SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

MODULE 3: Develop basic knowledge in the history of science and technology

in our country
OUTLINE
i. Module 3.1 STATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DURING THE PRECOLONIAL PERIOD
ii. Module 3.2 SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS DURING THE SPANISH REGIME
a. Pre-colonial Science and Technology
iii. Module 3.3 SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS FROM THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC TO
CONTEMPORARY TIMES
a. Science and Technology during the First Republic
b. During the American Period
c. During the Commonwealth Period
d. Science and Technology since Independence

MODULE 3.1 Learn the state of our science and technology during the precolonial period
PRE-COLONIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
STONE AGE
The reliable written information regarding the pre-colonial Philippine society, culture, and technology primarily relies on
archaeological findings, traders and foreign travelers’ accounts, and early records from the Spanish colonizers. Before the
Spaniards arrived in 1521, Filipinos lived in autonomous, self-sufficient communities with simple technological
development compared to neighboring China and Japan, though it was sufficient for their needs.

Archaeological evidence revealed that humans arrived in the Philippines and lived in Palawan and Batangas around
50,000 years ago. They developed weapons using stones, leading to the creation of pottery, metal tools, and weapons.
By 3,000 B.C., Filipinos were able to produce pottery and ornaments of seashells. However, local pottery declined due to
competition with imported Chinese porcelain. (Scott)
Year Major events Details Settlement
Early humans crossed from the Asian
mainland to Palawan and Batangas. They
50,000 years Arrival Homo sapiens Palawan
made simple tools and weapons out of stone,
ago in the Philippines Batangas
later developing techniques for sawing, drilling,
and polishing hard stones.
Sulu
Filipinos produced adzes, seashell ornaments, Mindanao (Zamboanga and Davao)
3,000 B.C –
Early pottery and tool- and pottery. Pottery flourished for about 2,000 Negros
1st century
making years until competition from imported Chinese Samar
B.C.
porcelain caused its decline. Luzon (Batangas, Laguna, Rizal,
Bulacan and Cagayan region)

IRON AGE
Later on, Filipinos advance to metalwork (e.g. copper, bronze, and iron). Iron slags were discovered through
archaeological excavations in graves and work sites across the archipelago. This indicates that Filipinos engaged in the
extraction of iron from ore, smelting and refining. Similar to pottery production, the iron industry did not survive also due
to the imported cast iron from Sarawak and China.

By the 1st century A.D., Filipinos were weaving cotton, smelting iron, making pottery and glass ornaments, and engaged
in agriculture (cultivating rice) in diked fields and mountain regions such as in the terraced fields in Cordillera. (Fox)
 By the 10th century A.D., Filipinos learned to build boats, which is considered as a highly developed technology, for
coastal trade. One example is the plank-built warship called caracoa. The Spaniards utilized these expertise to fight the
Dutch, Portuguese, Muslims, and the Chinese pirate Limahong; and to build and man the galleons that sailed to Mexico.
(Scott)

Filipino communities like Butuan and Ma-i (Mindoro) had also established strong trade relations with Champa and
China, respectively, which was supported by the records below, indicating that regular trade relations between the two
countries had been well established during the tenth to the fifteenth centuries. (Laufer)
• Archaeological findings of Chinese porcelains.
• Descriptions of trade with the Philippines based on the records from the Sung (960-1278) and Yuan Dynasty
(1260-1368).
• Notices of Filipino missions to Peking in records found from Sung and Ming Dynasties (1360-1644).

Additionally, Chao Ju-Kua's Account (1225) proved that there are communities and trading activities in the islands of
Ma-i (Mindoro) and San-hsu (referred today as the group of Palawan and Calamian Islands). The people of Ma-i and San-
hsu traded beeswax, cotton, true pearls, tortoise shell medicinal betelnuts yu-ta cloth (possibly jute or ramie), coconut
heart mats in exchange for Chinese porcelain, iron pots, lead fishnet sinkers, colored glass beads, iron needles, and tin.
(Scott)
Year Major events Details Settlement
Early Filipinos produced tools from copper, gold, bronze, and
2nd century Archipelago in
Development of metal iron. Excavations suggest they engaged in extracting,
B.C. – 10th Mindanao, Luzon, and
tools and implements smelting, and refining iron from ore, though competition with
century A.D. Visayas regions
imported iron weakened this industry.
Agricultural and Early Filipinos were weaving cotton, smelting iron, and making Lowland settlements
1st century
technological pottery and glass ornaments. They cultivated lowland rice and and Cordillera Mountain
A.D.
advancements utilized terraced fields in mountain regions like the Cordillera. regions
Butuan (Mindanao)
Development of boat- Filipino boat-building became advanced, with plank-built
Ma-i (Mindoro),
10th century building technology warships like the caracoa noted by Spanish chroniclers. Trade
Coastal settlements
A.D. and international with Champa (Vietnam) and China became well-established,
involved in trade
trade involving goods like beeswax, pearls, and betel nuts.
(Manila, Sulu, Cebu)
Trade relations with Chinese records and archaeological findings indicate extensive
Mai-i (Mindoro)
China during the trade relations between the Philippines and China. Filipino
960-1644 Sah-hsu (Palawan and
Sung, Yuan, and missions to Peking were also recorded. Goods traded included
Calamian Islands)
Ming Dynasties porcelain, iron pots, and beeswax.
The Chinese chronicler Chao Ju-Kua described communities
Chao Ju-Kua's Mai-i (Mindoro)
and trading activities in Ma-i (Mindoro) and the Palawan and
1225 account of Filipino Sah-hsu (Palawan and
Calamian Islands. Filipinos traded beeswax, pearls, and
trade Calamian Islands)
tortoise shells with the Chinese.

ARRIVAL OF SPANIARDS
In 1565, when the Spaniards arrived, there are autonomous village called barangays – kinship groups or social units.
The technologically-advanced coastal communities such as Manila, Mindoro, Cebu, Southern Mindanao, and Sulu were
engaged in trade relations with Borneo, Malacca, and the Malay Peninsula, further boosting technological development.
However, inland and mountain communities remained largely dependent on hunting and gathering.

In 1570, the Spaniards found the town of Mindoro fortified with a 14-foot-thick stone wall, defended by Moros (skilled
bowmen, lancers, and gunners). Manila was forfeited with a palisade and artillery. The house of Raja Soliman contained
trade valuables (money, copper, iron, porcelain, wax, etc.) and melted cannons and culverins.
IMPORTANT EVENTS
• Mindanao and Sulu traded with Borneo, Malacca, and the Malay peninsula, predating trade with China. This trade
relation was strengthened by marriage, bringing Hindu-Buddhist, Malay-Sanskrit, and Arab-Muslim influences in
the Philippines.
• Filipinos involved in agriculture (rice, vegetables, cotton), raising livestock, and producing wine, vinegar, salt.
• Filipinos mined gold in Panay, Mindoro, and Bicol.
- Wore colorful clothes.
- Made their own gold jewelry.
- Filled their teeth with gold.
• Many lived as hunters in interior and settlements, trading forest products for iron tools used in transplanting.
• FFilipinos had a writing system and weights/measures, though no calendar.

However, despite having their own writing system and local knowledge of agriculture and metallurgy, they lacked a
systematic process for acquiring and disseminating knowledge, which limited the development of science and technology.
Governor Francisco de Sande reported in 1575 that Filipinos do not understand any kind of unless it is essential (building
houses, fishing, and farming etc.)
Year Major events Details Settlement
The Spaniards encountered scattered, autonomous Manila
barangays with uneven technological development. Coastal Mindoro
Spanish colonization
1565 settlements like Manila and Mindoro had more advanced Cebu
of the Philippines
technology due to exposure to foreign trade, including Southern Mindanao
firearms and artillery. Sulu
The Spaniards found Mindoro and Manila fortified with
Spanish observation
artillery, including culverins and cannons, and defended by Mindoro
1570 of Mindoro and
bowmen, lancers, and gunners. They also noted local Manila
Manila fortifications
production of weapons and tools.
Sande noted that Filipinos primarily engaged in necessary
Governor Francisco
tasks such as building homes, fishing, rowing, and Settlements across the
de Sande’s
1575 agriculture. While they had some technologies, there was lowlands and mountain
observations of
limited systematic innovation or written tradition to regions
Filipino technology
accumulate knowledge.

MODULE 3.2 Update information regarding the scientific advancements during the Spanish
regime
BEGINNING OF SPANISH REGIME
The advancement of science and technology in the Philippines began during Spanish colonization. The Spanish
established westernized schools, hospitals, and scientific research. This led to the establishment of towns, a political
structure, and socio-economic disruption, particularly through the reduccion policy, which relocated indigenous
communities for easier control.
Year Major events Details
Introduction of Western education and medical care; establishment
1565 Start of Spanish colonization
of schools and hospitals by Spanish missionaries

FOUNDING OF JESUIT SCHOOLS/ESTABLISHMENTS

The development of modern science and technology in the Philippines begun during the Spanish colonial period. In
1565, the Spanish colonization introduced Western education and basic medical care through the establishment of
schools, and hospitals known as reduccion policy that centralized native barangays into larger towns for easier control
and religious conversion. By 1595, the Jesuits founded schools such as Colegio de San Ildefonso in Cebu and Colegio de
San Ignacio in Manila, marking the beginning of higher education, though these institutions were mostly accessible to the
Spanish elite.

In 1611, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) was established by Fray Miguel de Benavides, becoming the highest
institution of learning in the country. It offers degree in theology, philosophy, and humanities, law, medicine, and pharmacy
by the 18th century. One of the most notable works during this period was the Manual de Medicinas Caseras of Fr.
Fernando de Sta. Maria (1763), which focuses on the medicinal plants in the Philippines.

Moreover, the founding of the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Philippines (1780) under Governor Jose Basco
y Vargas marked an effort to improve agricultural and local industries. Lastly, the technical education began when the
Manila Nautical School in 1820 was founded. They offered courses in mathematics, physics, and navigation to train pilots
for merchant marine.
Year Major events Details
Colegio de San Ildefonso (Cebu), Colegio de San Ignacio (Manila),
1595 Establishment of Jesuit schools Colegio de San José (Manila); focus on religious education for Spanish
elite
Established by Fray Miguel de Benavides; initially focused on theology,
Founding of University of Santo
1611 philosophy, and humanities; later expanded to law, medicine, and
Tomas (UST)
pharmacy
Publication of "Manual de
Focuses on medicinal uses of plants found in the Philippines, widely
1763 Medicinas Caseras" by Fr.
popular and undergone multiple reprints
Fernando de Sta. Maria
Founding of the Royal Economic
Promoted agricultural innovation, industry development, and research
1780 Society of Friends of the
through incentives and scholarships
Philippines
Offered a four-year course on pilotage, including subjects like arithmetic,
Establishment of Manila Nautical
1820 algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, hydrography, meteorology, and
School
navigation

EDUCATIONAL REFORM
In 1863, Spain issued a royal decree to reform the educational system but the full implementation of these reforms was
delayed when the American colonial period has begun. The Jesuits played a pioneering role in scientific research with the
founding of the Manila Observatory in 1865, which specialized in meteorological, seismological, and astronomical studies.
By 1879, the Observatory issued the first public typhoon warning, highlighting its importance in public safety and scientific
research.

In 1871, the UST opened its College of Medicine and Pharmacy wherein, Leon Ma. Guerrero, the “Father of Philippine
Pharmacy” has graduated. In 1887, the establishment of the Laboratorio Municipal de Ciudad de Manila marked the start
of local biomedical research, providing public health services and scientific studies. Lastly, the Manila School of Agriculture
(1889) focused on training skilled farmers and promoting agricultural research.
Year Major events Details
Aimed to reform the educational system with the establishment of
1863 Royal Decree on Educational Reform elementary, secondary, and collegiate schools, although
implementation was delayed by American occupation
Founded by Jesuits; conducted meteorological, seismological, and
1865 Establishment of Manila Observatory
astronomical research; issued first public typhoon warning in 1879
 Opening of UST College of Medicine and Focused on medicine and pharmacy education; produced notable
1871
Pharmacy graduates like Leon Ma. Guerrero, “Father of Philippine Pharmacy”
Establishment of Laboratorio Municipal Provided public health services, biochemical analyses, and clinical
1887
de Ciudad de Manila research; published Cronica de Ciencias Medicas de Filipinas
Focused on agricultural research and education; struggled to
1889 Opening of Manila School of Agriculture
attract Filipino students despite government funding and oversight

PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION
As the 19th century progressed, Filipinos who had studied in Europe, such as José Rizal and Antonio Luna, returned
to the Philippines with liberal and scientific knowledge, contributing to the rise of the Philippine revolution. The intellectual
and economic changes of this period, driven by advances in education and technology, played a significant role in the
Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896.
Year Major events Details
The rise of Filipino nationalism, partially driven by the liberal and scientific
1896 Philippine Revolution
ideas brought back by Filipino intellectuals from Europe

MODULE 3.3 Update information regarding the scientific advancements from the First
Philippine Republic to contemporary times
SCIENCE AND TECNOLOGY DURING THE FIRST REPUBLIC
On October 19, 1898, the Philippine Republic government issued a decree to create this secular, state-supported
institution of higher learning. The university aimed to provide a more modern educational system, offering courses in law,
medicine, surgery, pharmacy, and notary public

On the other hand, on September 29, 1899, the university held its graduation ceremonies in Tarlac, marking a
significant milestone by awarding degrees in medicine and law, despite its brief existence.

DURING THE AMERICAN REGIME

During the American regime, the Philippines experienced significant advancements in science and technology. In 1901,
the Philippine Commission promulgated Act No. 74, creating the Department of Public Instruction, provided free primary
education in English. This act was followed by the Pensionado Program (1903), which financed the education of 135 high
school-aged students in the United States for various professions, requiring them to serve in public service upon their
return.

In 1905, the Philippine Medical School was established and later integrated into the University of the Philippines (1908)
to promote higher education. By 1911, the university opened several colleges for liberal arts, engineering, and law wherein
2,398 students enrolled.

In 1917, enactment of the Private School Act in 1917 was done, which recognized private schools as legitimate
educational institutions. By 1926, enrollment at the University of the Philippines had risen to 6,464, with a growing number
of faculty positions filled by qualified Filipinos. Additionally, several government research agencies were established, such
as the Bureau of Science, Weather Bureau, Bureau of Health, Bureau of Mines, and Bureau of Agriculture, all contributing
to scientific research and public health.
 However, while higher education in the sciences and engineering was established, the Philippine economy remained
primarily agricultural, which delayed industrialization. But this does not deny that the advancements made during this
period laid a solid foundation for the advancement of science and technology in the Philippines.
Year Major events Details
The Bureau was created to oversee public infrastructure projects. Initially,
Establishment of the Bureau of there were no competent Filipino engineers, necessitating the importation
Public Works of American engineers. This led to a push for Filipinos to pursue
engineering education abroad with government financial assistance
1901
The Philippine Commission established this department to oversee the
Act No. 74 – Creation of the public education system, which provided free primary education in
Department of Public Instructions English. This marked the beginning of a secularized public school system
in the Philippines
The Philippine Commission financed the education of 135 high school-
Introduction of the Pensionado aged boys and girls in the United States for professions like teaching,
1903
Program engineering, medicine, and law. Recipients were required to serve in
public service for five years upon returning
Establishment of the Philippine This institution was part of the effort to develop higher education in
1905
Medical School medicine. It later merged into the University of the Philippines
This journal reported on local research and international scientific
Publication of the Philippine
1906 developments relevant to Philippine issues, promoting knowledge
Journal of Science
dissemination
Established by the Philippine Legislature to promote higher education, the
Establishment of University of the university offered specialized colleges in agriculture, liberal arts,
1908
Philippines engineering, and law. By 1911, enrollment grew significantly, reaching
2,398 students
Colleges for Liberal Arts, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Law
1910 Opening of various colleges opened in subsequent years, further expanding educational opportunities
for Filipinos
Filipino engineers began to replace American engineers, with 18 out of
Increasing Filipino Employment in
1913 145 engineers being Filipino. By 1925, only 16 out of 190 engineers were
Bureau of Public Works
American, highlighting a significant shift toward Filipino expertise
This act recognized private schools as educational institutions rather than
Enactment of the Private School
1917 commercial ventures, enabling government oversight to maintain
Act (Act No. 2076)
educational standards
The Foundation provided fellowships for Filipino students in fields like
Rockefeller Foundation
1921 public health and nursing education, furthering advanced training
Fellowships
opportunities
By December, total enrollment reached 6,464 students, with a majority of
University of the Philippines
1926 faculty positions filled by Filipinos, reflecting the shift toward local
Enrollment
educational empowerment
Various agencies like the Bureau of Science, Weather Bureau, Bureau of
Health, Bureau of Mines, and Bureau of Agriculture were created,
Establishment of Government
1901-1946 contributing to scientific research and public health initiatives. The Bureau
Research Agencies
of Science, in particular, became a training ground for Filipino scientists
and addressed significant public health issues.

DURING THE COMMONWEALTH PERIOD

In 1935, the Philippine Commonwealth was inaugurated, marking the country’s significant shift toward political
independence. The Constitution recognized the importance of scientific development for the economic growth of the
country by creating a provision in Article XIII, Section 4, which stated that “The State shall promote scientific research and
invention, Arts and Letters shall be under its patronage”. By 1936, higher education in the Philippines was composed of
private sector, with 425 recognized private schools, including 64 colleges and 7 universities (e.g., Centro Escolar
University, Far Eastern University, National University, Philippine Women's University, Silliman University, University of
Manila, and the University of Santo Tomas). Together with the University of the Philippines, these institutions had a total
enrollment of 19,575 students, increasing the number of trained scientists and engineers in the country before World War
II.

The government focused on attaining economic self-reliance that was important for political independence. To support
this goal, it created the National Economic Council (NDC) to develop an economic program and provide advice on financial
matters. Several government corporations were reorganized, and new ones were established to help develop natural
resources and promote local industries. They were tasked to turn successful research from government science agencies
into commercial products.

Additionally, the government encouraged Filipino businessmen to start industries by creating agencies like the Bureau
of Mines to assist in mining exploration. It also increased funding for the Bureaus of Science, Plant Industry, and Animal
Industry to boost scientific research for industrial purposes. However, the Japanese occupation during World War II
disrupted education and scientific activities as many citizens joined the resistance. Majority of the country was destroyed
during battles for liberation, particularly in Manila, which was heavily damaged. As a result, the Philippines faced significant
challenges in rebuilding its economy and planning for future development after gaining independence.
Year Major events Details
Marked a transition to political independence
Inauguration of the Philippine
1935 Constitution included Article XIII, Section 4 promoting scientific research
Commonwealth
and invention
425 private schools recognized, including 64 colleges and 7 universities
Improvement in Higher Education Total college enrollment reached 19,575, increasing trained scientists and
engineers
Focused on achieving economic self-reliance for political independence.
Created the National Economic Council for economic program
Commonwealth Government development.
Initiatives Reorganized and established government corporations for resource
1936
exploitation and local industry development, including the National
Development Company (NDC)
Initiated measures to assist private Filipino businessmen in establishing
industries.
Support for Filipino Entrepreneurs Established agencies like the Bureau of Mines for mining support.
Increased funding for research bureaus to promote scientific research for
industrial purposes
Educational and scientific activities halted as citizens joined the
Japanese Occupation During resistance.
1941-1945
World War II Manila was heavily damaged during liberation battles, destroying
infrastructure

SCIENCE AND TECNOLOGY SINCE INDEPENDENCE

Since the independence in 1946, the Philippines continued the educational platform set by the Americans. There has
an increase in number of student in state universities affecting the quality in higher education especially in science and
technology.

Despite the number of universities, only few were graduating in agriculture, medical, and natural sciences since majority
of the student choose to study in-demand course such as business and education. However, the increase in professional
organizations in medicine and engineering has helped to improve education in these fields (e.g., Philippine Medical
Association).
 Several government science agencies established post-independence such as the Institute of Science and the Science
Foundation of the Philippines, which aimed to promote scientific research and increase public awareness. The Science
Act of 1958 was also a significant turning point by the establishment of National Science Development Board (NSDB) to
create policies and organize scientific efforts. This leads to more science agencies to form in 1960 as follows:
• Philippine Inventors Commission (1964)
• Philippine Coconut Research Institute (1964)
• Philippine Textile Research Institute (1967)
• Forest Products Research and Industries Development Commission (1969)
• Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)
• Philippine Science High School (PSHS)
• Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research (PCARR).

In the 1980s, initiatives were launched to improve science education and attract qualified professionals to government
roles. The Philippine economy has remained dependent on the U.S., focusing on agricultural sciences above others. This
dependency has contributed to a “brain drain” since educated professionals seek opportunities abroad, resulting in a loss
of professionals in the country. This indicates an urgent need for the government to align educational and science policies
with economic goals to develop a self-sufficient economy and society.
Year Major events Details
The educational pattern established during the American regime
1946 Independence of the Philippines continued, with a focus on elementary education; private institutions
served most collegiate students
The Bureau was transformed into the Institute of Science, initiating a more
Reorganization of the Bureau of
1947 organized approach to scientific research, alongside the establishment of
Science
the Institute of Nutrition
The report highlighted the lack of basic information for industries and low
U.S. Economic Survey Mission
1950 national budget appropriations for scientific research, recommending
Report
systematic exploration of natural resources
Creation of the Science The SFP was established to promote scientific research and increase
1952 Foundation of the Philippines public awareness of science; the Commission on Volcanology was also
(SFP) created for basic research
The Science Act created the National Science Development Board
1958 Enactment of the Science Act (NSDB) to formulate policies for science development and coordinate
scientific agencies, including the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission
New agencies were established, such as the Philippine Inventors
Creation of additional science
1960s Commission and the Philippine Textile Research Institute, enhancing the
agencies
NSDB's organizational functions
Established a national network of centers of excellence in basic sciences,
Executive Order No. 889 creating six new institutes focused on various scientific disciplines to
1983 improve scientific labor
Presidential Decree No. 901 was issued to attract qualified scientists to
Establishment of the Scientific
government positions and encourage young people to pursue science
Career System
careers