Content Topics

History of Science and

Technology in the Philippines

Filipino Scientist

National Science Policy

History and Development
of Science and
Technology in the
Philippines
 1. History of S&T in the Philippines
Colonial Period
❖Spanish Colonization
❖ American Colonization
❖ Japanese Colonization
❖ Philippine Independence

1565 1946 1965

Pre- colonial Period Post Colonial Period

Contributions of the Different
Early inhabitants of the archipelago
Philippine Presidents in the
had their own culture, traditions, belief
Development of Science &
system and indigenous knowledge
Technology
Pre- colonial
Henry Otley Beyer
• an American anthropologist & archaeologist
• helped reconstruct a picture of the
past through his accounts of his
archaeological findings
• resolve the dilemma of chronology in
prehistoric research through lithic studies in
1920s.
 PRE- COLONIAL PERIOD

Pre Spanish Period

Filipinos have few Relied on Modern man from
written archeological Asian mainland
information about came over land
its society, findings to across a narrow
culture and trace origin. tunnel to live in
technology. Barangays and
Palawan.
4800 B.C - Learned how to make simple tools
and weapon out of stone and later on
developed sawing and stone polishing

3000 B.C- Adzes ornament of seashells and

pottery prosper for 2000 years until
competition with Chinese porcelain.

Eventually learned how to use metals as tools, it’s

called "iron age" lasted from 3rd century B.C to 11th
century A.D, during this time they are involved in ore
mining (copper, gold, bronze, iron)
Early Filipinos engaged themselves into weaving,
shipbuilding, mining, and farming that led them to the
creation of the finest product of engineering "the
Banaue Rice Terraces".
.
 ➢ Locals from Butuan
established a trading
relationship with Vietnam
and China.

➢ Before Spaniards came, Filipinos were

aware of science and technology, they
learned the curative values of plants
and able to extract medicine out of it.

Early Spanish noted that ➢ Before Spaniards came Filipinos

Filipinos built a refined plank- have alphabet, counting methods,
built warship called "Caracoa" weights, measurement system, and
calendar based from the moon.
that is suited for inter-island
trade.
 PRE- COLONIAL PERIOD

Early inhabitants of the archipelago had their

own culture, traditions, belief system and
indigenous knowledge

Use of writing,
numerical Framing animal-
Use of plants & herbs
measurements & raising, fishing, mining
as medicine to treat
calendar system to & weaving were their
illness.
facilitate trading. first livelihood
Colonial Period

Spanish
Colonization
Contributed to the Parish schools were
growth of science established where
and technology in they taught religion,
the country. reading, writing,
arithmetic, and music.

Spanish
Colonization
Introduced Natives were
formal education taught more
and founded advanced method
scientific in agriculture.
institution
 Spanish
Colonization

Established colleges and Spaniards contributed to the field

universities around the
of engineering by constructing
country including the oldest
university in Asia the government establishments,
"University of Sto. Thomas". churches, roads, bridges, and
forts.

Prioritized medicine Biology was highlighted

in later years. during this period. Botanist,
Chemist and medical
scholars all gave
contribution to science.
 Spanish Colonization

 When Suez canal was built, visiting other

countries for Europeans and Filipinos
was made possible and probably
influenced by the rapid development of
scientific ideals brought by the " Age of
Enlightenment".
 Galleon trade made big impact in the
economic growth of the Philippines.
Spaniards prioritized galleon trade due
to potential to make huge profit. That's
why agriculture and industrial
development were not given focus and
neglected.
Colonial Period

American
Colonization
 American Colonization

 Establishment of Bureau of Government

Laboratory was made July 01 1901, by
Philippine commission. Serves a
purpose to study tropical diseases and
lab projects in the country. Was later
replaced by Bureau Of Science (1905).
Became the primary research center of
the country.

 December 08 1933 National

research council of the
Philippines was established
American Colonization

 Science inclined towards agriculture, food processing, forestry,

medicine, and pharmacy, they didn't focus on development of
industrial technology due to free trade policy.
 Bureau of science was replaced by Institute of Science in
1946.

 1950 reports made by the US Economics survey about

Philippines problem with regards to science and technology
such as lack of basic information, no support, minimal budget,
and low compensations.
 Colonial Period
Spanish
Colonization American Japanese
Colonization
Colonization
• Establishment of formal
education institutions and • Priority of opening
the launching of scientific • Modernize all the aspect elementary schools.
organizations. of life in the Philippines. • Re- opening of vocational
• Mandate schools to teach • Established the Bureau of & normal schools in
different subjects (religion Science a government Agriculture, Medicine,
math, 3Rs) agency to nurture the Fisheries & Engineering
• Medicine & Biology were development in the field • Filipinos are engaged in
taught in educational & of S&T the sale of food &
training institutions. • Established the National medicine for aiding the
• Engineering was introduced Research Council of the soldiers
to construct buildings, Philippines in 1933. • Government corporations
churches, bridges and • Developments in S&T were reorganized to
roads. were focused on develop the nature
• Native were trained to use Agriculture, Medicine & resources in the
innovative approaches in Pharmacy, Food Philippines.
farming. Processing, and Forestry
Post Colonial Period

Ro

Rodrigo Roa Duterte

2016- 2022
Post Colonial Period
- The role of Science & Technology in National
Development was emphasized.
- He mandated the DECS now DepEd, to promote science
courses in public high schools.
- He proclaimed the 35- hectare lot in Bicutan, Taguid as
the Philippines Science Community, now the site of DOST.
- He assigned the Philippine Coconut Research Institute
(PHILCORIN) to promote the
modernization of the coconut industry.
- Several agencies & organizations were establish like
NFA, PAGASA & NAST (National Academy of Science &
Technology) to be the reservoir of scientific &
technological expertise in the country.
-Phil. Sci. H. S. Mindanao & Visayas campuses were
established.
Post Colonial Period
- In 1986, NAST (National Academy of Science &
Technology) was renamed DOST (Department of
Science & Technology).

-This was done in order for the science and technology

sector to be represented in the cabinet and thus play an
integral role in the country’s sustainable economic
recovery and growth..

-The Science & Technology Master Plan penned by DOST

aimed to update the production sector, improve research
activities, & develop infrastructure S&T sector
Post Colonial Period

The NSTA was recognized into Department of Science

and Technology (DOST) and assigned cabinet that
includes the following.

1. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration(PAGASA)
2. Philippines Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
3. The Philippines Science High School System (PSHS)
4. Science and Technology Information institute (STII)
5. Science Education institute (SUI)
6. Technology Application and Promotion institute
(TAPI)
7. Technology Resources Center (TRC)
Post Colonial Period
- During his presidency, the Philippines had
approximately 3,000 competent scientists &engineers.
- - “Doctors for the Barrio” Program made healthcare
accessible eve in far-flung areas
- - “National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in
Science & Technology” was created for HS students
who wanted to major in Science &Engineering in
College.
- - Laws and statutes related to S&T sector were
mandated such as:
- RA7687- S&T Scholarship Act of 1994
- RA7459- Inventors & Inventions Incentives Act
- RA 8293- The Intellectual Property Code of the
Philippines
Post Colonial Period

- - RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of

1999 &

- - RA 8792: Electronic Commerce Act of 2000

were both signed and mandated during his
term.

- - He was also responsible for implementing

cost-effective irrigation technologies and
providing basic health care services for
those who cannot afford it.
Post Colonial Period

- During her term, Science & Technology sector

were developed to strengthen the education
system & to address poverty.
-“Filipinnovation” was coined to refer the
Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia.
- She promulgated RA 9367: Biofuel Act, to utilize
indigenous materials as a source of energy.
- Farmers were encouraged to use rice that can
with stand environmental hazards.
- RA 10601: Agriculture & Fisheries Mechanizations
(AFMech) Law was also passed’ to modernized
agricultural & fishesry machinery & equipment.
Post Colonial Period
- During his term, he named new National Scientists:
» Gavino C. Trono- Marine Biology
» Angel C. Alcala- Biological Science
» Ramon C. Barba- Horticulture
» Edgardo D. Gomez- Marine Biology
- Biology- Project Nationwide Operational
Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) was established
in 2012 by the DOST, a more integrated and
responsive system to deal with disasters.
- Initiated K- 12 Curriculum (STEM)
- PHIVOLCS has also come up with the Valley Fault
System Atlas ( VFSA), Comprehesive collection
detailed large- scale maps that can help People
Identify if their homes are near the VFS.
 Gavino C. Trono was instrumental to the development of degree
programs in the marine and biological sciences, mentoring graduate
students, and in promoting seaweed research and sound coastal
resources management. He established the largest philological
herbarium in the country .

Angel C. Alcala- His pioneering establishment

of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in
the 1970s helped the Philippines increase and
preserve marine biodiversity, including fisheries.

Ramon Barba developed a simple method for

inducing early flowering in mango plants. His
invention, widely used today, revolutionized
the Philippine mango industry, making the
crop one of the country's top export earners.

Edgardo D. Gomez- was known for his contributions in the field

of marine science as a researcher, conservationist, and
educator, such as his pioneering work on coral reefs and reef
rehabilitation.
Post Colonial Period
-At present, the S&T sector is seen to be a prority
based on the budget for Research &Development
(R&D) that grew by nearly 6timesover the same
period (From P5 billion in 2010to P20.8 billion in
2017).
- Formulation of programs & policies that will aid in
shaping the country.
- The focus of DOST is to put the results of R&D info
Ro
commercialization in order to gain new
intellectual properties.
- “Philippine Space Technology Program” which
launched Diwata-2 in 2018 after the launch of
Diwata-1 in 2016 that displayed the Philippine
Rodrigo Roa Duterte flag in space
2016- 2022
 Diwata-1 also known as PHL-Microsat-1 was a
Philippine microsatellite launched to
the International Space Station (ISS) on March 23,
2016, and was deployed into orbit from the ISS on
April 27, 2016. It was the first Philippine
microsatellite and the first satellite built and
designed by Filipinos.

Diwata-2 or Diwata-2B is a
Philippine microsatellite launched
on October 29, 2018. It is the first
satellite launched under
the STAMINA4Space program.
 Inventions by
Filipino Scientists
✓ Invented by Abelardo
Aguilar
✓ Created from the strain
of bacterium
Streptomyces erythreus
✓ Invented by Fe Del
Mundo

✓ First Asian to enter

Harvard University
✓ Credited for the invention of
the mole remover is Mr.
Rolando Dela Cruz
✓ made from cashew nuts
extracts
✓ Invented by the
Maria Y. Orosa
TETCHI-CRUZ CAPELLAN
Cruz-Capellan, the CEO of Philippine renewable
energy provider SunAsia Energy Inc. and founder
of the Philippine Solar Power Alliance, hopes to
grow the solar power industry in the Philippines. She
first became acquainted with solar power as the
country director of a rural electrification project
funded by the USAID.
 ALFREDO MAHAR LAGMAY
Lagmay, a professor at the National Institute of
Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines
Diliman, received the 2015 Plinius Medal from the
European Geosciences Union for his research into
natural hazards and disasters in the Philippines, in
particular volcanic hazards, earthquakes, typhoons,
landslides and floods.
He is also executive director of the Department of Science and Technology Nationwide Operational
Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), a flagship program for disaster risk reduction and management in the
Philippines. (Photo: University of Philippines Diliman)
AISA MIJENO
Mijeno is a professor of engineering at
De La Salle University—Lipa in the
Philippines. Together with her brother
Ralph, she co-founded Sustainable
Alternative Lighting (SALt), a social
enterprise that is developing an LED
lamp that runs on just table salt and
water. (Photo: Aisa Mijeno)
REINA REYES
Reyes has been called “The Filipina
who proved Einstein right” after her
work confirming Albert Einstein’s
Theory of Relativity on a cosmic scale
in 2010 during her Ph.D. studies in the
United States. Reyes currently works
as an independent data scientist
consulting for private companies.
 THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE XIV

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 10. Science and technology are essential for
national development and progress. The State shall give
priority to research and development, invention, innovation,
and their utilization; and to science and technology
education, training, and services. It shall support
indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and
technological capabilities, and their application to the
country’s productive systems and national life.
 THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE XIV
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 11. The Congress may provide for incentives,

including tax deductions, to encourage private
participation in programs of basic and applied
scientific research. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, or
other forms of incentives shall be provided to
deserving science students, researchers, scientists,
inventors, technologists, and specially gifted citizens.
 THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE XIV

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and
promote the adaptation of technology from all
sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage
the widest participation of private groups, local
governments, and community-based organizations
in the generation and utilization of science and
technology.
 THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE XIV

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 13. The State shall protect and secure the

exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists, and
other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and
creations, particularly when beneficial to the
people, for such period as may be provided by law.
 NATIONAL SCIENCE POLICIES
Science policy refers to the “collective measures taken by a
government in order to encourage the development of scientific
and technical research & to exploit the results of this research for
general political objectives. It can be analytically divided into:
❖ policy for (or in) science designed to foster research and the
growth of knowledge; and
❖ policy through science which involves the
exploitation/application of the fruits of science & technology in
various areas of public concern such as public health, pollution,
urban problems, and the like.
 DOST
DOST (originally established as National Science and
Development Board) : mandated to provide direction to all S & T
initiatives.
Functions & responsibilities of DOST as stated in EO128 signed on
January 30, 1987:
➢ pursue the declared state policy of supporting local scientific&
technological effort,
➢ develop local capability to achieve technological self-reliance,
and
➢ encourage greater private sector participation in research and
development
 Support System of DOST :
Three (3) Councils

PCAARD : Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and

Natural Resources R & D

PCIEERD : Philippine Council for Industry,Energy and

Emerging Technology Research and Development

PCHRD : Philippine Council for Health Research and

Development
Two (2) Collegial and Scientific Bodies
NAST : National Academy of Science and Technology
NRCP : National Research Council of the Philippines

Seven (7) R & D Institutes

ASTI : Advanced Science and Technology Institute
FNRI : Food and Nutrition Research Institute
FPRD : Forest Products Research and Development Institute
ITDI : Industrial Technology Development Institute
MIRDC : Metals Industry Research and Development Center
PNRI : Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
PTRI : Philippine Textile Research Institute
 Note : Each agency has R & D agenda anchored on Duterte’s Socioeconomic
Agenda (Ambisyon Natin 2040) and aligned with the current Philippine
Development Plan.
For 2017 – 2022, the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA)
will prioritize fundamental research in support of the Philippine Development
Plan, the National Security Plan and the Science for Change Program led by
DOST:

1. Water Security - TUBIG Program (Tubig ay Buhayin at Ingatan)

2. Food and Nutrition Security - SAPAT Program (Saganang Pagkain Para Sa
Lahat)
3. Health Sufficiency - LIKAS Program (LikasYaman saKalusugan)
4. Clean Energy - ALERT Program (Alternative Energy Research Trends)
5. Sustainable Community- SAKLAW Program (SaklolosaLawa)
6. Inclusive Nation-Building - ATIN Program (AngTinigNatin)
 Other policies in effect through DOST:

• On Renewable Energy
RA 9513 The Renewable energy Act of 2008
RA 9367 The Biofuels Law

• On Technology Transfer
RA 10055 Technology Transfer Act of 2009
EO #47 Creating ICTO (Information and Communications
Technology Office)

• On Intellectual Property
RA 8293 Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
RA 7459 Investors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines
57
•There were 86.98 million internet users in the
Philippines at the start of 2024, when internet
penetration stood at 73.6 percent.

•The Philippines was home to 86.75

million social media users in January 2024,
equating to 73.4 percent of the total
population.

•A total of 117.4 million cellular mobile

connections were active in the Philippines in
early 2024, with this figure equivalent
to 99.3 percent of the total population.
 Technological
Advancement in the
Philippines
Philippine Innovation Unleashed: Top 10 Good Tech
Stories of 2023 on [Link] -
[Link]
Activity
Propose one science and
technology program(environment,
educational, communication and
transportation, agriculture, and
health) that could be implemented in
your town or region.
1. What is the name of your S&T
program? What is it all about?
 References:
Topic 3 Science & Technology and Nation Building
[Link]
[Link]
Technology
[Link]
Autosaved-pptx
[Link]
4-1
[Link]
[Link]
Flordeles A. Gacho, et. al. (2018) Science, Technology and Society – Global Issue and Perspective