Science, Technology, and Nation-Building

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Scientific and technological development in the Philippines began in the pre-colonial

period. Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, early Filipino settlers were
already using certain plants and herbs as medicines. Systems of farming and animal-raising
were also implemented. Moreover, early Filipinos had also developed different modes of
transportation, whether terrestrial or maritime.

A complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras when
they build rice terraces by hand. Through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate
crops on the mountainsides in cold temperature. They incorporated an irrigation system
that uses water from the forests and mountain tops to achieve an elaborate farming system.
The rice terraces of the Cordilleras, which are still functional, show the innovative and
ingenious way of the natives to survive in an otherwise unfriendly environment.

COLONIAL PERIOD

Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of

construction. Walls, roads, bridges, and other large infrastructures were built using some of
the engineering skills and tools brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish
government developed health and education systems that were enjoyed by the principalia
class.

The American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the Philippines.
They established a government agency, the Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of
nurturing development in the field of science and technology.

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After achieving independence from the colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continued to pursue programs in science and technology. Each leadership
had its own science and technology agenda. However, it is important to note that some
Philippine presidents posted more developments in the field than others.

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was
former president Ferdinand Marcos. Under his term, many agencies in science and
technology were established and strengthened, including the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in place of the abolished
Weather Bureau; the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); and the
reconstituted National Science and Technology Authority (originally established in 1958) as
the National Science and Development Board and now the Department of Science and
Technology), among others. Marcos saw that the key to nation-building is the continued
development of science and technology. The progress in science and technology continued
even after his dictatorial rule and the presidents after him left their own legacies in the field.