2. HOW DOES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTE IN NATION BUILDING?
Science and technology have played a
crucial role in the development of the
Philippines as a nation. Throughout its history,
the Philippines has been influenced by
different cultures and colonial powers, each
leaving its mark on the country's scientific
and technological development.
3. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Philippines had great scientific and
technological growth. Indigenous Filipinos had their own expertise and practices in agriculture,
medicine, and navigation, among other things.
• AGRICULTURE - Indigenous peoples created their own agricultural techniques, such as the
kaingin system, which involves clearing ground for cultivation by cutting and burning areas of
the forest. They also created irrigation systems, such as the rice terraces in the Cordillera
region, which enabled them to grow rice in sloped locations. Indigenous peoples also
domesticated animals for their own purposes, such as pigs, chickens, and dogs.
• MEDICINE - Indigenous peoples developed their own knowledge and practices based on local
herbs and plants for medicine. They established traditional healing methods that were passed
down from generation to generation and are still practiced in some regions of the country
today. Traditional healers, sometimes known as babaylan or manghihilot, were well-respected
members of their communities, offering medical care, spiritual instruction, and social
assistance.
4. • NAVIGATION - Indigenous peoples evolved their own techniques of navigating the oceans,
relying on the stars, wind, and other natural phenomena to lead them. The practice of
seafaring was vital to the region's trade and commerce, and it helped to build linkages
between different regions of the archipelago and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Other developments included metallurgy, textile manufacturing, and architecture. They
invented methods for mining and smelting metals such as gold and copper, which they
utilized to make decorative artifacts and weapons. They also developed their own weaving
techniques, producing textiles from native fibers like as abaca and cotton. Indigenous peoples
evolved their own architectural designs using locally found materials such as bamboo and
nipa palm.
Overall, the Philippines' pre-colonial period saw significant scientific and technological
development, with indigenous peoples developing their own knowledge and practices in a variety
of fields. These traditions aided in the preservation of communities and the establishment of links
between different areas of the archipelago and the larger region.
5. SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
The Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, which began
with Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in 1521 and lasted until 1898,
had a substantial impact on the country's scientific and
technological progress. Among the significant developments
during this time period are:
• The Spanish introduced new crops and agricultural
techniques such as tobacco, corn, and coffee, as well as
new agricultural techniques such as plowing and irrigation.
Governor General Francisco de Sande built the country's
first experimental farm in 1573.
• The founding of the University of Santo Tomas: The
University of Santo Tomas was founded in Manila in 1611
and was Asia's first university. It was critical to the
advancement of science and medicine in the Philippines.
6. SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
• Public works construction: During the Spanish colonial
period, public works such as roads, bridges, and public
buildings were built. These infrastructural projects
necessitated extensive engineering and architectural
skills.
• The Spanish introduced new technology to the
Philippines, notably the printing press in 1593, which
played an important role in the diffusion of knowledge
and ideas.
• Hospitalization: The Spanish also erected hospitals in
key cities throughout the Philippines, which provided
medical care as well as training for native doctors and
nurses. In 1577, the first hospital, Hospital Real de Manila,
was established.
7. SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
• The expansion of Christianity and the development of
churches: After the Spanish introduced Christianity to
the Philippines, several churches and cathedrals were
built. These constructions necessitated extensive
architectural and engineering skills and were frequently
constructed with local materials such as coral stone.
While there are no specific dates for all of these events, they
took place over the course of the Spanish colonial period,
which lasted more than three centuries. The impact of
Spanish colonization on science and technology in the
Philippines was complicated and multidimensional, with
both beneficial and bad consequences for the country's
growth.
8. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD
The American occupation of the Philippines from 1898 to
1946 had a considerable impact on the country's
scientific and technological progress. Among the
significant developments during this time period are:
• The Bureau of Science was formed in 1901 by the
American colonial government, and it played an
important role in fostering scientific research and
development in the Philippines.
• New technologies were introduced to the Philippines
by Americans, including the telephone, electric
power, and automobile. In addition, in 1901, they
founded the Philippine Weather Bureau, which
provided weather forecasting and monitoring
services.
9. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD
• Infrastructure development: The Americans made significant
investments in infrastructure development, including the
construction of roads, bridges, and railways. They also built
modern port facilities, which aided in the growth of trade and
business in the country.
• The establishment of schools and universities: The
Americans helped to boost literacy rates and promote
education in the Philippines by establishing a public school
system. They also created universities, such as the University
of the Philippines, which played an important part in the
country's growth of science and technology.
• New crops and agricultural practices: The Americans
introduced new crops such as cotton and wheat, as well as
new agricultural techniques such as crop rotation and
fertilizer use.
10. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD
• Public health promotion: Americans invested in
public health programs such as the development of
public hospitals and the promotion of vaccination
campaigns.
These changes occurred during the course of the
almost five-decade-long American colonial period.
While the American occupation had a significant
impact on the development of science and technology
in the Philippines, it also had negative consequences
such as natural resource exploitation and the
suppression of indigenous knowledge and practices.
11. The Philippines' post-colonial period, which began after
World War II, saw substantial changes in the country's
science and technology scene. During this time, the
following significant events occurred:
• Establishment of Research Institutions: Following the
war, the Philippine government established several
research institutions, including the Philippine Atomic
Energy Commission, the Philippine Science High
School, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and
Development, among others. The purpose of these
institutes was to promote scientific research and
development in the country.
12. • Education Expansion: The government invested
substantially in the construction of new schools
and colleges, resulting in a growth in the number
of students pursuing degrees in science and
technological sectors.
• Industry Development: In the 1950s and 1960s, the
Philippine government undertook an
industrialization program to promote the country's
economic growth. This initiative required
tremendous technological innovation to build
various new businesses, including electronics,
telecommunications, and manufacturing.
13. • Science and Technology Policies: In the 1970s, the
Philippine government established the Science and
Technology for National Development Program
(STNDP), with the goal of promoting the
incorporation of science and technology into the
country's development objectives. This program
resulted in the establishment of the Department of
Science and Technology, which was tasked with
promoting and coordinating the country's scientific
research and development.
14. • International Cooperation: The Philippine
government also sought collaboration with other
countries in science and technology. The country
joined the International Atomic Energy Agency, the
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization, and other international organizations
devoted to scientific research and development.
Overall, the Philippines made great progress in
science and technology throughout the post-colonial
period, with the founding of research institutes, the
expansion of education, the development of industries,
the application of scientific and technology policies,
and international cooperation.
15. HOW DOES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTE IN NATION BUILDING?
• Economic Development: Innovation is driven by science and
technology, resulting in the creation of new industries, products, and
services. This, in turn, leads to more job possibilities and economic
growth. Nations that invest in R&D are more likely to have long-term
economic growth and stability.
• Healthcare: Medical technological advancements have improved
healthcare results, resulting in longer life expectancies and a higher
quality of life. Countries that prioritize healthcare research and
innovation are better prepared to deal with health crises and
pandemics.
16. HOW DOES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTE IN NATION BUILDING?
• Education has been transformed by technology, which has made
learning more accessible and engaging. Education has become more
inclusive and cost-effective as a result of online learning platforms,
virtual classrooms, and e-learning technologies. This has resulted in
higher literacy rates and more educated workforces, which has
resulted in increased productivity and economic growth.
• Infrastructure has been transformed by science and technology,
making transportation, communication, and energy systems more
efficient and sustainable. Scientific developments have enabled
smart cities, green energy, and efficient transportation systems.
17. HOW DOES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTRIBUTE IN NATION BUILDING?
• Defense: Science and technology have also played an important part
in national defense, resulting in more sophisticated weaponry,
surveillance, and communication systems. As a result, nations are
more secure and better prepared to defend themselves against
external threats.
