Science, Technology, and Nation Building

Introduction

• Focus on how science and technology evolved in the Philippines.
• Discussion on periods, scientists, and policies impacting development.

Pre-Colonial Period

• Early Filipinos engaged in trade with China, Indonesia, and Japan.
• Indigenous science evident in:
  • Banaue Rice Terraces: recognized for engineering sophistication.
  • Practical use in farming, hunting, and household activities.
  • Vocational education: parents taught children trades.
• Indigenous Science:
  • Defined as a complex knowledge system based on culture and tradition.
  • Includes practices guiding human societies and traditional knowledge passed down generations.
  • Characteristics of indigenous science:
    • Traditional Knowledge: Rooted in culture and values.
    • Process Skills: Observing, measuring, problem-solving, etc.
  • Contributions to Science Fields: Astronomy, pharmacology, metallurgy, etc.
  • The interdependence of living and non-living things (land as sustenance).

Spanish Period

• Opening of Suez Canal: Introduction of liberal ideas.
• Division of communities into towns (reducciones) for tax collection.
• Three goals of Spanish colonization: Gold, God, Glory.
• Focus on religious education; little advancement in science and technology.
  • Superstitions and Doctrine: Hindered development.
• Establishment of Laboratorio Municipal for public health in 1887.
• Education focused on practical subjects; limited access to higher education.
• Impact on Trade and Industry: Slowly progressed in agriculture, textiles, etc.

American Period

• Established free public education in 1901; English medium.
• Focus on nature studies and sanitation in basic education.
• Notable institutions: University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal School.
• Bureau of Science founded in 1905 to enhance scientific research.
• Focus areas: agriculture, food processing, and tropical disease studies.

Post-Colonial Period

• Decline in science and technology post-American rule.
• Key legislation: Science Act of 1958; establishment of various scientific institutions.
• President Josado Macapagal: Founded Philippine Science High School.
• Focus on developing human resources: engineers, scientists, and technical experts.
• Advances during Marcos administration: Multiple agencies established (e.g., PAG-ASA).
• Under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: "Filipinovation" initiative to boost innovation.
• President Corazon Aquino: Renamed NSTA to DOST; created Science and Technology Master Plan.
• Rodrigo Duterte: Launched the Philippine Development Plan targeting economic growth and development.

Outstanding Filipino Scientists

1. Enrique Mapua Austria: Neonatologist - meconium analysis for drug exposure detection.
2. Jose Bejar Cruz: Automated control theory - control of leader-follower systems.
3. Marijo Panganiban-Luis: Educator and graph theory expert.
4. Josefino Pacas Comiso: Studied Arctic sea ice melting.
5. Rafael Dineros Guerrero: Improved tilapia production techniques.
6. Lillian Formalejo-Patena: Plant biotechnology, discovered seedless lime and pomelo varieties.
7. Fabian Millard-Eyrit: Studied Lagundi as medicine for coughs.
8. Ramon Cabanos-Barba: Floral induction in mangoes.
9. Lourdes Hansoy Cruz: Biochemistry of poisonous peptides from marine snails.
10. Gregory Ligo Tangonan: Developed applications in radar and optical networking.

Science Schools in the Philippines

• Philippine Science High School System: Focus on Science and Mathematics.
• Special Science Elementary School Project: Imparts scientific skills to children.
• Quezon City Regional Science High School: For science-gifted children.
• Manila Science High School: First science high school; aims to develop scientists.
• Central Design Institute Foundation: Dynamic learning programs; promotes physics and mathematics.

Conclusion

• Importance of promoting science and mathematics education for national development.
• Need for improved access and quality in educational institutions.
• Encouragement for questions and further discussions.