SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION BUILDING

Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building;
2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in
terms of their contributions to nation building;
3. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and
appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN

THE PHILIPPINES

The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back
before the country gained its independence from the American colonizers.
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 /PRE-SPANISH PERIOD

 Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine Island, science and technology
were already embedded in the way of life of early Filipino settlers. It was observed
in the way they plant their crops, in taking care of animals and for food production.
They were already using certain plants and herbs as medicines.

 There was the Pre-colonial Philippine writing system called “baybayin”. The
counting system, according to Tomas Pinpin, was not through the use of numbers
but through the use of “munti’t marami (few and many).

 The ancient people have indigenous languages and way of survival (planting,
mining, weaving, among others).

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 23

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

 Science was observed in the way they interpret the movement of heavenly bodies
to predict seasons and climates. Moreover, early Filipinos had also developed
different modes of transportation, whether terrestrial or maritime.

 A complicated engineering feat was achieved by

the natives of 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
Banaue Rice Terraces 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.

 Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and developing tools

that they can use in everyday life. They
developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, and fishing; for fighting their
enemies during war or tribal conflicts; and for
transportation, both on land and on
waterways. They developed technologies in
creating musical instruments.

 The different archaeological artifacts

discovered in different parts of the country
also proved that the Metal Age also had a
significant influence on the lives of early
Filipinos.

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 24

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

Colonial Period
Spanish Colonization

When the Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their own culture
and practices. They provided the Philippines with modern means of construction. Walls,
road, bridges and other large infrastructures were built using some of the engineering
skills and tools brought by the Spaniards.

 Formal Education. They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the
concept of subjects and disciplines. It was the beginning of formal science and
technology in the country, known now as school of science and technology.

 Established Parish schools which was run by catholic churches. The focus of their
teaching is the 3 R’s of education (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic), religion
(specially Catholicism), and music.

 Sanitation and advancement in agriculture

 Medicine and Engineering. Spaniards provided modern means of construction.

 Established the oldest existing university: University of Santo Tomas (UST)

 Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized. The Galleon Trade
has brought additional technology and development in the Philippines.

 Opening of Suez Canal

 Tobacco Industry.
American Colonization

American influence – have more influence in the development of science and technology in
the Philippines compared to the Spaniards.
 They established the public education system, improved engineering works and the
health conditions of the people.
 Established a government agency, Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing
the development in the field of science and technology

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 25

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

 They established a modern research university, the University of the Philippines, and
created more public hospitals.
 The mineral resources of the country were also explored and exploited during the
American times.
 Transportation and communication systems were improved.
 They mandated the use of English language as a medium of instruction
 Improved the health conditions of the people
 Researches were done to control malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis, and other
tropical diseases
 Filipinos learned the value of cleanliness, proper hygiene, and healthy
practices.

INFLUENCES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN

THE PHILIPPINES
Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

After achieving independence from the colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continue to pursue program in science and technology. Each leadership has
its own science and technology agenda. However, it is important to note that some
Philippines presidents posted more developments in the field than others.
Presidential Influence
Carlos P. Garcia
o Lack of support of experimental work
o Marginal budget for scientific research
o Low salaries of scientists employed by the government
o Established the National Science Development Board
Ferdinand Marcos
o Directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science courses in public high
schools
o Channeled additional funds to support projects in applied sciences and science
education
o Proclaimed 35 hectares in Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal as the site of the Philippines Science
Community

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 26

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

o Scholarship for graduates and undergraduates, and workshops on fisheries and

oceanography
o Added the Philippine Coconut Research Institute to the NSDB to modernize coconut
industry
o Support the promotion of scientific research and invention with Presidential Decree
No. 49, s. 1972, also known as the “Decree on Intellectual Property”
o He enacted a law under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, s. 1976 to establish the
National Academy of Science and Technology
Guided the advancements in science and technology
Under his term, many agencies in science and technology were established:

1. Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

in placed of the abolishes Weather Bureau.
• The establishment of PAGASA which function is to give environmental protection
and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the nation.
2. National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
• To have scientists who are competent and expert in science and technology
• To recognize achievements in science and technology
• Funding for science was increased
3. National Science and Technology Authority
Corazon Aquino

National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the Department of

Science and Technology (DOST), giving science and technology a representation in the
cabinet.
Science and Technology’s role in economic recovery and sustained economic growth
was highlighted
Created the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up with
the first Science and Technology Master Plan
Executive Order No. 128 abolished R.A. No. 3859, also known as the “Philippine
Investor Incentive Act”
Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for the years 1987-1992, science and
technology's role in economic recovery and sustained economic growth was
highlighted
 That’s why on President Cory’s State of the Nation Address in 1990; she said
that science and technology development should be on the top three
priorities of the government to implement the development plan they have
made.
IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 27
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel to give incentives and rewards to
people who made an impact and was influential in the field of science and technology.

Fidel V. Ramos

o Significant increase in personnel specializing in the science and technology field

o Addition of Philippine Science High Schools in Visayas and Mindanao
o Government provided 3,500 scholarships for students who were taking up
professions related to science and technology
o Schools were becoming more modernized and updated with the addition of high-
tech equipment for students
o Priority for science and technology personnel increased when Magna Carta for
Science and Technology (RA No. 8439) was established
o Award was published in order to give incentives and rewards for people ho have
been influential in the field of science and technology (Investors and Inventions
Incentives Act or RA No. 7459)
o Programs such as National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and
Technology
o Enactment of a law creating a nationwide system of high schools specializing in the
field of science and engineering

Joseph Estrada

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Government Policies on Science and Technology

The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects, and
policies to boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole
country and its people to meet the demands of a technologically driven world and
capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science.

Padilla-Conception (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN 2015 Agenda,
the government, particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has
sought the expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) to consult
various sectors in the society to study how the Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the
ASEAN 2015 Goals. As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is expected to recommend

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 28

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

policies and programs that will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the
ASEAN Region.

The NCRP clustered these policies into four, namely:

1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and
Mathematics.
3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry

There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through the
DOST. Some of these projects are the following:
• Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology;
Funding is also from ODA (Overseas Development Aid).
• Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the
field of science and technology.
• Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System for
training young Filipinos in the field of science and technology.
• Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry
partnerships.
• Balik Scientist Program
• Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses
• The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering
Complex within the University of the Philippines in Diliman. These aimed to develop
more science and technology and engineering manpower resources needed by the
country. They also aimed to produce more research in these fields.

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE, 2008) identified

several capacity-building programs such as:
• Establishment of national centers of excellence
• Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and
Science Education Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in science and
engineering

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 29

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

• Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the
country in different research and development areas
• Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise, and
incubate technopreneurship ventures
• Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science High
School System

The current K to 12 education program included Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) as one of its major tracks in the senior high school program to
encourage more students to enroll in science-related fields in college.
Lately, the Commission on Higher Education launched its Philippine-California Advanced
Research Institutes (PICARI) Project to allow several higher education institutions in the
Philippines and some US-Based laboratories, research institutes, and universities to work
on research and projects related to science, agriculture, engineering, health, and
technology. This project is hoped to strengthen the STEM competitiveness of the country.

There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embarking
various research and projects. The following are some of them:

1. Use of alternative energy and safe energy

2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and technology.

Science Education in the Philippines

The Concept of Science Education

• Science Education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science.

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 30

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

• Teaching science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach science. This
means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific
concepts and processes effectively.
• Learning science, on the other hand, includes both pedagogy and the most interesting
aspect, which is helping students understand and love science.

Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

• In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and
facts that are related to everyday life including important skills such as process skills,
critical thinking skills, and life skills that are needed in coping up with daily life
activities. Science education will develop a strong foundation for studying science and
for considering science-related careers in the future.
• In tertiary education, science education deals with developing students’ understanding
and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works.

Science Schools in the Philippines:

a. Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) – this is a government

program for gifted students in the Philippines.
b. Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project – The SSES Project aims
to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological
knowledge
c. Quezon City Regional Science High School – the school envisions to serve
as a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students
to develop spirit of inquiry and creativity.
d. Manila Science High School – MSHS aims to produce scientists with souls.
To do this, humanities courses and other electives are included in their
curriculum.
e. Central Visayan Institute Foundation – it is the home and pioneer of the
prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic Learning
Program (DLP).

Indigenous Science and technology in the Philippines

Indigenous Science

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 31

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

• Body of traditional environmental and cultural knowledge practiced and

valued by certain group of people which has served to sustain that
people through generations of living.
• Uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.
• Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as
the following:
a. The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.
b. The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth.” It is the origin of their
identity as people.
c. All living and nonliving things are interconnected and
interdependent with each other.
d. Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other
natural resources. They have a responsibility to preserve it.
e. Nature is a friend to human beings- it needs respect and proper
care.

Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are taught and practiced by the
indigenous people are:

o predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing

animals’ behavior and celestial bodies;
o using herbal medicine;
o preserving foods;
o classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural
properties;
o preserving and selecting good seeds for planting;
o classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural
properties;
o keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard. •
building local irrigation systems;
o producing wines and juices from tropical fruits;

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 32

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

uses guided by composed of

Science Process Community Traditional
Skills culture and values knowledge

IFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY 33