STS

1. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES

2. INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM
• Indigenous knowledge is the knowledge that people in a given
community have developed over time, and continue to develop. It is
based on experience, often tested over centuries of use, adapted to
local culture and environment, dynamic and changing.
Source: IIRR, Philippines, 1996: Recording and using indigenous knowledge: A manual.
• Indigenous knowledge refers to the cumulative and complex bodies of
knowledge, know-how, practices and representations that are
maintained and developed by local communities, who have long
histories of interaction with the natural environment.
(UNESCO, 2012)

3. Some examples of Indigenous
Knowledge:
Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing
animals’ behavior and celestial bodies;
Using herbal medicine;
Preserving foods;
Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural
properties;
Preserving and good seeds for planting;
Using indigenous technology in daily lives;
Building local irrigation systems;
Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties;
Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits; and
Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard.

4. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
(Gribbin, 2001; Mkapa, 2004; Sibisi, 200)
(Pawilen, 2005)
(Ogawa, 1995)

5. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
(Cajete, 2004)
(Iaccarino, 2003)
(Johnston, 2000)

6. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
(Pawilen, 2005)
(Kuhn, 1962)
(Sibisi, 2004)

7. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
(Pawilen, 2006)
INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
Science Process
Skills
Community Culture
andValues
Traditional
Knowledge
uses guided by composed by
The Concept of Indigenous Science

8. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
The Concept of Indigenous Science
1. Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing,
comparing, classifying, measuring, problem solving, inferring,
communicating, and predicting.
2. 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 nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each
other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They
have a responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings-it needs respect and proper care.

9. INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
The Concept of Indigenous Science
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and
valued by people and communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-
medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk astronomy.
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.
Even before, they invented tools and built structures, studied the
medicinal uses of plants, observed heavenly bodies to predict seasons and
weather, and used indigenous science in agriculture.
SUMMARY
. . . . . .

10. Sources:
Alata, Caslib, Pawilen and Serafica. Science Technology and
Society, 1st Edition, Rex Book Store, Inc., Quezon City,
Philippines, pp. 42-46.
IIRR, Philippines, 1996: Recording and using indigenous
knowledge: A manual.