Philippines: Indigenous Technologies & Advancements

Objectives

• Develop a presentation or multimedia output showcasing examples of indigenous technologies and their practical applications across various sectors.
• Agriculture, healthcare and daily life are examples of sectors to use.
• Evaluate the impact of science and technology introduced during colonial times on the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the Philippines.
• Assess how post-independence advancements and science policy development have contributed to addressing national and global issues in the Philippines.

3 Key Phases

• Indigenous Knowledge and Technologies
• Science and Technology during Colonial Periods
• Post-Independence Advancement in Science Policy Development

Indigenous Knowledge and Technologies

Agriculture and Food Production

• Early Filipinos engaged in shifting cultivation using the "kaingin system."
• Early Filipinos also engaged in wet-rice agriculture, particularly in the Ifugao region.
• The Banaue Rice Terraces showcases early Filipino engineering skills, especially in irrigation and sustainable farming techniques.
• Filipinos cultivated crops like rice, corn, bananas, and root crops like potatoes and taro.
• Food preservation techniques like drying and fermentation were used to maintain food supply during times when food was scarce.

Traditional Medicine and Health Practices

• Indigenous Filipinos utilized herbal medicine for treatments.
• Traditional healers, were known as albularyo (herbalists) and babaylan (spiritual healers).
• Traditional healers would combine herbal remedies with rituals and chants.

Engineering and Architecture

• Early Filipinos constructed stilt houses known as "bahay kubo" using bamboo and nipa palm.
• Early Filipinos crafted balangay, large wooden boats.
• The balangay were used for trade and exploration.

Weaving, Pottery and Metalwork

• Traditional textiles like "pina" and "abaca" fabrics were skillfully woven.
• Pottery-making was widespread.
• The Manunggul Jar served as a burial vessel.

Science and Technology during the Colonial Periods

Spanish Period (1521-1898)

• Western science and technology were introduced mainly through religious institutions and also colonial governance.
• Schools and Universities were established like UST (1611) and Ateneo de Manila (1859).
• Infrastructure development included roads, bridges, churches, lighthouses, and irrigation systems.
• Scientific development was tightly regulated by the Spanish, limiting research opportunities for Filipinos.

American Period (1898-1946)

• The Americans developed a more structured scientific and technological system.
• Public education research became more accesible.
• The University of the Philippines of also known as UP (1908), was a main research hub.
• Research became more institutionalized, giving Filipinos increased educational and research opportunities.

Japanese Occupation (1941-1945)

• Agriculture and engineering became more of a focus.
• Filipino scientists and researchers faced hardships during World War II.
• Technological developments accelerated during World War II.
• Radio communication and transportation became more advanced.

Post-Independence Advancements and Science Policy Development

• The National Science Development Board (NSDB) was established in 1958 to coordinate scientific research.
• The Philippine Council for Agricultural Research was created in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to advancements in agriculture.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded innovations in biotechnology, information technology, and space research during the 1900s-2000s.
• The Philippines launched its first microsatellite known as Diwata-1 in 2016.
• Research has expanded in the 2010s-Present.
• The Balik Scientist Program in 1975 aimed to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to return and contribute to local research efforts.
• Recent government initiatives focus on STEM education, AI research, and space technology.