CHAPTER 1: MODULE 4
SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
AND NATION
BUILDING
INSTRUCTOR: STEPHANNIE G. RIVERA
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CHAPTER 1:
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SCIENCE, Research is a
TECHNOLOGY production of a new
knowledge and it is the
AND NATION systematic
BUILDING investigation into and
study of materials and
sources in order to
establish facts and
reach new
conclusions.
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PRE-COLONIAL
PERIOD
Before the Spanish colonizers arrived, the early
Filipinos were already thriving communities with
their own system of knowledge and technology.
They lived in organized societies called barangays,
practiced agriculture, engaged in trade, and had
deep respect for nature. Their way of life showed
that they were scientifically minded, resorceful, and
skillful long before foreign influences reached the
islands.
Science and technology in the pre-colonial period
were indigenous--meaning they were developed
based on local experiences, environment, and
needs. These innovations allowed them to survive,
adapt, and build communities--the early
foundation of nation-building.
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INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
AGRICULTURE
Irrigation systems to water rice fields
Terracing
Crop rotation
HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Herbal medicines from plants and roots
Traditional healing rituals combining spiritual and physical
treatment.
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MARITIME TECHNOLOGY
AND NAVIGATION
Traveling and trading between islands and with neighboring
countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Exploring new settlements and fishing.
METALLURGY AND TOOL-
MAKING
Farming tools (bolos, plows)
Weapons (spears, swords)
Jewelry and ornaments (gold accessories)
ARCHITECTURE AND
ENGINEERING
Bahay Kubo
Built on stilts to avoid flooding.
Made of bamboo and nipa, whjch are abundant and durable.
Natural ventilation and cooling system through open windows
and lightweight materials.
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SCIENCE AND NATION-
BUILDING
Science and technology during pre-colonial
period were deeply tied to nation-building
because they:
Promote self-sufficiency through farming,
medicine, and trade.
Strengthened community cooperation and
social organization.
Encouraged innovation and adaptation to
local conditions.
Formed part of the Filipino identity-creative,
resourceful, and resilient.
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COLONIAL PERIOD
The colonial period in the Philippines,
which began with the arrival of the
Spaniard's in 1521 and continued through
the American and Japanese occupations,
brought significant changes to Filipino life,
especially in the fields of science and
technology.
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SPANISH COLONIAL
PERIOD (1565–1898)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNDER SPAIN
Science and technology during the Spanish era
were introduced mainly for:
Religious conversion
Colonial administration
Economic exploitation
Public health and disaster control
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KEY Medicine and Public Health
Introduction of Western medicine
DEVELOPMENTS: Hospitals such as Hospital Real
Study of tropical diseases (cholera,
Education smallpox)
Establishment of schools and
universities such as:
-University of Santo Tomas (1611)
-Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Education focused on theology,
philosophy, and classical
sciences, not industrial or applied
science.
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ENGINEERING AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
Construction of:
Churches
Roads and bridges
Fortifications (e.g., Intramuros)
These were built using local labor
and adapted to the Philippine
environment.
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PRINTING AND
COMMUNICATION
First printing press in 1593
Enabled the spread of religious
and later reformist ideas
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LIMITATIONS OF SPANISH SCIENCE
SCIENCE WAS CONTROLLED BY FOCUS WAS ON MAINTAINING
FRIARS COLONIAL CONTROL RATHER THAN
INNOVATION
FILIPINOS WERE EXCLUDED FROM RESULTED IN SLOW SCIENTIFIC
ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION PROGRESS
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CONTRIBUTION TO NATION-
BUILDING
Educated Filipinos
(Illustrados) gained access to
Western ideas
Figures like José Rizal used
science, medicine, and
literature to critique colonial
rule
Scientific thinking helped
awaken national
consciousness
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AMERICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
TOOLS FOR GOVERNANCE
AS
COLONIAL
PERIOD The Americans used science
(1898–1946) and technology to:
Establish efficient
governance
Modernize the colony
Prepare Filipinos for self-
rule (at least in theory)
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MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
Mass Education System
Introduction of public
education
English as the medium of
instruction
Establishment of -
University of the
Philippines (1908)
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Health and Sanitation
Creation of the Bureau
of Health
Campaigns against:
Cholera
Tuberculosis
Malaria
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SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS
Bureau of Science
Weather Bureau
Agricultural
research stations
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AGRICULTURAL
AND INDUSTRY
Scientific farming
methods
Crop research (rice,
sugar, coconut)
Infrastructure
development (roads,
ports, railways)
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ROLE IN NATION-BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY
Science and technology created a
professional class (doctors,
engineers, teachers)
Filipinos became more involved in
governance and public service
Promoted the idea of a modern
Filipino nation
However, developments still largely
served American economic interests
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POST-COLONIAL
PERIOD
The post-colonial period in the Philippines
began after gaining independence from the
United States in 1946. During this time, the
country faced the challenge of using
science and technology (S&T) not for
colonial control, but for national
development, self-reliance, and nation-
building. Unlike the colonial period, Filipinos
now had the responsibility to shape
scientific policies according to national
needs.
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EARLY POST-COLONIAL
PERIOD (1946–1960S)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR
RECONSTRUCTION
After World War II, the Philippines
was heavily damaged. Science and
technology were used primarily for:
Rebuilding infrastructure
Restoring agriculture
Improving public health
Economic recovery
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
CHAPTER 1:
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Establishment of National Scientific Agricultural Development
Institutions
Research on rice, corn, and fisheries
National Research Council of Introduction of modern farming
the Philippines (NRCP) techniques
Institute of Science and Goal: food security and rural development
Technology (later DOST)
Strengthening of the University
of the Philippines as a national
research university
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Health and Medicine
Expansion of hospitals
and medical training
Campaigns against
infectious diseases
Development of local
health research
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DURING THE MARCOS ERA
(1965–1986)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AS A
TOOL FOR MODERNIZATION
Key Programs and Institutions:
Creation of the National Science Development Board
(NSDB)
Later reorganized into the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST)
Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects
Power plants, roads, bridges
Use of engineering and applied sciences
Promotion of Nuclear Science
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (controversial)
Reflected ambition for technological advancement
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LIMITATIONS AND
ISSUES
Science and technology were
often centralized
Benefits favored elites and
urban areas
Lack of transparency and
accountability
Brain drain of Filipino scientists
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POST-1986 PERIOD:
DEMOCRATIC
RESTORATION AND
GLOBALIZATION
Democratization of Science and
Technology
After the 1986 People Power
Revolution:
Greater emphasis on people-
centered development
Science and technology linked
to social justice and
sustainability
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Developments:
Strengthening of DOST
Scholarships and research grants
Support for Filipino scientists and
innovators
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
Growth of telecommunications
Internet and digital technologies
Rise of the BPO industry
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Science
PAGASA modernization
PHIVOLCS for volcanic and earthquake
monitoring
Science used to protect lives and
communities
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