Science and Technology and Nation Building in
the Philippines
Lesson Objectives
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to:
Discuss the role of science and technology (S&T) in Philippine nation-building.
Evaluate government policies pertaining to S&T in terms of their contributions to nation-
building.
Identify actual S&T 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-Spanish Era
Indigenous Knowledge and Practices: Early inhabitants possessed their own culture,
traditions, belief systems, and indigenous knowledge that sustained their lives and
communities. S&T was embedded in their way of life.
Early Innovations:
Development of an alphabet, number system, weighing and measuring systems, and a
calendar.
Engagement in farming, shipbuilding, mining, and weaving.
The Banaue Rice Terraces stand as a testament to sophisticated engineering skills.
Technological Advancements:
Construction of houses (e.g., tree houses for safety).
Development of irrigation systems.
Creation of tools and musical instruments.
Metal Age Influence: Introduction of gold and silver jewelry, and engagement in trade with
other countries. This period saw the development of what is referred to as "Indigenous or Folk
Science."
Spanish Rule
Introduction of Formal Education: The Spanish introduced formal schooling, establishing
schools and introducing concepts of subjects and disciplines.
Science in Education: Learning in schools focused on understanding concepts related to the
human body, plants, animals, and celestial bodies.
Technological Adoption: Filipinos replicated technologies brought by the Spaniards using
indigenous materials.
Formalization of Medicine and Science: Advanced science and medicine were introduced
through formal colleges and universities.
Galleon Trade (1565-1815):
A government monopoly that facilitated trade between Manila and Acapulco.
Merchants from Fujian, China, traded goods like spices, porcelain, ivory, and silk in Manila.
This trade significantly influenced the culture, language, and environment of both the
Philippines and Mexico.
The Philippines became a center of global trade in Southeast Asia, leading to its
development as one of the most developed places in the region.
Hindrances to Scientific Growth: Superstitious beliefs and Catholic doctrines/practices, at
times, halted the growth of science in the country.
American Period
Greater S&T Influence: The Americans had a more significant influence on the development
of S&T compared to the Spaniards.
Public Education System: Establishment of a robust public education system.
Improvements in Health and Engineering:
Improved engineering works and public health conditions.
Establishment of a modern research university, the University of the Philippines, and more
public hospitals.
Exploration and exploitation of mineral resources.
"Americanization" and Science Education:
Reorganization of science learning.
Focus on "nature studies" and "science and sanitation" in basic education.
Modernization of higher education with research on controlling tropical diseases like
malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis.
Health and Sanitation Initiatives:
Emphasis on cleanliness, proper hygiene, and healthy practices.
Establishment of hospitals, clinics, health centers, and specialized hospitals for lepers.
Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads, streets, and bridges, which improved the
efficiency of product and service movement. Boulevards, zone districts, and leisure centers
were also established.
World War II and the New Republic
Post-War Reconstruction: The country faced immense challenges in rebuilding after the
devastation of World War II. Despite a strong human spirit, the capacity for recovery was
limited.
Focus on S&T Capability: The New Republic prioritized using its limited resources to improve
S&T capabilities.
Development Strategies:
Utilization of Overseas Development Allocation to enhance scientific productivity and
technological capacity.
Investment in human resource development.
Influences in the Development of S&T in the
Philippines
Internal Influences:
Survival needs.
Desire for development.
Cultural practices and beliefs.
Economic activities.
External Influences:
Foreign colonizers.
Traders from foreign countries.
International economic demands.
Government Policies on Science and Technology
The Philippine government, particularly through the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), has implemented various programs, projects, and policies to boost S&T. The overarching
goal is to prepare the nation for a technologically driven world and equip its citizens with the
necessary knowledge and skills.
Key Policy Areas and Initiatives (Clustered by NRCP)
The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) has clustered government policies into
four main areas:
1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance:
Integrating ASEAN awareness into basic education without increasing curriculum load.
Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue.
Developing school infrastructure and providing Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) broadband.
Focusing on local food security.
2. Physics, Engineering, and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics:
Promoting degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities in these fields.
Providing outright grants for peer monitoring.
Reviewing Republic Act (RA) 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) to improve
efficiency.
Harnessing S&T as an independent driver of development.
3. Medical, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonized standards
through the full implementation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Creating an education council for the standardization of pharmaceutical services and care.
Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research.
Allocating 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research.
Legislating laws to support human genome projects.
Statement on Immunization (DOST-NRCP): The NRCP highlights the critical importance of
immunization programs, emphasizing that scientific evidence supports their efficacy in
eradicating diseases (like smallpox and polio) and reducing child mortality. They urge the
public to heed scientific claims and support government immunization efforts, particularly
in light of decreased vaccination rates due to controversies like the Dengvaxia issue.
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry:
Protecting and conserving biodiversity through the full implementation of existing laws.
Adopting biosafety and standard models used by ASEAN countries.
Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and the conservation efforts of indigenous
peoples.
Formulating common food and safety standards.
Impact on Nation Building
Government policies in S&T are crucial for nation-building by:
Fostering Innovation and Competitiveness: Policies that support research and development,
and encourage technological adoption, lead to a more competitive economy.
Improving Quality of Life: Investments in health, sanitation, and infrastructure directly benefit
citizens, improving their overall well-being.
Developing Human Capital: Educational reforms and support for S&T careers create a skilled
workforce essential for national progress.
Ensuring Sustainable Development: Policies focusing on environmental protection,
biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management are vital for the long-term
prosperity of the nation.
Strengthening Global Engagement: Aligning national policies with international standards
(like ASEAN standards) facilitates trade, collaboration, and regional integration.