Science and Technology in Spanish Colonial Period

Spanish Colonial Period in the Philippines

• The Spanish colonization of the Philippines contributed to the growth of science and technology in the country.
• Formal education was introduced, and scientific institutions were founded.
• Parish schools were established, teaching subjects such as religion, reading, writing, arithmetic, and music.
• Advanced methods in agriculture were introduced to the natives.
• Colleges and universities were established, including the University of Sto. Tomas, the oldest university in Asia.
• Medicine was prioritized during the later years of Spanish colonization.
• The Spanish made significant contributions to the field of engineering by constructing government establishments, churches, roads, bridges, and forts.
• Biology was a prominent area of study during this period, with contributions from botanists, chemists, and medical scholars.
• The galleon trade had a significant impact on the economic growth of the Philippines, with the Spanish prioritizing it for its potential to generate huge profits.
• As a result, agriculture and industrial development were neglected during this time.
• The construction of the Suez Canal made it possible for Europeans and Filipinos to visit each other's countries, likely influenced by the rapid development of scientific ideals brought by the Age of Enlightenment.