Fields of Science in the Philippines

Pre-Spanish Era

Period before Spanish colonization where Filipinos practiced science and had knowledge of medicinal properties of plants.

Medical and therapeutic properties

Knowledge possessed by Filipinos regarding the healing uses of plants.

Spanish Colonial Era

Time when science and technology growth was influenced by colonization.

University of Santo Tomas

The oldest existing university in Asia, established during the Spanish colonial period.

Influx of European visitors

Increased number of Europeans visiting the Philippines after the opening of the Suez Canal.

Enlightenment ideals

Philosophies that influenced some Filipinos studying in Europe during the Spanish Colonial Era.

Bureau of Government Laboratories

Established on July 1, 1901, to replace the Laboratorio Municipal from the Spanish era.

Tropical diseases

Field of study focused on by the Bureau of Government Laboratories.

Ferdinand Marcos

Philippine president during the 1970s who increased the importance of science.

1973 Constitution, Article XV, Section 1

Acknowledged government support for scientific research and invention.

Four-year development plan (1974-1978)

Included a science development program during the post-Commonwealth era.

Limited focus on industrial technology

Characterized the American period due to free trade policies with the United States.

Institute of Science

Established in 1946 to replace the Bureau of Science.

Science Act of 1958

Established the National Science Development to promote scientific research.

Corazon Aquino's presidency

Period in which the National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology.

Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (1987-1992)

Emphasized the role of science and technology in economic recovery.

Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology

Created by Corazon Aquino on August 8, 1988, to develop the first Science and Technology Master Plan.

Newly industrialized country status goal

Objective of the first Science and Technology Master Plan developed in 1988.

Budget allocations for science and technology in 1989

Increased to 1.054 billion pesos from 464 million pesos.

Asian financial crisis budget cuts

Reduced science and technology budget to 920 million pesos in 1990 and 854 million pesos in 1991.

Increased budget for science and technology in 1992

Raised to 1.7 billion pesos.

Colonization

Process by which the Spanish Empire expanded their territory and influence over the Philippines.

Formal education

System of learning institutions established during the Spanish colonial era.

Colleges and universities

Institutions of higher education that were established during the colonial periods.

Trade focus during Spanish era

Economic strategy centered on maximizing profits through trade.

Research on agriculture

One of the science focuses during the American period.

Laboratory projects

Initiatives undertaken by the Bureau focused on scientific experimentation.

Government support for scientific research

Acknowledged role of state in promoting science through constitutional provisions.

Economic growth through science

Aim of emphasizing science in development plans during the post-Commonwealth era.

Cabinet representation for science and technology

Achieved during Corazon Aquino's presidency with the establishment of the Department of Science and Technology.

Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP)

Framework developed to achieve industrialized country status.

Legislative priorities for science

Limited attention and support for bills related to science and technology.

Senate Committee on Science and Technology

Managed the few science-related bills introduced in Congress.

Ceferino Follosco

Former Science and Technology Secretary who reported budget changes for science.