Science and Technology in Philippine Nation-Building

35 question-and-answer flashcards covering pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial developments in Philippine science and technology, key legislation, and notable National Scientists.

What are the three main expected learning outcomes of this unit?

(1) Examine the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building, (2) Discuss the development of science and technology in the Philippines, and (3) Describe the relationship between development and nation-building.

Before Spanish contact, which major economic activities demonstrated Philippine ingenuity in science and technology?

Farming, weaving, shipbuilding, and mining.

Which famous pre-colonial engineering marvel in Ifugao showcases sophisticated indigenous agricultural technology?

The Banaue Rice Terraces.

What natural feature fed the irrigation system of the Banaue Rice Terraces?

An ancient irrigation system that channels water from the rainforests above the terraces.

Name the pre-colonial Philippine scripts used for writing.

Alibata and Baybayin.

What is considered the earliest known calendar-dated document found in the Philippines?

The Laguna Copperplate Inscription.

How did early Filipinos determine precise days within a month?

By observing lunar phases (astronomy).

Which pre-colonial practitioners served as the first healers of tribal communities?

Babaylans (shamans).

What was the primary method of treating ailments in pre-colonial Philippines?

The use of medicinal or herbal plants.

Which European colonizer introduced formal education and founded scientific institutions in the Philippines?

The Spaniards.

What subjects were taught in Spanish-period parish schools?

Religion, arithmetic, writing, reading, and music.

Which university, begun as a seminary, is the oldest in Asia and was founded by a Spanish Archbishop of Manila?

The University of Santo Tomas.

List two major infrastructure contributions of the Spanish to Philippine engineering.

Roads and stone churches (also bridges, walls, and forts).

What institution did the American colonial government create to study tropical diseases?

The Bureau of Government Laboratories (later replaced by the Bureau of Science).

What became the primary research center of the Philippines during the American period?

The Bureau of Science.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos, which agency was created to forecast weather and ensure public safety?

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Which Marcos-era corporation aimed to promote industrial and economic development through energy resources?

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).

What is the role of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) established during the Marcos regime?

It is composed of scientists recognized for innovative achievements in basic and applied sciences.

Why were additional Philippine Science High School campuses opened in Mindanao and Visayas under Marcos?

To encourage careers in science and technology throughout the country.

During Corazon Aquino’s presidency, which agency was elevated to cabinet-level status?

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), formerly the National Science and Technology Authority.

What were the three main goals of the Science and Technology Master Plan introduced by Aquino?

Modernize the production sector, upgrade research and development activities, and develop infrastructure for science and technology.

Which Ramos-era health program deployed physicians to remote areas?

“Doctors to the Barrio” program.

What law did President Ramos sign to provide incentives and protections for Filipino researchers?

The Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel.

Which landmark environmental law did President Joseph Estrada sign in 1999?

The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

What 2000 legislation signed by Estrada outlawed computer hacking and set e-commerce regulations?

The Electronic Commerce Act of 2000.

Which term coined during Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s presidency promoted the Philippines as an Asian innovation hub?

“Filipinnovation.”

What 2006 law promoted alternative fuels during Arroyo’s term?

The Biofuels Act.

Which Filipino horticulturist discovered a method to induce profuse mango flowering using potassium nitrate and ethrel?

National Scientist Ramon C. Barba.

Which marine biologist led the world’s first national-scale coral reef damage assessment in the Philippines?

National Scientist Edgardo Gomez.

Who is known as the “Father of Kappaphycus Farming” for his pioneering work in seaweed biodiversity?

National Scientist Gavino C. Trono.

Which Filipino biologist advanced marine protected areas and aquatic biodiversity conservation?

National Scientist Angel Alcala.

Who founded the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines and became a National Scientist?

Dr. Fe Del Mundo.

Which Filipino taxonomist authored major works on orchids and medicinal plants?

National Scientist Eduardo Quisumbing.

Name the plant geneticist and agronomist who became a National Scientist for his contributions to Philippine agriculture.

Emil Q. Javier.

Who is regarded as the Father of Modern Philippine Ophthalmology and founded the Philippine Eye Bank?

National Scientist Geminiano T. de Ocampo.