The history of science and technology in the Philippines shows that primitive Filipinos had simpler tools than neighboring Asian countries. Shipbuilding flourished around 1000 AD to enable transportation, trade, and fishing. During Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the onset of modern science occurred through schools and hospitals but benefited Spain, not Filipinos. After American settlement, secular public schools like the University of the Philippines established scientific education, though the Philippines remained reliant on agriculture. After World War 2, scientific development revived through new institutions but the Philippines still lags behind Asian neighbors in scientific outputs.

1. History of Science
and Technology
in the Philippines

2. In the Philippines
Here in the Philippines, the
history of science and technology is
not clear. However, based on
archaeological findings, primitive
Filipinos have simpler technology
than neighboring countries in Asia,
such as China and India. Simple
stones and metal tools were used,
which gave rise to the development
of ceramics, potteries, weavings,
handicrafts, and other devices.

3. In the Philippines
Since water bodies surround the Philippines,
Filipinos created good technology in shipbuilding in
1000 AD. These ships were used for transportation,
trading, and fishing.

4. In the Philippines
In the 16th century,
artillery was used by the Filipinos
during their battle against
Spaniards. These good weapons
include bows, spears, and swords.
The agricultural industry became
a good source of income through
practices such as rice farming,
crop production, livestock raising,
and fishing, and forestry

5. In the Philippines
The onset of modern science and technology in the
Philippines came upon colonization of the Spaniards. Science as a
profession arose after establishing schools, hospitals, and
research facilities that were controlled by religious sectors at
that time. However, the research discoveries and technologies
were for the benefit of Spain's colonial government, not for the
Filipinos. The Church was so influential and dominant in those
times that the study of natural sciences was discouraged.

6. In the Philippines
The end Spanish regime developed
only two science professions, the medicine,
and pharmacy professions since the
Philippines also became a predominantly
agricultural country. Industrial sectors such
as the sugarcane and tobacco industry were
modernized due to the entry of foreign
technology and investments. At the same
time, other areas, such as weaving, declined
because of a lack of support from the
government.

7. In the Philippines
Science and technology in the Philippines
rapidly advanced due to Americans. During the
American settlement in the country, secularized public
schools were established wherein the early educators
were Americans. The University of the Philippines and
the Philippine Normal College (now the Philippine
Normal University) were established. Scientific
knowledge and many technological advancements
were taught primarily in those universities

8. In the Philippines
In 1905, the main research facility in the
country until World War II was established. This
was the Bureau of Science responsible for
doing researches about science and
technology. Since leprosy, dengue, and malaria
were the most frequent or common diseases,
researchers focused on the development of the
cure for such diseases. In 1906, the Philippine
Journal of Science was established to report
scientific findings and observations of Filipino
scientists

9. In the Philippines
The ‘National Research Council of the Philippines’ was
established in 1933 to promote scientific research. However,
despite the increase in the number of scientists and engineers of
the country, the Philippines still relied heavily on agriculture due
to its vast resource of tropical crops. During the Commonwealth
period, the government-supported many industries which made
scientific productivity came to increase. Many Filipinos went
abroad for post-graduate studies until World War II stopped the
scientific and technological progress.

10. In the Philippines
In 1947, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the
Institute of science. In 1952, the Science Foundation
of the Philippines was established to promote science
among Filipinos.

11. In the Philippines
After World War II, scientific and technological development was
revived. Because of this, more institutions for higher education
were established. Science and technology in the country further
developed due to increased government support and higher
public awareness. More scientists, scientific researches, and
scientific organizations grew and came up. However, the
Philippines is still behind its neighboring Asian countries in terms
of scientific outputs. One of the reasons for these is that
Filipinos' general performance in science and mathematics is
generally not good

12. In the Philippines
Based on a study done in 1957, there were four key reasons for
the sudden decline of science and technology in the Philippines.
These four key reasons include the
1. ) lack of government support,
2. ) many outstanding scientists have died or went abroad,
3. ) low morale among local scientists, and
4. ) low awareness about general public scienc