Historical Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines But the very strict hold of the church among

strict hold of the church among citizens and its intervention and meddling to
the government propelled by fear of intellectual awakening among Filipinos have greatly
The current state of science and technology in the country can be traced back to its
hindered the progress of these professionals to further enhance their knowledge, conduct
historical development and the latent events that helped shape it since the pre-colonial
scientific investigations and contribute to the advancement of society. But a few of
period to contemporary time. What we have or lack today in terms of science and
persistent Filipino scientists succeeded by educating themselves abroad. One notable
technology is very much an effect of the government policies that had been enacted by
example of course is our national hero, the great Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Dr. Jose Rizal is the
past public officials in trying to develop a technological society that is responsive to the
epitome of the Renaissance man in the Philippine context. He is a scientist, a doctor, an
needs of time
engineer (he designed and built a water system in Dapitan), a journalist, a novelist, an

Pre-Spanish Era. urban planner and a hero. Being a doctor and scientist, he had extensive knowledge on
medicine and was able to operate his mother’s blinding eye. When he was deported in
There is not much written about the Philippines during pre-colonial time but analysis from Dapitan, his knowledge on science and engineering was translated into technology by
archeological artifacts revealed that the first inhabitants in the archipelago who settled in creating a water system that improved the sanitation of households in the area. Dr. Jose
Palawan and Batangas around 40 000 years ago have made simple tools or weapons of
stone which eventually developed techniques for sawing, drilling and polishing hard Dr. Jose Rizal was a brilliant man and his life stood out among his contemporaries. But it

stones. This very primitive technology was brought by primal needs of survival by hunting cannot be said that there is no contribution to science and technology among the Filipino

wild animals and gathering fruits and vegetables in the forest. They learned that by men and women during the Spanish era. The charity hospitals became the breeding ground

polishing hard stones, they can develop sharp objects that are useful in their day to day for scientific researches on pharmacy and medicine, with great focus on problems of

activities. From this early, we can see that technology was developed because of a great infectious diseases, their causes and possible remedies. And in 1887, the Laboratorio

necessity. Municipal de Ciudad de Manila was created and whose functions were to conduct
biochemical analyses for public health and to undertake specimen examinations for clinical
Still on its primitive state, the first inhabitants in the country are learning what can be and medico-legal cases. Its publication, probably the first scientific journal in the country
harnessed from the environment. They have come to understand that when clay is mixed was titled Cronica de Ciencias Medicas de Filipinas showed the studies undertaken during
with 2 water and then shaped into something before sun drying, it hardens to an object that time
that can also be useful to them. And because clay is moldable, it can be shaped into various
objects. As the colonization of the Spaniards lengthened, they began to exploit the natural
resources of the country through agriculture, mining of metals and minerals and
As the early Filipinos flourished, they have learned how to extract, smelt and refine metals establishing various kinds of industries to further promote economic growth. As such,
like copper, gold, bronze and iron from nature and consequently fashion them into tools scientific research on these fields were encouraged by the government. By the nineteenth
and implements. At this point, the inhabitants of the country are showing a deeper century, Manila has become a cosmopolitan center and modern amenities were
understanding of their nature because they were able to obtain valuable resources from introduced to the city. However, little is known about the accomplishments of scientific
nature. bodies commissioned by the Spanish government during this time. Because of limited
scientific research and its consequent translation to technology during the Spanish regime,
As the inhabitants shifted from wandering from one place to another and learned to settle
none of the industries prosper. The Philippines had evolved into a primary agricultural
in areas near the water source, they also learned how to weave cotton, engaged
exporting economy, and this is not because of the researches undertaken on 20 this field,
themselves in agriculture and are knowledgeable on building boats for coastal trade.
but was largely because of the influx of foreign capital and technology which brought
From the above mentioned facts, it can be concluded that primitive Filipinos are practicing modernization of some sectors, notably sugar and hemp production.
science and technology in their everyday lives. The ancient crafts of stone carving, pottery
American Period
and smelting of metals involves a lot of science, which is understanding the nature of
matter involved. The ingenuity of the Ifugaos in building the Banaue Rice Terraces The If the development in science and technology was very slow during the Spanish regime,
smelting of metals exhibited the primitive Filipino’s knowledge on the composition of alloy the Philippines saw a rapid growth during the American occupation and was made possible
and the optimum temperature that will produce the metal with acceptable tensile by the government’s extensive public education system from elementary to tertiary
strength. All in all, the primitive Filipinos were living in perfect harmony with nature and schools. The establishment of various public tertiary schools like the Philippine Normal
they obtain from it what is just needed in their everyday life through a very simple science School and University of the Philippines provided the needs for professionally trained
of understanding how mother nature operate Filipinos in building the government’s organization and programs. The growth and
application of science were still concentrated on the health sector in the form of
Spanish Colonial Era.
biochemical analyses in hospitals. The government supported basic and applied research
As claimed by Caoili (1983), the beginnings of modern science and technology in the in the medical, agricultural and related sciences. The University of the Philippines Los
country can be traced back to the Spanish regime because they established schools, Baños opened the College of Agriculture in 1909 while the University of the Philippines –
hospitals and started scientific research that had important consequences in the Diliman opened the Colleges of Arts, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine in 1910. The
development of the country. These schools, which are mostly run by Spanish friars, formed College of Medicine was opened four years later.
the first Filipino professionals. The The 3 highest institution of learning during this time was
During this time, there were already quite a number of qualified Filipino physicians who
the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas.
held teaching positions in the College of Medicine, whereas most of the early instructors
and professors in other colleges such as in the sciences and engineering were Americans
and foreigners. Capacity building programs that include sending qualified Filipinos abroad The Philippine government focused on science and technology institutional capacity-
for advanced training were conducted to eventually fill up the teaching positions in building which were undertaken by establishing infrastructure-support facilities such as
Philippine universities. Moreover, the American colonial government sent Filipino youths new research agencies and development trainings. However good these projects were, it
to be educated as teachers, engineers, physicians and lawyers in American colleges to produced insignificant effects because of lack of coordination and planning, specifically
further capacitate the Filipinos in various fields. technology planning, between concerned agencies which hindered them from performing
their assigned functions effectively. This was aptly illustrated in the unplanned activities of
However, there was difficulty in recruiting students for science and technology courses like
the researchers within the agencies. Most areas of research were naively left to the
veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture, applied sciences and industrial-vocational
discretion of the researchers under the assumption that they were working for the
courses. The enrollment in these courses were dismal that the government had to offer
interests of the country. They were instructed to look for technologies and scientific
scholarships to attract students. The unpopularity of these courses stemmed from the
studies with good commercialization potential. Without clear research policy guidelines,
Filipinos’ disdain toward manual work that developed from the 400 years under Spanish
researches were done for their own sake, leaving to chance the commercialization of the
colonization. The Filipinos then prefer prestigious professions at that time like priesthood,
results.
law and medicine.
Likewise, during this time, rebuilding the country involved establishing more state funded
The government provided more support for the development of science and created the
manual and trading schools which would eventually become the current state universities
Bureau of Government Laboratories in and was later changed to Bureau of Science. It was
and colleges. The trade schools produced craftsmen, tradesmen and technicians that
composed of a biological laboratory, chemical laboratory, serum laboratory for the
helped in shaping a more technological Philippines while still being an agricultural based
production of virus vaccine, serums and prophylactics, and a library. The bureau was
nation. Eventually, when these trade schools were elevated to college and university
initially managed by American senior scientists but as more Filipinos were trained and
status, they produced much of the country’s professionals, although there was a great
acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, they eventually took over their positions. The
disparity on the low proportion of those in agriculture, medical and natural sciences with
Bureau of Science served as the primary training ground for Filipino scientists and paved
those from teacher training and commerce/business administration courses which had
the way for pioneering scientific research, most especially on the study of various tropical
higher number of graduates. The increase in the number of graduates led to the rise of
diseases that were prevalent during those times like leprosy, tuberculosis, cholera, dengue
professional organizations of scientists and engineers. These organizations were formed
fever, malaria and beri-beri. Another great contribution of the Bureau of Science to the
to promote professional interests and create and monitor the standards of practice.
development of science and technology in the country was the publication of the 21
Philippine Journal of Science. This scientific journal published researches done in local As summarized by Caoili, “There has been little innovation in the education and training of
laboratories and reported global scientific developments that had relevance to the scientists and engineers since independence in 1946. This is in part due to the conservative
Philippine society. The Bureau of Science became the primary research center of the nature of self-regulation by the professional associations. Because of specialized training,
Philippines until World War II. Lastly, on December 8, 1933, the National Research Council vertical organizations by disciplines and lack of liaison between professions, professional
of the Philippines was established. associations have been unable to perceive the dynamic relationship between science,
technology and society and the relevance of their training to Philippine conditions.
Commonwealth Period
Science and Technology in the 1960s to 1990s
When the Americans granted independence and the Commonwealth government was
established, the Filipinos were busy in working towards economic reliance but During these years, the government gave greater importance to science and technology.
acknowledge the importance and vital role of science and technology for the economic The government declared in Section 9(1) of the 1973 Philippine Constitution that the
development of the country by declaring that “The State shall promote scientific research “advancement of science and technology shall have priority in the national development.”
and invention…” The short-lived Commonwealth Government was succeeded by the
On April 6, 1968, Pres. Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed the 35-hectare land in Bicutan, Taguig
Japanese occupation when the Pacific war broke out in 1941. The prevailing situations
as the site of the Philippine Science Community. Then in 1969, the government provided
during the time of Commonwealth period to the Japanese regime had made developments
funds to private universities to encourage them to conduct research and create courses in
in science and technology practically impossible. This is also true when World War II ended
science and technology. The government also conducted seminars for public and private
and left Manila, the country’s capital, in ruins. The government had to rebuild again and
high school and college science teachers, training programs and scholarships for graduate
normalize the operations in the whole country
and undergraduate science scholars, and workshops on fisheries and oceanography.
Science and Technology since Independence
In the 1970s, focus on science and technology was given to applied research and the main
In 1946 the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science and was placed objective was to generate products and processes that were supposed to have a greater
under the Office of the President of the Philippines. However, the agency faced lack of beneficial impact to the society. Relative to this, several research institutes were
financial support from the government and experienced planning and coordination established under the National Science Development Board (NSDB) which includes the
problems. In a report by the US Economic Survey to the Philippines in 1950, there is a lack Philippine Coconut Research Institute and Philippine Textile Research Institute. Moreover,
of basic information which were necessities to the country's industries, lack of support of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, another agency under NSDB, explored the uses
experimental work and minimal budget for scientific research and low salaries of scientists of atomic energy for economic development. To prepare the pool of scientists who will
employed by the government. In 1958, during the regime of President Carlos P. Garcia, the work on Philippine Atomic Commission, Pres. Marcos assisted 107 23 institutions in
Philippine Congress passed the Science Act of 1958 which established the National Science undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists abroad to study nuclear science and
Development Board (NSDB). technology, and providing basic training to 482 scientists, doctors, engineers and
technicians. Then in 1972, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 4, the National Grains
Authority was created and it was tasked to improve the rice and corn industry and thereby The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the premiere science and
help in the economic development of the country. This was followed by the creation of technology body in the country charged with the twin mandate of providing central
Philippine Council for Agricultural Research to support the progressive development of direction, leadership and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in the country. The Marcos administration also formulating policies, programs and projects to support national development. The Science
established the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service and Technology Master Plan was formulated which aimed at the modernization of the
Administration (PAGASA) under the Department of National Defense to provide production sector, upgrading research activities, and development of infrastructure for
environmental protection and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the science and technological purposes. A Research and Development Plan was also
people through Presidential Decree No. 78, s. 1972. On the following year, the Philippine formulated to examine and determine which areas of research needed attention and must
National Oil Company was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973, to be given priority. The criteria for identifying the program to be pursued were, development
promote industrial and economic development through effective and efficient use of of local materials, probability of success, potential of product in the export market, and the
energy sources. To strengthen the scientific culture in the country, the National Academy its strategic nature. The grants for the research and development programs was included
of Science and Technology was established under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, s. 1976. in the Omnibus Investment Law.
The National Academy of Science and Technology was composed of scientists with
During President Fidel Ramos’s term, there was a significant increase in personnel
“innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences” who will serve as the reservoir
specializing in the science and technology field. In 1998, there was an estimated 3,000
of scientific and technological expertise for the country.
competent scientists and engineers in the Philippines. Adding to the increase of scientists
In the 1980s, science and technology was still focused on applied research. In 1982, NSDB would be the result of the two newly built Philippine Science High Schools in Visayas and
was further reorganized into a National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) Mindanao which promotes further development of young kids through advance S&T
composed of four research and development Councils; Philippine Council for Agriculture curriculum. The government provided 3,500 scholarships for students who were taking up
and Resources Research and Development (PCARRD); Philippine Council for Industry and professions related to S&T. Priority for S&T personnel increased when Magna Carta for
Energy Research Development (PCIERD); Philippine Council for Health Research and Science and Technology Personnel (Republic Act No. 8439) was established. The award was
Development (PCHRD) and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). NSTA published in order to give incentives and rewards for people who have been influential in
has also eight research and development institutes and support agencies under it. These the field of S&T.
are actually the former organic and attached agencies of NSDB which have themselves
Still under the Ramos administration, DOST established the “Science and Technology
been reorganized.
Agenda for National Development (STAND)”, a program that was significant to the field of
The expanding number of science agencies has given rise to a demand for high calibre S&T. It identified seven export products, 11 domestic needs, three other supporting
scientists and engineers to undertake research and staff universities and colleges. Hence, industries, and the coconut industry as priority investment areas. The seven identified
measures have also been taken towards the improvement of the country’s science and export products were computer software; fashion accessories; gifts, toys, and houseware;
manpower. In March 1983, Executive Order No. 889 was issued by the President which marine products; metal fabrications; furniture; and dried fruits. The domestic needs
provided for the establishment of a national network of centers of excellence in basic identified were food, housing, health, clothing, transportation, communication, disaster
sciences. As a consequence, six new institutes were created: The National Institutes of mitigation, defense, environment, manpower development, and energy. Three additional
Physics, Geological Sciences, Natural Sciences Research, Chemistry, Biology and support industries were included in the list of priority sectors, namely, packaging,
Mathematical Sciences. Related to this efforts was the establishment of a Scientific Career chemicals, and metals because of their linkages with the above sectors.
System in the Civil Service by Presidential Decree No. 901 on 19 July 1983. This is designed
In the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, numerous laws and projects were
to attract more qualified scientists to work in government and encourage young people to
implemented which concerns both the environment and science to push technology as a
pursue science degrees and careers.
tool to increase the country’s economic level. This is to help increase the productivity from
In 1986, under the Aquino administration, the National Science and Technology Authority Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) and help benefit the poor people. Moreover,
was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving science and technology the term “Filipinnovation” was the coined term used in helping the Philippines to be an
a representation in the cabinet. Under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for innovation hub in Asia.
the years 1987-1992, science and technology's role in economic recovery and sustained
The STI was developed further by strengthening the schools and education system such
economic growth was highlighted. In this period, science and 24 technology was one of
as the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), which focuses in science, technology and
the top three priorities of the government towards economic recovery. With the agency's
mathematics in their curriculum. This helps schools produce get more involve in this sector.
elevation to full cabinet stature by virtue of Executive Order 128 signed on 30 January
Private sectors were also encouraged to participate in developing the schools through
1987, the functions and responsibilities of DOST expanded correspondingly to include the
organizing events and sponsorships. Future Filipino scientists and innovators can be
following:
produced through this system.
(1) Pursue the declared state policy of supporting local scientific and technological effort;
Recently, the Philippines ranked 73rd out of 128 economies in terms of Science and
(2) Develop local capability to achieve technological self-reliance; Technology and Innovation (STI) index, citing the country’s strength in research and
commercialization of STI ideas (DOST, 2018). However, a study by the Philippine Institute
(3) Encourage greater private sector participation in research and development.
for Development Studies highlighted the weak ties between innovation-driven firms and

moreover, funding for the science and technology sector was tripled from 464 million in the government, and it also identified the country’s low expenditure in research and

1986 to 1.7 billion in 1992. development (R&D). This is the reason the government is now extending all its efforts to
reach out with the private sector, explaining that STI plays an important role in economic The Philippines could also boast of its Genome Center, a core facility that combines basic
and social progress and is a key driver for a long-term growth of an economy. Technology and applied research for the development of health diagnostics, therapeutics, DNA
adoption allows a country’s firms and citizens to benefit from innovations created in other forensics and preventive products, and improved crop varieties.
countries, and allows it to catch up and even leap-frog obsolete technologies. Technology
The country also has drug-discovery facilities, which address the requirements for
adoption, the official said, allows a country’s firms and citizens to benefit from innovations
producing high-quality and globally acceptable drug candidates. She said the Philippines
created in other countries, and allows it to catch up and even leap-frog obsolete
also has nanotechnology centers, which provide technical services and enabling
technologies.
environment for interdisciplinary and collaborative R&D in various nanotechnology
Hopes in Philippine Science and Technology applications.

Despite the many inadequacies, from funding to human capital, there are some science There are also radiation processing facilities that are used to degrade, graft, or crosslink
and technology-intensive research and capacity-building projects which resulted in polymers, monomers, or chemical compounds for industrial, agricultural, environmental
products which are currently being used successfully and benefits the society. and medical applications. The Philippines could also boast of its Die and 27 Mold Solutions
Center, which enhances the competitiveness of the local tool and die sector through the
One of these is the micro-satellite. In April 2016, the country launched into space its first
localization of currently imported dies and molds.
micro-satellite called Diwata-1. It was designed, developed and assembled by Filipino
researchers and engineers under the guidance of Japanese experts. The Diwata (deity in These are reflections that we are advancing, albeit slowly, to a culture that embraces STI
English) satellite provides real-time, high-resolution and multi-color infrared images for as a sure path to growth.
various applications, including meteorological imaging, crop and ocean productivity
measurement and high-resolution imaging of natural and man-made features. It enables a
more precise estimate of the country’s agricultural production, provides images of
watersheds and floodplains for a better understanding of water available for irrigation,
power and domestic consumption. The satellite also provides accurate information on any
disturbance and degradation of forest and upland areas.

The country also has the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), which
uses the Lidar (light detection and ranging) technology. Project NOAH was initiated in June
2012 to help manage risks associated with natural hazards and disasters. The project
developed hydromet sensors and high-resolution geo-hazard maps, which were generated
by light detection and ranging technology for flood modeling. Noah helps the government
in providing timely warning with a lead time of at least six hours in the wake of impending
floods. The country is now training the Cambodians on this technology, as part of the
partnerships among ASEAN countries, just like in the case of Japan which assisted the
country’s scientists and engineers in building its first micro-satellite.

Another hope lies in the so-called Intelligent Operation Center Platform. Established
through a collaboration between the local government of Davao City and IBM Philippines
Inc., the center resulted in the creation of a dashboard that allows authorized government
agencies, such as police, fire and anti-terrorism task force, to use analytics software for
monitoring events and operations in real time.

Current Initiatives in Science and Technology in the Country

DOST, in cooperation with HEIs and research institutions, established advanced facilities
that seek to spur R&D activities and provide MSMEs access to testing services needed to
increase their productivity and competitive advantage.

One is the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratories. The center houses
advanced equipment for failure analysis and materials characterization to address
advanced analytical needs for quality control, materials identification and R&D. Closely
related to this facility is the Electronics Products Development Center, used to design,
develop and test hardware and software for electronic products.

There are also high-performance computing facilities that perform tests and run
computationally intensive applications for numerical weather prediction, climate
modeling, as well as analytics and data modeling and archiving.