2.

HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The history of science and technology has started long ago in the Philippines. It started before
the Spaniards colonized the country. Indigenous technology has already exited with regards to
wet rice and dry rice agriculture. The use of technology was already shown in in the handicrafts,
pottery, weaving, metal ware and boats used by ancient Filipinos. The native Filipinos used
medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants. Some methods of extracting medicine from
herbs were also practiced. They had their own alphabet, a system of writing, a method of
counting, weights and measure. Even though they don't have a calendar, they counted the
years by the period of the moon and from one harvest to another. They were already engaged
in farming, shipbuilding, mining and weaving. The famous Banaue Rice Terraces is a
sophisticated product of engineering by pre-Spanish Filipinos.

2.1 Spanish Colonial Period

The Spanish colonization in the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology
in the country. The Spaniards introduced formal education and founded scientific institutions.
Sanitation and more advanced methods of agriculture were taught to the Filipinos. The
Spaniards also established Parish schools, colleges and universities in the Philippines.

The study of medicine was the priority in the country. In 1871, the school of medicine and
pharmacy was opened at the University of Santo Tomas. It contributed to the field of
engineering in the archipelago by constructing government buildings, churches, bridges, roads,
and forts.

The Jesuits promoted meteorological studies and founded the Manila Observatory at the
Ateneo Municipal de Manila in1865.

2.2 American Period and Post Commonwealth Era

The progress of science and technology continued under American rule. Science during the
American period was inclined towards agriculture, food processing, forestry, medicine, and
pharmacy. There was a lack of focus in the development of industrial technology due to the
free trade policy with the United States which nurtured an economy geared towards agriculture
and trade.

In 1946, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute if Science. In 1958, during the
regime of President Carlos P Garcia, the Philippine Congress passed the Science Act of 1958
which established the National Science Development Board.
2.3 Marcos Era and Martial Law

During the Marcos Regime, Science was given importance. In the amended 1973 Philippine
Constitution, Article XV, Section 9 (1), he declared that the "advancement of science and
technology shall have priority in national Development".

On January 23 1967, Marcos declared that science was necessary for the development
programs. He directed the Department of Education to revitalize the science courses in public
high school. DepEd and the National Science Development Boards (NSDB) organized a project
to provide selected high schools with science teaching equipment over a four-year period.

In 1968, technology was recognized as the leading factor in the economic development. Thus
additional funds were channeled to support projects in applied science and science education in
the country. The National Science Development Board established the Philippine Atomic Energy
Commission to explore the uses of atomic energy for economic development.

Major development projects to reform education were done and which included research and
development, establishment of technical institutes, science education centers, and agricultural
colleges and vocational high schools. The Philippine Council for Agricultural Research was also
established to support the progressive development of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries for
the country.

Another agency was established by Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 and this is the Philippine
Atmospheric, geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) under the Department of
National Defense. Its function was to provide environmental protection and to utilize scientific
knowledge to ensure the safety of the people.

The Philippine National Oil Company was also created to promote industrial and economic
development through effective and efficient use of energy sources. (PD No. 334, s. 1973)

The National Academy of Science and Technology was established in 1976. It was composed of
scientists with "innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences" to serve as a
reservoir of scientific and technological expertise for the country.

In 1980, the National Committee in geological Sciences was created to advise government and
private entities on matters pertaining to geological sciences. (EO

No. 625, s. 1980)

Through Executive Order No. 784, s. 1982, the National Science Development Board and its
support was reorganized and was named National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) to
provide central direction and coordination of scientific and technological research and
development.

The Visayas and Mindanao campuses of the Philippine Science High School were established in
1986 to encourage careers in science and technology and to be more accessible to the talented
students in the Mindanao and Visayas in accordance with Executive Order No. 1090, s. 1986.

2.4 Fifth Republic

In Corazon Aquino's presidency, the National Science and Technology Authority was replaced
by the Department of Science and Technology to give them a representation in the cabinet.
Science and technology was one of the three priorities of the government towards an economic
recovery. The first Science and Technology Master Plan or SMTP was formulated on August 8,
1988. Its goal was for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status for the year
2000.

During her term, President Aquino encouraged inventors and scientists to bring the Philippines
to its former position as second to Japan in science and technology and to achieve the status as
an industrialized country in 2000. The Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 (R.A. 6655)
opened free education at the secondary level. The "Science for the Masses Program" was also
implemented that aims teach scientific and technological literacy to the Filipinos.

2.5 President Fidel V. Ramos' Term

In 1988, the Philippines were estimated to have around 3,000 competent engineers and
scientists. During the Ramos administration, the Department of Science and Technology
initiated a Science and Technology Agenda for Development (STAND) which embodies the
country's task development plan for 1993-1998.

Another Science and Technology framework plan was established. "Competence, Competitive
Conscience: the Medium Term Plan of the Department of Science and Technology (1999-2004).
It has six (6) flagship programs:

1. Comprehensive program to enhance technology enterprises;

2. Integrated program on clean technologies: 3. Establishment of a packaging R and D center,

4. Expansion of regional meteorology centers

5. S&T intervention program for the poor, vulnerable and disabled, and

6. Comprehensive science and technology program for Mindanao.

President Ramos believes that science and technology was one of the means. that could help
the country to attain the status of a new industrialized country (NIC) Science and technology
Agenda for National Development (STAND) was established in 1993. Some of the laws enacted
are (1) Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel (R.A. No. 8439); (2) Science and
Technology Scholarship Law of 1004 (R.A. No. 7687); and (3) Inventors and Inventions
Incentives Act (R.A. No. 7459). The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (R.A. Act
No8293) was also enacted which provides industrial property rights, copyrights and related
rights, and technology transfer arrangements.

2.6 President Joseph Estrada's Term

During his presidency, he sight two major legislations. First was the Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999 (R.A. No. 8749) which was designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure
the sustainable development of its natural resources. Next is the Electric Commerce Act of 2000
(R.A. No. 8792) which outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities for new businesses
emerging from the internet driven new economy.

He also launched a full-scale program based on cost-effective irrigation technologies. He also

announced that dole-outs are out. It meant that basic health care, basic nutrition, and useful
education for those who want, but cannot afford it.

2.7 President Gloria M. Arroyo's Term

The science and technology sector of the Philippines was labeled as the "golden age" of science
and technology by Secretary Estrella Alabastro. There are many laws and projects that concem
both science and environment to push technology as a tool to increase the country's economic
level. This is to help increase the productivity from Science, Technology and Innovations (STI)
and help benefit the poor people. Moreover, the term 'Filipinovation" was the coined term
used in helping the Philippines to be an innovation hub in Asia. The Science, Technology and
Innovations (STI) were developed further by strengthening the schools and education system
such as the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), which focuses on science, technology and
mathematics in their curriculum.

Aiding the environment was one of the focuses in the development of technology in the
Philippines. One of the known laws passed was the Biofuels Act (R.A. 9367). This promotes the
development and usage of biofuels throughout the country and enables a cheaper alternative
to gasoline as a medium in producing energy. Drought-free rice was also encouraged to be used
during her presidency. This enables farmers to produce rice despite the environmental hazards
that slows or
2.8 President Benigno C. Aquino's Term

During his presidency, the government passed the R.A. 10601 which provides the Agriculture
and Fisheries Sector through Mechanization (AFMech). RA 10601 also covers research,
development, and extension (RDE), promotion, distribution, supply, assembling, manufacturing,
regulation, use, operation, maintenance and project implementation of agricultural and
fisheries machinery and equipment.

In 2010, President Aquino was considered as the "father of Organic Agriculture for his work in
the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010 (R.A. 10068). The administration pursued the
developments in research and technology of Philippine agriculture. Most researches aims to
solve the increasing problem of hunger in the country by creating a more efficient and cheaper
process of yielding produce. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international
research consortium, including the Philippines, which serves to improve the rice production and
quality through biotechnology and research.

In 2014, the Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology was presented to President
Aquino. It includes two crucial issues: inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction. The DICT Act
of 2015 (R.A. No. 19844) was signed into law on May 23, 2016. Under this law, the Department
of Information and Communications Technology will take charge of planning, developing, and
promoting the national ICT development agenda.

SUMMARY

In other countries of the world including the Philippines, science and technology has undergone
a tedious process of development. History has showed us the traces of indigenous technology
and indigenous science used by our forefathers as early as the prehistoric times. Alongside the
improvement of science and technology, it immensely affected the progress of mankind.
Discoveries and inventions in science and technology have improved the lives of people across
the globe. However it also posed some serious concerns to mankind because of the improper
implementation of technology. Hence, the challenge is for the society to determine the type of
future we need to have and then create relevant technologies which will make the world a
wonderful place for us to live in.
Write down your answers below each question.

1. Describe briefly how science and technology evolved during each period in history.
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2. Write your own impression on the current state of science and technology in the country
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3. Write down five most useful products of science and technology today.
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