Science and Technology in Philippine History

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss significant events in the development of Science and Technology (S&T) in the Philippines during the Pre-colonial Era, Spanish Colonial Era, American Period, and Post-Commonwealth Period.
• Recognize the contributions of Filipinos in the field of Science and Technology through different inventions from the past to the present.

Pre-Colonial Period

• Filipino ancestors possessed scientific knowledge systems and practices.
• Examples include practices like healing rituals using medicinal plants by Babaylans or Albularyos.
• Evidence exists of a bamboo bow inscribed with Hanunó'o characters from Mangyans in Mindoro, demonstrating writing systems.
• The phases of the moon ("Buan") were used as time markers.
• The Ifugao tribe had a designated timekeeper called "Manomnoman."
• Filipinos were skilled farmers before the arrival of Spaniards.
• They developed and used pre-colonial ships like Balangay and Karakoa.
• Filipinos were adept at weaving and mining techniques.
• The Banaue Rice terraces showcase their engineering and agricultural skills.

Spanish Occupation Era

• The Spanish colonization era played a part in developing Filipinos' scientific knowledge and skills.
• The era may or may not have been a hindrance to S&T progress.
• Schools were established during this era, including Colegio de San Ignacio (boys' school), Colegio de Santa Potenciana (girls' school), Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena, Colegio de Santa Isabel, Colegio de La Inmaculada Concepción de La Concordia, Universidad de Santo Tomas, and Ateneo Municipal de Manila.
• The Manila Observatory was established.
• Galleon Trade, Polo Y Servicios, and Encomienda System were key aspects during the Spanish period.
• The Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is a notable historical structure.
• The opening of the Suez Canal impacted Philippines-Europe travel.
• Illustradors were educated Filipinos who played significant roles.

American Period

• Studying how the arrival of the Americans in the Philippines improved S&T is important.
• The Thomasites were the first public school teachers.
• The Philippine Normal School was established in 1901.
• The Bureau of Government Laboratories and the Bureau of Science were important for biochemical studies.
• The Bureau of Science evolved into the Institute of Science (IS), Institute of Science and Technology (IST), National Science Board (NSB), National Science Development Board (NSDB), and the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA).
• The agency NSTA was reorganized as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1987.
• The establishment of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) was significant.

Post-Commonwealth Era

• The Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND) was introduced in 1993, establishing export goals and fostering domestic needs, like promoting support industries and coconut development.
• Republic Act 8439 (DOST Magna Carta for Scientists) introduced incentive systems for Philippine S&T employees.
• Republic Act 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarships Law) was enacted to offer scholarships to talented students facing socioeconomic challenges.

Filipino Contributions to S&T

• Dr. Fe del Mundo: a prominent pediatrician, humanitarian, and leader in the Philippines' medical field known for her contributions to pediatric hospital development. Key accomplishments include founding Fe Del Mundo Medical Center (also known as Children's Medical Center); becoming the first woman pediatrician to be accepted at Harvard Medical School; and being the first woman to receive the national scientist award in the Philippines. She also invented the bamboo incubator.
• Maria Orosa: a chemist, pharmacist, and a food scientist who was involved in the creation of various ingredients and food products such as banana ketchup, rice bran, soylac, pineapple vinegar, fruit preserves, jams, and more. She was a freedom fighter.
• Gregorio Zara: an aeronautical engineer and physicist. Involved in many inventions, including videophone (father of videoconferencing), alcohol and solar-powered engines and a mechanical water heater. Key accomplishment of Zara include discovering 'Zara Effect', which is involved in electrical resistance.
• Dr. Germiniano de Ocampo: instrumental in the introduction of modern ophthalmology methods in the Philippines, such as corneal transplant and the design of corneal dissectors. He founded the Philippine Eye Bank in 1950 and the De Ocampo Eye Hospital in 1952; he also served as the founder and first president of the Philippine Ophthalmological Society.
• Luz Oliveros-Belardo: a chemist who researched and developed medicinal remedies, especially plant-based extracts. She discovered at least 33 new essential oils/plant extracts/remedies.

Check Your Understanding

• Questions and answers related to Philippine S&T history are included.