SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,

AND SOCIETY
GEC 007
WEEK 4
Group Activity
• Divide the class into three groups.
• The first group shall discuss what they know about
science and technology during the pre-colonial period.
• Second group shall discuss about science and
technology during the colonial period.
• Third group shall discuss about science and technology
during the post-colonial (contemporary) period.
• You are not allowed to use your phones and internet.
Rely on your stock knowledge.
• One representative shall discuss the group’s answer.
Intended Learning Outcomes
• Discuss the role of science and technology in
Philippine nation building.
• Evaluate government policies pertaining to
science and technology in terms of Philippine
contributions to nation building.
Brief Historical Background of Science
and Technology in the Philippines
• Pre-colonial period
• Colonial period
• Post-colonial period
Pre-colonial period
• The early inhabitants of the archipelago had
their own belief system and indigenous
knowledge system.
• Science was observed in the way they
interpreted the movements of heavenly
bodies to predict seasons and climates, and
in organizing days into months and years.
Pre-colonial period
• Scientific knowledge was observed in the
way they planted their crops, in taking care
of animals, and for food production.
• They used science in preparing the soil for
agricultural purposes and like any other
ancient cultures. They also discovered the
medicinal uses of plants.
Pre-colonial period
• They developed tools for planting, hunting,
cooking, and fishing; for fighting their
enemies during war or tribal conflicts.
• They also developed technologies in creating
musical instruments.
• The Metal Age had a significant influence on
the lives of early Filipinos.
Pre-colonial period
• Sophisticated designs of gold and silver
jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools proved
that their technological ideas helped in the
development of different tools.
Pre-colonial period
Colonial period (Spanish)
• The Spaniards brought with them their own
culture and practices.
• They established schools for boys and girls
and introduced the concept of subjects and
disciplines.
• It was the beginning of formal science and
technology in the country, known now as
school of science and technology.
Colonial period (Spanish)
• The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the
technology brought by the Spaniards using
indigenous materials.
• Medicine and advanced science were
introduced in formal colleges and
universities established by the Catholic
orders.
• The galleon trade had brought additional
technology and development in the
Philippines.
Colonial period (Spanish)
• Filipino students who were able to study in
Europe also contributed to the advancement
of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and
literature in the country.
Colonial period (American)
• The Americans established the public
education system, and improved the
engineering works and the health conditions
of the people.
• They reorganized the learning of science and
introduced it in public and private schools.
• They established a modern research
university, the University of the Philippines.
Colonial period (American)
• They created more public hospitals than the
former colonial master.
• The mineral resources of the country were
also explored and exploited during the
American time.
• Established the government agency Bureau
of Sciences whose sole purpose is the
nurturing development of science and
technology in the country.
Colonial period (American)
• Transportation and communication systems
were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country.
• The Protestant church missions in different
places in the country also brought hospitals
and schools to far-flung areas.
Colonial period (American)
• However, World War II had destabilized the
development of the country in many ways.
Institutions and public facilities were turned
into ashes, houses were burned, and many
lives were destroyed.
• Since the establishment of the new republic,
the whole nation had been focusing on using
its limited resources in improving its science
and technological capability.
Post-colonial period
• Under Ferdinand Marcos, Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAG-ASA) was established which
replaced the Weather Bureau.
• The Philippine Science High School was established
under Republic Act 3661 otherwise known as the
PSHS Charter.
• Development in science and technology continued
after the dictatorial rule.
Formative Assessment
1. It is a modern research university established during
the American period.
2. In this period Filipinos used science in preparing the
soil for agricultural purposes and like any other ancient
cultures.
3. This trade had brought additional technology and
development in the Philippines.
4. During the Spanish period medicine and advanced
science were introduced in formal colleges and
universities established by whom?
5. This religious mission brought hospitals and schools to
far-flung areas.
Answer Key
1. University of the Philippines
2. Pre-colonial
3. Galleon trade
4. Catholic orders/priests
5. Protestant missions