in the Philippines

As shown in the diagram, the development of policies in science and

technology is shaped or influenced by several variables: policies need to be
aligned to national goals, consider international commitments based on
legal frameworks, and respond to various social needs, issues, and
problems. Science and technology policies ensure that the whole country
and all people will experience the progress that science can bring. Policies
are guides to direct all efforts to a goal of developing a scientifically
advanced country.

Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science

School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo

Galilei, Newton, Faraday, Dawin, and many other Western scientists. We
rarely hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in science classes. Lee-
Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientists who have made
significant contributions in Philippine science. These scientists are also
famous abroad especially in different science disciplines: agriculture,
mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering,
and biology.

These Filipino scientists are:

1. Ramon Cabanos Barba- for his outstanding research on tissue culture

in Philippine mangoes
2. Josefino Cacas Comiso-for his works on observing the characteristics
of Antarctica by using satellite images
3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. - 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
5. Fabian Millar Dayrit – for his research on herbal medicine
6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III for his research on tilapia culture
7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. – for inventing the meconium drugs testing
8. Lilian Formalejo Patena - for doing research on plant biotechnology
9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz - for being an outstanding educator and
graph theorist
10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan - for his research in the field of
communications technology

There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and
abroad for their outstanding contributions in science:

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |6
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

• Caesar A. Saloma - an internationaly renowned physicist

• Edgardo Gomez - famous scientist in marine science
• William Padolina - chemistry and president of National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST)-Philippines
• Angel Alcala - marine science

There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the
list. Yet, the Philippines still need more scientists and engineers, and there
is a need to support scientific research in the country. The University of the
Philippines-Los Baños is a science paradise for agriculture, forestry, plant
and animal science, and veterinary science. It has produced numerous
scientists and various research in the fields mentioned. The University of
the Philippines-Visayas is also a national center for marine science,
fisheries, and other related sciences. The University of the Philippines-
Manila is a center of excellence and produced many researchers, doctors,
health professionals, and scientists in the area of medical and public
health. The University of the Philippines- Diliman also has established a
national science and engineering complex to develop more research and
produce more scientists and engineers in the country. The government
must find ways to establish more research laboratories and research
institutes. There is also a need to find ways on how their researches are
disseminated in the public.

Many of these Filipino scientists are products of good school science. It

means they were taught and inspired by great teachers. Their interests in
science started to manifest during their childhood years. Their natural
environment ignited their curiosity to learn more about the natural and
physical environment. Schools and the laboratories where they studied and
worked nurtured this.
Individual Interests SCHOOL
in Science SCIENCE
SCIENCE
LABORATORIES

Family
(TEACHERS AND
(REAL-LIFE
LEARNING
CONTEXT)
Natural ENVIRONMENT)
Environment

FILIPINO SCIENTISTS

Figure 3. Factors that Influence Development of Filipino Scientists

Many Filipino scientists, whether they are in the country or abroad, always
excel in their job. The Filipino spirit in their souls has never faded.
They continue to bring honor to the country. They make ordinary things in
an extraordinary way. They are always at par with other scientists in spite
of the limited facilities we have here in the country.
References Conception, G.P. (Editor). (2012). Science Philippines: Essays in Science by
Filipinos Volumes 1-3. Diliman, Quezon City: University of the
Philippines Press.
Conception, G.P., Padlan, E.A. & Saloma, C.A. (Editors). (2008). Selected
Essays on Science and Technology for Securing a Better Philippines.
Diliman, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.
Lee-Chua, Q. (2000). 10 Outstanding Filipino Scientists. Quezon City: Anvil
Publishing.
VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |7
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
MADDELA CAMPUS
Maddela, 3404 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Padilla-Conception, G. (2015). Science Philippines: Essays on Science by

Filipinos Volume III. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.
Philippine-American Association for Science and Engineering (2008).
“Science and Technology in Economic Development.” In Selected Essays
on Science and Technology for Securing a Better Philippines. 1.6-9.

VISION MISSION
The leading center for academic and technological excellence Develop competent and morally upright professionals and generate
and prime catalyst for a progressive and sustainable Quirino appropriate knowledge and technologies to meet the needs of Quirino
Province and Southern Cagayan Valley. Province and Southern Cagayan Valley.

“Molding Minds, Shaping Future”

Page |8