Lesson 4

• Science and technology in the Philippines had its beginnings during the pre-colonial times
• During the pre-colonial period, people used herbal medicine to treat illnesses
• To facilitate trading, Filipinos made use of writing, numerical, measurement, and calendar systems
• Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving were the first livelihood skills developed by Filipinos
• The techniques Filipinos developed for livelihood purposes resulted in majestic architectural designs like the Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao
• During the Spanish colonial period, science and technology developed through the establishment of formal education institutions and the launching of scientific organizations
• Schools were mandated to teach religion, mathematics, reading and writing, music and arts, and health and sanitation
• Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and training institutions
• Natives were trained to use innovative approaches in farming
• Engineering was introduced and developed to construct buildings, churches, bridges, roads and forts
• The rapid development of scientific principles influenced by Western culture during the Spanish colonial period was shortchanged, with trade prioritized due to possible bigger profits
• When the Americans came, institutions for science and technology were reorganized
• The Bureau of Government Laboratories was established for the purpose of studying tropical diseases and pursuing other related research projects
• In 1905, the Bureau was changed to Bureau of Science, which became the main research center of the Philippines
• In 1933, the National Research Council of the Philippines was established
• Developments in science and technology during the American regime focused on agriculture, medicine and pharmacy, food processing, and forestry
• In 1946, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science
• During the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos, the role of science and technology in national development was emphasized
• Marcos mandated the Department of Education and Culture to promote science courses in public high schools
• Additional budget for research projects in applied sciences and science education was granted by Marcos
• A big chunk of the war damage fund from the Japanese was donated to private universities and colleges for the creation of science and technology-related courses and to promote research
• The 35-hectare lot in Bicutan, Taguig was proclaimed in 1968 as the Philippine Science Community, now the site of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Seminars, workshops, training programs, and scholarships on fisheries and oceanography were also sponsored by the government during Marcos' presidency
• The Philippine Coconut Research Institute (PHILCORIN) was tasked to promote the modernization of the coconut industry
• Several agencies and organizations were then established like the Philippine Textile Research Institute, Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, National Grains Authority, Philippine Council for Agricultural Research, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine National Oil Company, Plant Breeding Institute, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Forest Products, and the National Committee on Geological Sciences
• The National Science Development Board (NSDB) was reorganized as the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) in 1981
• In 1976, Marcos established the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) to be the reservoir of scientific and technological expertise in the country
• Salary increases for teachers and administrators at the Philippine Science High School were granted and the Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science High School were established during Marcos' time
• In 1986, under President Corazon Aquino, NSTA was renamed DOST
• The Science and Technology Master Plan penned by DOST aimed to update the production sector, improve research activities, and develop infrastructures for the science and technology sector
• In 1987, during the presidency of Fidel Ramos, the Philippines had approximately 3,000 competent scientists and engineers
• The "Doctors to the Barrio" Program made healthcare accessible even in far-flung areas in the country
• Incentives were given to people who played significant roles in the science and technology sector
• The National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science and Technology was created for high school students who wanted to major in science and engineering in college
• During Ramos' term, a number of laws and statutes related to the science and technology sector were mandated such as RA 8439, RA 7687, RA 7459, and RA 8293
• RA 8749 and RA 8792 were both signed and mandated during the term of President Joseph Estrada
• During the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the science and technology sector were developed to strengthen the education system and to address poverty
• The term Filipinnovation was coined to refer to the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia
• Arroyo also promulgated RA 9367 and RA 10601
• In 2014, President Benigno Aquino III named new National Scientists namely, Gavino C. Trono, Angel C. Alcala, Ramon C. Barba, and Edgardo D. Gomez