Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines PDF

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES John Jovet P. Tuazon, RCE  What is Indigenous? Produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment. SYNONYMS: – Native – Original Examples of Indigenous Practices in our Culture Mano...

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES John Jovet P. Tuazon, RCE  What is Indigenous? Produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment. SYNONYMS: – Native – Original Examples of Indigenous Practices in our Culture Mano po Saying po and opo Courtship  Examples in our Culture “Mano Po” This is usually performed with the right hand and the person may ask "Mano po" or “Can I have your blessing?” Typically someone may ask for the mano or the honored gesture with an older relative upon entry into their home or upon seeing them. The word “mano” is Spanish for hand, while the word “po” is often used in Filipino culture and language at the end of each sentence as a sign of respect when addressing someone older.  Examples in our Culture Saying “Po” and “Opo” Respect is deeply ingrained within the Filipino culture and language with terms like “po” and “opo” in their sentences when talking to elders or someone higher in position. “Opo” is a formal way of saying yes or agreement. “Po” is used as a sentence extension for formality and respect.  Examples in our Culture Courtship Courtship or “panliligaw” is a period of development towards a romantic relationship wherein a couple get to know each other and decide whether there will be an engagement. If the couple decides for a serious engagement, the “pamamanhikan” will follow. The man and his parents, together with some gifts, will visit the woman’s family and ask for her parents’ blessings to marry their daughter. INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE THAT ARE TAUGHT AND PRACTICED BY THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE Indigenous Knowledge… Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals’ behavior and celestial bodies. For example, abnormal conditions like hurricanes cause large decreases in air pressure and water pressure (at least in the more shallow depths). Animals exposed and accustomed to certain patterns can quickly sense these changes.  Indigenous Knowledge… Use of herbal medicine. Bawang (Allium sativum): heart health benefits and reduces blood cholesterol. Lagundi (Vitex negundo): fever, asthma, colds, and coughs. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera): dissolving kidney stones and helping them pass through the lower urinary tract. Hilot The ancient Filipino healing art known as Hilot can be classified as a type of traditional/folk medical practice that details both the resourcefulness of Filipinos as well as a rich culture overflowing with different influences. It also ultimately showcases that our ancestors already possessed an ingenious knowledge of medicine despite no formal education or background in the subject. Superstitions All windows inside a house should be opened on New Year’s Day to let good fortune come in. If you have to leave on a trip before finishing your meal, turn the plates on the table so that your trip will be safe. A person who dreams of numbers will win the lottery. Superstitions Don’t sleep with wet hair. Old folks believe that sleeping with wet hair will damage your eyesight. Don’t eat sweets when you have your period. Old folks think that eating sweets will stop the natural flow of blood during your cycle. All of that blood should be removed from your system, so ladies during their period are not allowed to eat sweets, especially chocolates. Superstitions Wounds heal faster if licked by a dog. Many would probably scoff at this idea, but this was actually followed by many, decades ago. They believed that a dog’s lick would make the healing process faster. If you get wounded during a high tide, it is considered bad luck. Because of the high tide, it is believed that the wound would gush out a lot of blood. Eye Sore, or pink eyes, is best healed with breastmilk. Indigenous Science Indigenous Science includes everything from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous people both from the past and present (Cajete, 2004). Indigenous Beliefs Indigenous beliefs include music, songs, dance, food, medicinal plants, traditional and ritual customs, and sacred sites. Spiritual beliefs and cultural expression are key to indigenous people’s history and identity. These can be good foundation for developing positive values towards learning, exploring science, and bringing science in a personal level.