Science, Technology

and Society
GEC007
ILO: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

The development of science and technology in the Philippines has already
come a long way. Many significant inventions and discoveries have been
accomplished by or attributed to Filipinos. The following time periods show
the development of science and technology in the world:
✓Pre-Colonial Period
✓Colonial Period
✓Post-Colonial Period
ILO: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

✓Pre-Colonial Period
Scientific and technological
development in the Philippines began in
the pre-colonial period. Even before the
Spaniards came to the Philippine islands,
early Filipino settlers were already using
certain plants and herbs as
medicines. Systems of farming and animal
raising were also implemented. Moreover,
early Filipinos had also developed different
modes of transportation, whether
terrestrial or maritime.
ILO: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

✓Pre-Colonial Period
A complicated engineering feat was
achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras
when they built rice terraces by
hand. Through these terraces, the people
were able to cultivate crops on the
mountainsides in cold temperatures. They
incorporated an irrigation system that uses
water from the forests and mountain tops to
achieve an elaborate fishing system. The rice
terraces of the Cordilleras, which are still
functional, show the innovative and ingenious
way of the natives to survive in an otherwise
unfriendly environment.
ILO: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

✓Colonial Period
Colonization by the Spaniards provided
the Philippines with modern means of
construction. Walls, roads, bridges, and other
large infrastructures were built using some of
the engineering skills and tools brought by the
Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish
government developed health and education
systems that were enjoyed by the principalia
class.
The American occupation modernized
almost all aspects of life in the Philippines.
They established a government agency, the
Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of
nurturing development in the field of science
and technology.
ILO: Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building

Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

✓Post-Colonial Period
After achieving independence from the
colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continued to pursue programs in
science and technology. Each leadership had its own
science and technology agenda.
One of the presidents who ushered in
advancements in science and technology was former
president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Under his
term, many agencies in science and technology were
established and strengthened, including the Philippine
Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) in place of the abolished
Weather Bureau; the National Academy of Science and
Technology Authority (originally established in 1958 as
the National Science and Development Board and now
the Department of Science and Technology), among
others.