Jether Harold G.

Aquino
BSIT 1C
Science, Technology and Society

Introduction:
The need to develop a country's science and technology has generally been recognized as one of
the imperatives of socioeconomic progress in the contemporary world. Among Third World countries, an
important dimension of this concern is the problem of dependence in science and technology as this is
closely tied up with the integrity of their political sovereignty and economic self-reliance. As used in this
paper, science is concerned with the systematic understanding and explanation of the laws of nature.
Scientific activity centers on research, the result of which is the discovery or production of new
knowledge. This new knowledge may or may not have any direct or immediate application.

Summary:
During the Precolonial era of the Philippines, There is a very little reliable written information
about Philippine society, culture and technology before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1521. The early
Filipinos had attained a generally simple level of technological development, compared with those of the
Chinese and Japanese, but this was sufficient for their needs at that period. The colonial past of the
Philippines under both Spain and the United States has had a significant impact on the development of
science and technology. These rulers had a major impact on the formation of the country's economic
policies and rules, such as which in turn affected the direction of scientific and technological
development during the course of the Philippines' history. Old colonial policies promoted a focus on
exports, an agrarian economy that was primarily reliant on foreign markets for its manufactured
commodities. As a result, even when the United States introduced several scientific disciplines during its
colonial administration, the Philippines continued to place little emphasis on industry.

The Philippines' focus on agriculture solidified its status as an agricultural country, which
restrained the expansion of other sectors like industry and technology. The historical development of a
largely agrarian and rural economy has a long-lasting effect on the nation's advancement in science and
technology. Agricultural science continued to receive more significant financial backing and
encouragement than the physical sciences, despite improvements to the educational system and the
entry of many scientific disciplines under American control.

In addition, the problem was made worse by the nation's prolonged economic reliance on the
United States after it gained independence in 1946. Free trade agreements have been put place, and the
United States forced the "parity" amendment into the Philippine Constitution. The Philippine economy
and society's predominately rural and agricultural nature was maintained by Congress. This dependence
prevented the development of science and technology in the Philippines and made it necessary for many
highly educated professionals, such as scientists, engineers, and doctors, to look for employment abroad,
resulting in a "brain drain." This loss of important manpower has hampered the country's development
efforts and hampered the development of a strong, self-sufficient economy and society.

In summary, the past influences of the colonial rulers’ policies have made a significant role in
molding the course of scientific and technological development of the Philippines, Even with the advent
of different scientific sectors, the country's continued emphasis on agriculture and the "brain drain" of
highly educated individuals have hampered its progress.
Jether Harold G. Aquino
BSIT 1C
Science, Technology and Society

Reaction:
During our pre-colonial era, Filipinos were already skilled craftsmen, blacksmiths, farmers,
hunters, etc. However, throughout the period of Spanish and American colonial rule in the area, scientific
and technology achievements really took off. Both of which continue to have an impact on our culture as
well as the progress of our mother country. By understanding our past, we can better develop and
address our issues.

The Spanish ruling over the Philippines, greatly influence the agricultural and export-oriented
society and economy of the Philippines, as for the Americans, they gave as educational advancements
which was a big stepping stone for the country. However, because we failed to industrialize, even though
we still have highly qualified employees here, our nation is still in its agricultural era. The majority of our
highly qualified professionals are fleeing the country in what is known as a "brain drain" since the nation
cannot offer them high-paying jobs or job possibilities, which greatly hindered our country’s
development.

Our nation's past as a colonial territory has influenced who we are now. Our efforts to build a
better country were hampered by our policies, which remained unchanged since our colonial past. The
only way to resolve this issue is to assess and alter the policies that are preventing us from becoming the
developed nation that all Filipinos desired. Although our history has adversely affected us, our
governments have the power to alter our direction in the future or maintain our status as a growing
nation.