Period of enlightenment when developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed society's views about nature
Scientific Revolution
It enabled people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their beliefs and way of life
It led to the creation of new research fields in science and prompted the establishment of a strong foundation for modern science
Nicolaus Copernicus
His model of the universe placed the Sun as the centerpiece, with the orbits of Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter in relation to the Earth's orbit
Charles Darwin
Famous for his theory of evolution, presented evidence on how species evolved over time and introduced the idea of all organic life, including humans, under the realm of evolutionary thinking
Sigmund Freud
Famous figure in psychology, developed the method of psychoanalysis focusing on human sexuality and the evil nature of man, which was effective in understanding some neurological conditions
Maya civilization
Incorporated advanced astronomy into their temples and religious structures
Knew how to predict eclipses and use astrological cycles in planting and harvesting
Developed two complicated calendar systems
Developed technology for growing crops and building cities
Were one of the first to produce rubber products
Used a writing system called Mayan hieroglyphics
Independently developed the concept of zero and positional value
Inca civilization
Developed roads paved with stones
Built stone buildings that withstood earthquakes
Had an irrigation system and technique for storing water
Had a calendar with 12 months
Invented the first suspension bridge and the quipu system of knotted ropes to keep records
Aztec civilization
Had mandatory education for children regardless of social class, gender, or age
Developed chocolate
Used a type of antispasmodic medication
Developed the chinampa agricultural farming technique
Had an Aztec calendar to plan activities, rituals, and planting season
Invented the canoe
Indian civilization
Developed the best iron steel in the Roman Empire
Practiced Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system
Discovered medicinal properties of plants
Described surgical and medical procedures in the Susruta Samhita
Developed theories on the configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth, and the 360-day year
Standardized measurement of length with the Mohenjodaro ruler
Introduced trigonometric functions, tables, and techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra
Chinese civilization
Discovered medical properties and uses of plants and animals to cure illness, including the practice of acupuncture
Invented the compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools
Invented the iron plough, wheelbarrow, and propeller
Designed different models of bridges, invented the first seismological detector, and developed a dry dock facility
Made significant records on supernovas, lunar and solar eclipses, and comets, and used lunar calendars
Muslim scholarship during the Golden Age of Islam
Muslim scientists placed greater value on science experiments rather than plain-thought experiments
Ibn al-Haytham is regarded as the Father of Optics for his empirical proof of the intromission theory of light
Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi gave his name to the concept of the algorithm and the term algebra
Refined the number system with decimal point notation
Jābir ibn Hayyān is considered the "Father of Chemistry"
Ibn Sina pioneered the science of experimental medicine and conducted clinical trials
African civilizations
Used three types of calendars: lunar, solar, and stellar
Benefited from iron technology from the Near East during the Bronze and Iron Ages
The Lebombo Bone is considered the oldest known mathematical artifact, dated from 35,000 BCE
Benefited from advanced mathematical learning such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry during the medieval period
Ancient Egyptians were good at the four fundamental mathematical operations and had knowledge of algebra and geometry, used in building structures like the pyramids
Egypt was a center of alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry, and applied important components of examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for disease treatment
Pre-Spanish Philippines
Had their own belief system and indigenous knowledge system
Observed science in interpreting heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and in organizing days into months and years
Used science in planting crops, taking care of animals, and food production
Developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking, fishing, and fighting enemies
Developed technologies in creating musical instruments
The Metal Age had a significant influence on their lives
Spanish Era Philippines
The Spaniards established schools and introduced the concept of subjects and disciplines, marking the beginning of formal science and technology
Filipinos developed ways to replicate Spanish technology using indigenous materials
Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by the Catholic orders
The galleon trade brought additional technology and development
American Era Philippines
The Americans established the public education system, improved engineering works and health conditions
Reorganized the learning of science and introduced it in public and private schools
Established the University of the Philippines as a modern research university
Subjects and disciplines
The beginning of formal science and technology in the country, known now as school of science and technology
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
Filipino students who were able to study in Europe also contributed to the advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country
American Era
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
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
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
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
Policies introduced by the Philippine government to boost science and technology
Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry
Other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology
Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the field of science and technology
Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System
Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come home and work in the Philippines
Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage academe and industry partnerships
The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex within the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman
Capacity-building programs identified by the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE)
Establishment of national centers of excellence
Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in science and engineering
Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries
Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise, and incubate technopreneurship ventures
Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science High School system
The current K to 12 education program includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
The Commission on Higher Education has launched its Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PICARI) Project to strengthen the STEM competitiveness of the country
The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and technology. These laws vary according to different themes such as: conservation, health-related, technology-building, and supporting basic research, among others
Some laws and policies are in line with international treaties such as: the United Nations (UN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Famous Filipinos in the field of science
Ramon Cabanos Barba
Josefino Cacas Comiso
Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.
Lourdes Jansuy Cruz
Fabian Millar Dayrit
Rafael Dineros Guerrero III
Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.
Lilian Formalejo Patena
Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz
Gregory Ligot Tangonan
Other outstanding Filipino scientists recognized here and abroad
Caesar A. Saloma
Edgardo Gomez
William Padolina
Angel Alcala
Science education
Focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science
Teaching science
Exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and processes effectively