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Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Module No. 4

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 4

SCIENCE, TENCHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING

MODULE OVERVIEW

This module will look at the role of science and technology in the evolution of Philippine society. It identifies
government programs, projects, and policies aimed at highlighting the country's scientific and technological
capabilities. This will also include discussions on indigenous science and technology in the Philippines.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the contributions of Filipino scientists in science and technology;
2. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building
3. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to
nation building
4. 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:

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Modern men arose on the Asian peninsula approximately 50 000 years ago, and they used stone tools and
weapons until around 40 000 years ago. The colonization of the Philippines fostered the growth of science and
technology in the archipelago. Indigenous science covers a wide range of information, skills, practices, and
representations drawn from traditional knowledge and practices that govern human cultures in their interactions
with nature.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

COLONIAL PERIOD

The Philippines' colonization aided the development of science and technology in the archipelago.

Spanish Colonial Period

The Spanish colonial period is widely regarded as the beginning of modern science and technology in the
Philippines. During this time, Spanish colonizers changed the structure of Filipino society. They used reduccion
to combine scattered communities into larger and fewer communities within hearing distance of church bells.
They established towns, making tax collection, forced labor, and economic activities easier to carry out.

Religious education was a top priority for many Filipinos in the 1800s. The human body, plants, animals, and
celestial bodies were all highlighted in early science education. Early technology education focused on the use
and development of everyday tools. Physics, chemistry, natural history, and mathematics are examples of
science subjects for Bachelor of Arts degrees.

The opening of the Suez Canal allowed liberal ideas to spread from Europe to the Philippines. The shipbuilding
industry advanced as a result of the Galleon trade. Industries such as embroidery, tobacco, and weaving
flourished after the Philippines opened up to foreign trade. Trade and commerce also resulted in the
development of public amenities like transportation, lighting, banking, and information services.

The colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern building materials
such as bricks and tiles. In 1887, the Laboratorio Municipal Ciudad de Manila was established to address public
health concerns and conduct medical research. Despite the fact that the Spaniards colonized the Philippines
for over 300 years, science and technology did not develop to their full potential. This is due to superstitions
and Catholic doctrines, as well as poor government administration in Spain.

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American Colonial Period and the Commonwealth Period

In 1901, the Americans established the public education system and established the Department of Public
Instruction. By 1905, the Bureau of Science was established to foster the advancement of science and
technology. Between 1942 and 1945, the Japanese government occupied the Philippines, effectively halting
scientific and technological development. The goal is to prepare the entire country and its people to meet the
demands of a technologically driven world.

BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD

The number of students studying physical sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture in the Philippines is
insufficient to meet the country's needs. Despite limited resources, the country concentrated on improving
science and technology. By 1957, the Science Act of 1958 was passed, but government support for science
remained insufficient.

During the Marcos administration, he established Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science
high schools, as well as raising teacher and administrator pay. During Gloria Macapagal's administration,
environmental, scientific, and technological programs were emphasized in order to improve the country's
economic status. The term "Filipinnovation" was coined to help the Philippines become an Asian innovation
powerhouse. Under Joseph Estrada, the number of science and technology professionals grew, additional
Philippine High Schools were built, and health care services were prioritized.

GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Philippine government initiated and implemented a number of programs, projects, and policies to advance
science and technology. The goal is to prepare the entire country and its people to meet the demands of a
technologically driven world, as well as to equip the people to live in a scientifically driven world.

Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recruited the National Research Council of the
Philippines (NCRP) to do research on how the nation may best prepare to fulfill the ASEAN 2015 Goals. The
goal is to ensure that all students in the region receive a high-quality education while not expanding the
curriculum. They also seek to improve school infrastructure and offer ICT connectivity, as well as provide local
food security.

Other programs supported by the Philippine government through DOST include:

The number of branches of the Philippine Science and Technology Systems is growing thanks to the Philippine
Science High School System. The Balik Scientist Program, provides support for fundamental scientific and
technical research, as well as patents. To complement scientific and technology parks, the National Science
and Engineering Complexes will be built in Manila and Cagayan de Oro.

Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering

The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering has identified a number of capacity-building
projects to assist science and technology in the Philippines. Establishing national centers of excellence in
personnel and institutional development, as well as regional centers to assist scientific enterprises, are among
these initiatives.

Philippine Development Plan

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 is a massive undertaking aimed at improving the country's
infrastructure, increasing energy access, lowering citizen costs, maintaining economic growth, and adhering to
global climate change and sustainable growth agreements. On February 20th, 2017, the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA) Board and President Rodrigo Duterte approved the plan.

The following outcomes will be the result of the impact:

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According to the World Bank's most recent report, the Philippines will be an upper middle-income country by
2022. The Philippines will have a high level of human development with a decreased prevalence of poverty in
rural regions - from 30% in 2015 to 20% in 2022. The unemployment rate will fall from 5.5 percent to 3-5 percent,
and people will have more faith in the government and society. Filipinos will be more resilient and driven to
innovate.

The Philippine Congress has also enacted legislation to provide a legal foundation for science and technology.
The country anticipates using alternate and secure energy sources exploring mineral resources and discovering
a treatment for numerous ailments and illnesses. It also hopes to expand food production and handling natural
catastrophes and tragedies.

FILIPINO FILIPINOS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE

Lee-Chua chose ten scientists who have made important contributions in many scientific fields in her book
Ten Outstanding Filipino Scientists.

1. ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA JR.

a. A neonatologist who has had a substantial influence on science and technology in the
Philippines through his pioneering work on detecting prenatal exposure to drugs, nicotine,
alcohol, and environmental.toxins through meconium analysis, a newborn's first stools.

2. JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR.

a. He has made important contributions to the theory and practice of automated control. His
work in the 1970s and 1980s on the control of leader-follower systems is still considered as
one of the major contributions of the half-century in the theory of hierarchical control systems.
He was also named an officer of the renowned Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers.

3. MARI-JO PANGANIBAN RUIZ

a. She is well-known for her abilities as an educator and graph theorist.

4. JOSEFINO CACAS COMISO

a. His study has revealed the astounding rate at which Arctic sea ice is melting. He was a
prominent figure in a global project to monitor the planet's rapidly dwindling perennial sea ice
cover, and he authored a report on the subject.

5. RAFAEL DINEROS GUERRERO III

a. He was recognized for his contributions to the improvement of Sex Reversal and Hatchery
Techniques, both of which help in the commercial production of high-yielding market-size fish.

6. LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA

a. She is well-known for discovering the seedless lime and pomelo varieties, as well as doing
plant biotechnology research.

7. FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT

a. He is well-known for his phytochemical study on lagundi development as part of the National
Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants.

8. RAMON CABANOS BARBA

a. He is well-known for inventing floral induction in mango plants. The significance and effect of
his findings, along with his self-motivation to assist others, lead him to transform how
mangoes and other crops are produced across the world, therefore improving the life of those
who work in agriculture.

9. LOURDES JANSUY CRUZ

a. She is a Filipino scientist whose work has advanced our understanding of the biochemistry of
poisonous peptides derived from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails.

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10. GREGORY LIGOT TANGONAN

a. He has played a key role in the development of optoelectronic applications in radar, optical
networking, and analog systems.

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Scientific Education Program is a national initiative aimed at improving science education in the
Philippines. Several initiatives and projects in the field of science education have been developed to promote
scientific literacy. Special science classrooms, special science primary schools, and the STEM track of the K-
12 educational system are examples of these. The General Education curriculum also includes specific scientific
classes.

Science Schools in the Philippines

PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEMS (PSHSS)

PSHS System education is founded on a curriculum that prioritizes science and mathematics. The PSHS
System prepares students for careers in science and technology while also assisting in the improvement of the
nation. It seeks to build well-rounded individuals.

SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT

The goal of the SSES Project is to impart scientific and technological learning, skills, and values to Filipino
children. The initiative began in June 2007, SY 2007-2008 with the designation of 57 elementary schools. The
program was expanded again for Batch 3 in SY 2011-2012, with an additional 5 schools in Region V.

QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

On September 17, 1967, it was known as Quezon City Science High School. It has served as the Regional
Science High School since 1998. Science and technology are heavily emphasized in the curriculum. Its
objective is to give as many opportunities as possible for science-gifted children to cultivate an inquisitive and
creative attitude.

MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

The Manila Science High School was the country's first science high school. The program includes science and
mathematics significantly. Its vision is to develop scientists with souls. Humanities classes and other electives
are incorporated in their curriculum to accomplish this.

CENTRAL VISAYAN INSTITUTE FOUNDATION

The Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) is a synthesis of classical and current pedagogical approaches that
aims to maximize learning, creativity, and productivity. It is the precursor and progenitor of the well-known
Dynamic Learning program, which is a school-based innovation.

It hosts worldwide seminars to promote the exchange of ideas on cutting-edge physics and mathematics fields.
It founded the Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) in 1992.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM

Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge is imbued in the daily life experiences of young children as they grow up.
They live and grow in a society where the members of the community prominently practice indigenous
knowledge. The lessons they learned are intimately interwoven with their culture and environment. Thei views

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about nature and their reflections on their experiences in daily life are evident in their stories, poems and
songs.

Indigenous science

PAWILEN – It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices, and presentations that guide
human societies in their enumerable interactions with the natural milieu (agriculture, medicine, naming and
explaining natural phenomena and strategies for coping with changing environments.

OGAWA – it is collectively lived in and experienced by the people of a given culture.

CAJETE – it includes everything from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical technologies practiced
by indigenous people both past and present.

IACCARINO – science is a part of culture, and how science is a part of culture, and how it is done largely
depends on the cultural practices of the people.

JOHNSTON – indigenous beliefs develop desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific
attitudes.
• Motivating attitudes
• Cooperating attitudes
• Practical attitudes
• Reflective attitudes

KUHN – developmental stages of most sciences are characterized by continual competition between a
number of distinct views of nature, each partially derived from, and all roughly compatible with the dictates of
scientific observation and method.

SIBISI – it provides the basics of astronomy, pharmacology, food technology, or metallurgy, which were
derived from traditional knowledge and practices.

THE CONCEPT OF INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills and guided by
community values and culture.

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES

ASYNCHRONOUS

(Group Activity)

1. Divide class into six groups. Each will be assigned to a president after Marcos. Identify their
achievements in terms of science and technology and how they helped shaped the Philippines as a
nation. Present your outputs through a 5-minute creative video presentation.

IN-PERSON

(Poster-Making)
1. In a ¼ illustration board, draw/design an invention of your own that will help improve the quality of life
of our fellow Filipinos. Name your invention. In a separate sheet of paper, explain in your own words
how each invention works. Also identify their use and purpose. Conclude your report by discussing
how these inventions impacted the people and the society. Present your output in class.

(Group Activity)

2. Form a group and exchange ideas on the different contributions and influences on science and
technology that made a mark during the different time periods in Philippine history. Fill up the table
after your academic discussion.

Historical Period Contribution/s Importance

Pre-Colonial Period

Spanish Colonial Period

American Colonial Period

Post-Colonial Period

SUMMARY

The following learning points summarize what you have learned in this section:

Science's growth and development as a field in the Philippines is a synthesis of indigenous and foreign
concepts. Spain and the United States were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the country's scientific
basis. Science education is concerned with the development of individuals in science, which is at the center of
science, technology, and society.

Numerous Filipinos have established careers as scientists and educators in a variety of scientific disciplines
over the years. These Filipino scientists produced inventions and advancements. The Philippines' investment
in science and technology initiatives and programs was motivated by the demands of globalization, particularly
the ASEAN economic agenda.

REFERENCES

1. Quinto, Edward Jay M. and Nieva, Aileen D. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society. pp 47-60.
Quezon City: C&E Publishing.
2. National Economic and Development Authority. (2017). Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
Pasig City. Retrieved from http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Abridged-PDP-2017-
2022_Final.pdf

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3. Caoili, O. (1986). A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines. In Analysis of Conditions
for National Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation. Quezon City:
University of the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/40192220/A_HISTORY_OF_SCIENCE_AND_TECHNOLOGY_IN_THE_P
HILIPPINES
4. https://prezi.com/p/-ycfrdomgpnv/brief-history-of-science-and-technology-in-the-philippines/
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_technology_in_the_Philippines#cite_note-sciust-3
6. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1967/01/23/ferdinand-e-marcos-second-state-of-the-nation-
address-january-23-1967/
7. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1968/01/22/ferdinand-e-marcos-third-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-22-1968/
8. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1969/01/27/ferdinand-e-marcos-fourth-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-27-1969/
9. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1970/01/26/ferdinand-e-marcos-fifth-state-of-the-nation-address-
january-26-1970/
10. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1972/01/24/ferdinand-e-marcos-seventh-state-of-the-nation-
address-january-24-1972/
11. https://dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Journals/Compendium_of_Philippine_Science_and_T
echnology_Laws.pdf
12. https://study.com/academy/lesson/ramon-barba-biography-contributions-inventions.html
13. https://prabook.com/web/josefino.comiso/3591434
14. https://grainger.illinois.edu/alumni/distinguished/9338
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lourdes_J._Cruz
16. https://prabook.com/web/fabian.dayrit/259145
17. http://biographynotmine.blogspot.com/2012/12/dr-rafael-d-guerrero-iii-father-of.html
18. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/la-consolacion-college/financial-management/lecture-
notes/filipino-scientist-and-their-contributions/5498880/view
19. https://rdcu.be/b6vnH
20. https://www.slideshare.net/iPagador/science-education-in-the-philippines
21. http://www.catanduanestribune.com/article/1Q1F
22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quezon_City_Science_High_School
23. https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/PH/Jagna/114999155247922/Central-Visayan-Institute-
Foundation
24. https://prezi.com/dejrmc4xbvhd/indigenous-science-and-technology-in-the-ph/
25. SJ McNamara, Daniel Joseph, Valverde, Vida Mia and Beleno III, Ramon (2018). Science,
Technology and Society. pp 46-50. Quezon City: C&E Publishing.
26. Serafica, Janice Patricia Javier, Pawilen, Greg Tabios, Caslib, Jr., Bernardo Nicolas, Alata, Eden Joy
Pastor (2018) Science, Technology, and Society. pp 21-48. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.

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