The Evolution of Science and Technology in the Philippines

The lesson aims to discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building, evaluate government policies related to science and technology, and assess their impact on the development of the Filipino nation. Three main objectives include discussing the influence of science and technology on Philippine society, government programs and policies supporting science and technology, and indigenous science and technology in the Philippines.

Science and technology in the Philippines predate the arrival of Spanish colonizers, with indigenous knowledge systems sustaining communities for many years. Pre-Spanish Philippines showcased scientific knowledge in agriculture, animal care, astronomy, and medicine. Ancestors utilized technology for building, irrigation, tool development, and even warfare. Archaeological artifacts like the Balangay and sophisticated gold and silver designs demonstrate early Filipinos' technological advancements and trade relations with China, Japan, and Indonesia.

Various countries like Japan have influenced the Philippines by providing opportunities for cultural and technological exchange. Ancient practices in science and technology, now known as indigenous science or folk science, were already present before the Spanish colonization. The Spaniards introduced formal science and technology through schools, subjects, and disciplines, marking the beginning of modernization in the country.

During the Spanish era, the learning of science in schools focused on understanding concepts related to the human body, plants, animals, and heavenly bodies. Technology emphasized the use and development of tools for everyday life. The Filipinos adapted Western technology using indigenous materials and even had knowledge of building canons and advanced medicine and science.

The Galleon trade brought additional technology and development to the Philippines, benefiting the Spaniards. It facilitated the exchange of ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, and technology from the West. Filipino students studying in Europe contributed significantly to the advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature, making the Philippines a center of global trade in Southeast Asia.

The Americans had a significant influence on the development of science and technology in the Philippines compared to the Spaniards. They established a public education system, made education free for all, improved engineering works, and enhanced health education. The University of the Philippines was founded as a modern research university, and more public hospitals were established to win the hearts and minds of the people.

During the American times, mineral resources in the Philippines were explored and exploited, leading to the depletion of resources like apitong and kamagong trees. Transportation and communication systems were improved, although not accessible throughout the country due to being an island nation. The Americans focused on Americanizing the Philippines, including using English in education to promote American ideals.

The teaching of science in basic education has been reorganized to include public and private school systems. Science education now focuses on nature studies, sanitation, and has evolved to formally include subjects like cholera and tuberculosis research. Higher education has also seen significant advancements in science teaching and modernization, with researchers conducting studies on tropical diseases like cholera and malaria during the Spanish and American occupations.

American scholars and Protestant church missions played a crucial role in introducing new knowledge and technology to the Philippines. They established hospitals and schools in remote areas, such as the impact of Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Despite challenges during World War II, these institutions helped in the development of the country.

Manila suffered immense destruction during World War II, with American forces resorting to drastic measures like burning buildings to flush out Japanese occupiers. The city was greatly devastated, surpassing even major world capitals like Berlin, Tokyo, and Rome. The aftermath of the war left the country in ruins, requiring significant efforts to rebuild and recover.

Despite the strong spirit of the Filipino people to rebuild, the country faced limitations in resources and support. The focus of American aid shifted towards Japan's reconstruction, leading to the latter's economic rise. Reparation plans from Japan concentrated on building institutions, public facilities, highways, and providing technological training. The Philippines struggled to allocate limited resources towards improving science and technology capacity.

Human resource development in the Philippines focuses on producing more engineers, scientists, technology experts, doctors, and other professionals to improve scientific productivity and technological capability. The development of science and technology in the Philippines is shaped by human and social activities, both external and internal, after World War II.

Improving the quality of science education remains a significant challenge in the Philippines. There are few students enrolling in science and technology courses due to uncertainties in employment opportunities. Many students end up becoming teachers or professors internationally, and the best and brightest are often recruited by other countries, leading to a lack of interest in science courses offered in the country.

The Philippine government has introduced several programs, projects, and policies to boost science and technology in the country. These initiatives aim to prepare the nation and its people to meet the demands of a technologically driven world. In response to the ASEAN 2015 agenda, the government, particularly the OST Nova Mining and the Department of Science and Technology, has collaborated with the National Research Council of the Philippines to enhance the country's competitiveness in the ASEAN region.

The government is dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and care, empowering food and drug agencies for evidence-based research. They allocate two percent of the GDP to research and legislate laws supporting human genome projects. Additionally, they focus on biological science, agriculture, and forestry to protect biodiversity through existing laws, biosafety, and standard models by ASEAN countries.

The Philippine government, through the DOST, supports various projects. These include funding for basic research, patents related to science and technology, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in science and technology. The government also funds research projects through overseas development aid from different countries.

According to Saloma in 2015, there is a need to produce more doctoral graduates in science and technology, including engineering. Faculty members are given full scholarships and allowances internationally to conduct research and complete their degrees. The goal is to have fifty percent of faculty members become doctors within five years.

In the future, the minimum requirement for hiring teachers will be a master's degree, license, and being a graduate of any course. In ten to fifteen years, tertiary teachers will need a minimum graduate degree.

The DOST aims to establish more branches of the Philippine Science High School system to train young Filipinos in science and technology. They also focus on creating science and technology parks, encouraging academic and industry partnerships, and implementing the Malik Scientist program to bring Filipino scientists back home for research collaborations.

The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex within the University of the Philippines campus aims to develop more resources in science, technology, and engineering for the country. These complexes also aim to produce more research in these fields.

The American Academy of Science and Engineering identifies capacity building programs like establishing centers of excellence, institutional development programs, regional centers to support industries, and science and technology business centers. These programs aim to produce more PhD graduates in science and engineering and support research and development in various sectors.

In the field of education, various science-related programs and projects were created to enhance the country's literacy. Special science classes and elementary schools were established to develop scientific literacy from an early age through the Philippine Science High School system.

The K-12 education program in the Philippines has continuously improved science and mathematics education. The senior high school program now includes science and technology courses to encourage more students to enroll in science-related fields in college. Additionally, the Commission on Higher Education recently launched the Philippine California Advanced Research Institute (PICARI) to collaborate with U.S.-based institutions on research projects related to science, agriculture, engineering, health, and technology.

PICARI's project aims to strengthen STEM competitiveness in the Philippines by focusing on various research areas. These include the use of alternative and safe energy, harnessing mineral resources, finding cures for diseases, addressing climate change and global warming, increasing food production, preserving natural resources, coping with natural disasters, and infrastructural development.

The Philippine Congress has enacted laws related to science and technology to provide a legal framework for the country. These laws cover themes such as conservation, health technology, and basic research support. Some of these laws align with international treaties from organizations like UNESCO and ASEAN, ensuring compliance with global standards and commitments.

The development of science and technology policies is influenced by various factors, including national goals, international commitments, legal frameworks, and societal needs. These policies guide efforts towards making the country scientifically advanced, ensuring that progress in science benefits the entire population and addresses social issues effectively.