Development of Science, Technology, and Society in the Philippines
Module Title: Development of Science, Technology, and Society in the Philippines
Learning Outcome:
By the end of this module, learners will be able to explain the historical outline of science and technology in the Philippines, and analyze its development over time.
Introduction:
The Philippines has a rich history of science, technology, and society that spans thousands of years. From the pre-Spanish era to the present, the country has experienced significant advancements in various fields. In this module, we will explore the development of science, technology, and society in the Philippines from pre-Spanish times to the present day.
Historical Outline:
Pre-Spanish Era:
• Indigenous Filipinos developed technologies such as the balangay boat, kudyapi musical instrument, and the baybayin writing system.
• Agriculture was a major industry, and Filipinos developed methods of irrigation, terracing, and crop rotation.
Spanish Colonial Era (1521-1898):
• Spanish colonization brought new technologies to the Philippines, such as the printing press and gunpowder.
• The Catholic Church played a major role in education, and the University of Santo Tomas was founded in 1611.
• Agriculture and mining were major industries, and the encomienda system allowed Spanish colonizers to exploit indigenous labor.
American Colonial Era (1898-1946):
• The United States introduced new technologies such as the telephone, radio, and electric power.
• Education was expanded, and the University of the Philippines was founded in 1908.
• Infrastructure was improved with the construction of roads, bridges, and railways.
Post-World War II Era (1946-present):
• The Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946.
• The government established the National Science Development Board in 1958 to promote science and technology.
• The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute was established in 1963 to conduct research on nuclear energy.
• The country has made significant advancements in information technology, with the outsourcing industry becoming a major economic sector.
• The Philippines is also known for its expertise in marine biology and aquaculture.
During the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos (1965-1986), there were significant developments in science and technology in the Philippines. Among his notable contributions were:
• Establishment of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) in 1963, which is the leading agency for nuclear research and development in the country.
• Creation of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1982, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and programs related to science and technology in the Philippines.
• Support for the establishment of the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD) in 1982, which aimed to promote and coordinate advanced research in science and technology.
• Implementation of the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) in 1980, which aimed to study and develop medicinal plants for commercial use.
On the other hand, Corazon Aquino's presidency (1986-1992) did not have many notable contributions to science and technology in the Philippines.
However, she continued the support for the development of science and technology initiated by her predecessor, Ferdinand Marcos.
During her presidency, she created the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) in 1987, which aimed to promote research and development in industry and energy in the country.
Analysis of Development:
The development of science, technology, and society in the Philippines has been shaped by various factors, including colonialism, globalization, and government policies. While the country has made significant progress in certain areas, such as information technology and aquaculture, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as brain drain and inadequate funding for research and development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the development of science, technology, and society in the Philippines has been a complex and multifaceted process. By understanding its historical outline and analyzing its development over time, we can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that the country faces today.