CHAPTER 3- SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND the reconstituted National Science and Technology Authority

(originally established in 1958 as the National Science and

NATION-BUILDING
The development of science and technology in the
Philippines has already come along way. Many significant
inventions and discoveries have been accomplished by or
attributed to Filipinos. This chapter tackles how the
development of science and technology affect the
development of the Philippines as a nation.
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
Scientific and technological developments 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 Filipino 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 built rice terraces by
hand. Through these terraces, the people were able to
cultivate crops on the mountainsides in cold temperatures.
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.
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.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Trace the development of science and technology
from the pre-colonial times up to the present. What
have you observed?
2. What do you think are the major contributions of
science and technology to Philippine nation-
building?
3. What specific government policy do you like the
most in terms of contributing to the development
of science and technology in the Philippines?
4. What do you think are the major contributions of
the Philippines to the field at present?
5. What policies do you want the government to
implement in the near future?

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 system that were enjoyed by the
principalia class.

The American occupation modernized almost all

aspects of life in the Philippines. They establishes 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 than 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 and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Under his term,
many agencies in science and technology were established
and strengthened, including the Philippines Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) in place of the abolished Weather Bureau; the
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); and

GEC 108- SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY 1