[STS] S3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

The Philippine government agency in charge of managing national technology development, conducting scientific research, and promoting public awareness of science and technology.

Technology

Connected to science, application of science basic requisites (Ariola, 2018).

1. Economies

2. Science

3. Technology

4. Engineering

4 quest for knowledge based

During the colonial period, Philippine society experienced limited, colonizer-led development. The Spanish promoted religious education and suppressed national identity, while the Americans expanded public education and improved agriculture and health. However, both periods restricted industrial growth and genuine nation-building, keeping the country dependent and divided.

What was the state condition of the Philippine society during the colonial period in relation to nation building?

Pre-colonial Period

• Environmental adaptation

• Community needs

• Engineering skills

• Economic self-sufficiency

• Cultural identity

• Foundation for nationhood

Science and Technology (S&T)

Fields that shape the way people live, communicate, and transact; essential to economic growth, development, and quality of life.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)

Suggested that the Philippine economy could grow faster by around 10% if it fully utilized emerging technologies and the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Pre-Colonial Period

Early Filipinos practiced herbal medicine, used calendars, number systems, and were engaged in agriculture, weaving, mining, and shipbuilding, showing indigenous knowledge of science and technology.

Spanish Colonial Period

Introduced formal education, parish schools, sanitation, and advanced farming methods; founded institutions like the University of Santo Tomas to enhance science and education.

Spanish Period

• Colonial control

• Evangelization

• Religious structures

• Political power structures

• Formal education

• Scientific institutions

Spanish Period

Colonized for 333 years

American Period and Post-Commonwealth Era

Science efforts focused on agriculture, food, medicine, and pharmacy. Industrial technology was less emphasized due to the U.S.-Philippines free trade policy.

American Period

• Science and Technology

• Public school systems

• Public health

• Technological improvement

• The beginning of modern Filipino nation

American Period

Colonized for 33 years

Marcos Era and Martial Law

Gave priority to science and technology under the 1973 Constitution. Marcos passed laws promoting scientific advancement as a part of national development.

Fifth Republic (Post-EDSA)

Under President Corazon Aquino, the DOST replaced the National Science and Technology Authority. S&T was prioritized in economic recovery plans (1987–1992) and highlighted in her 1990 SONA.

Banaue Rice Terraces

(Under Pre-Colonial Period) A significant engineering feat built by indigenous Filipinos using native tools, reflecting early knowledge in agriculture and sustainable development.

University of Santo Tomas

One of the oldest universities established during Spanish rule that contributed to the scientific and educational development of Filipinos.

1973 Constitution – Article XV, Section 9 (1)

Declared the advancement of science and technology a priority in national development.

Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (1987–1992)

Emphasized the role of S&T in economic recovery and sustainable development.

1990 State of the Nation Address

President Aquino prioritized S&T development as one of the top three government goals to revive the economy.

Maria Y. Orosa (1893–1945)

A Filipina food technologist credited with inventing banana ketchup. She developed over 700 food products, promoted food preservation, and pioneered food technology to help fight malnutrition during wartime.

Dr. Fe del Mundo

Invented the bamboo incubator, a low-cost medical device for rural areas without electricity. She was the first Asian admitted to Harvard Medical School and a pioneer in pediatric medicine.

Dr. Abelardo Aguilar

In 1949, discovered Streptomyces erythraeus, which led to the development of erythromycin, a powerful antibiotic used for various infections.

Mr. Leonardo Meija Yu

Invented Challenge 21, an educational Filipino board game. He was a retired economics professor and Philippine Ports Authority officer.

Dr. Ramon Barba

Revolutionized the mango industry by using Etherel (a chemical spray) to induce flowering in mango trees, replacing expensive and polluting methods like smudging.

Diosdado Banatao

Developed the first single-chip 16-bit microprocessor-based calculator in the 1970s. Later created the first system logic chip sets in 1981 and Windows Graphics accelerator chip, making major contributions to personal computing.

Japanese Period

• Strategic importance of Science & Technology

• Vocational and Industrial skills

• Urgent need to rebuild (national institutions)

Japanese Period

Colonized for 3 years

• Power

• Culture

• National Aspirations

3 historical phase