Pre-colonial era:
Before the arrival of the
Spanish, the indigenous
peoples of the Philippines
had their own knowledge
systems and technologies
in agriculture, fishing, and
crafts.
1521:
Ferdinand Magellan arrives
in the Philippines and claims
the islands for Spain
1565:
The Spanish establish
the first permanent
settlement in the
Philippines, in Cebu City.
1934:
1859:
The Philippine Commonwealth
The Manila Observatory
is established, leading to
is established by the
increased
Jesuits, becoming an
infrastructure and education.
important center for
scientific research in the
Philippines.
1863:
The Suez Canal is opened,
making travel between
Europe and Asia faster and
more accessible.
1898:
The Philippines declares
independence from
Spain after the Philippine
Revolution, but is later
colonized by the United
States.
1901:
The University of the
Philippines is established,
becoming the country's
premier institution for
higher education.
investment in
Historical Timeline of STS in the Philippines
1946:
The Philippines gains
independence from the United
States.
1958:
The Philippine Atomic
Energy Commission is
established to develop
nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes.
1962:
The Philippine Science High
School is established to provide
advanced education in science
and mathematics.
1970s:
The Philippine government
invests heavily in infrastructure,
including roads, bridges, and
telecommunications.
2010s:
1986:
The Philippine government
The People Power Revolution launches the "Balik Scientist"
leads to the ouster of President program to encourage Filipino
Marcos and the restoration of scientists and researchers
democracy in the Philippines. working abroad to return to the
country and share their
expertise.
1990s:
The Philippines becomes a
leader in the outsourcing
industry, with many foreign
companies setting up call
centers and other operations in
the country. 2020:
The COVID-19 pandemic hits
the Philippines, highlighting the
importance of science and
2000s: technology in addressing public
health challenges.
The Philippine government
launches initiatives to promote
science and technology,
including the establishment of
the Department of Science and
Technology's Technology
Business Incubation program.