CHAPTER
3 LESSON 3: INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Lesson Objectives: At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
discuss concept of indigenous science;
give examples of indigenous science and technology; and
discuss contribution of indigenous science and technology in the development of
science and technology in the Philippines.
ENGAGE
Is the person beside familiar? What is she famous
for?
Whang-od Oggay is known as the last
mambabatok (Kalinga tattooist) from the tribe of
Butbut in Buscalan, Kalinga. She has been
tattooing for the past 80 years — including head
hunters of the indigenous tribe, at the beginning
of her long career. Her technique of tattooing is
known as pambabatok, an endangered ancient
tattooing technique that chiefly constitutes
hand-tapping to create figures on the skin.
Pambabatok is an example of an indigenous
knowledge.
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/meet-apo-whang-od-the-
https://cnnphilippines.com/.imaging/mte/demo-cnn- last-hand-poke-tattoo-artist-in-the-philippines/
new/750x450/dam/cnn/2018/6/13/Whang-Od_3_CNNPH.jpg/jcr:content/Whang-
Od_3_CNNPH.jpg
DISCUSSION
Indigenous Knowledge System
This refers to understandings, skills, and philosophies developed by societies with long
histories of interaction with their natural surroundings (UNESCO). IKS includes knowledge,
practices, and representations that guide human society in their interaction to natural milieu:
agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining a phenomena, and strategies for coping with
changing environments. This knowledge systems were accumulated over generations of living in
a particular environment. Furthermore, these were developed prior to the coming of modern
scientific knowledge. Examples include acupuncture from China and ayurveda from India
(Tharakan, 2017). Other examples of indigenous knowledge are the following:
prediction of weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animal’s
behavior and celestial bodies (e.g. The appearance of Tres Marias, also known as Orion’s
belt, indicates the start of cold season.)
use of herbal medicines and traditional healing methods
preserving of food (e.g. In some parts of Cordillera, meats are preserved by salting and sun-
drying)
production of wines and fruit juices from tropical fruits
rituals, beliefs, and traditions
agricultural practices and methods (e.g. Rice terracing of Ifugao)
conservation of resources
values and customary laws
traditional skills (e.g. “pambabatok”)
Arts and crafts (e.g. pottery making)
energy production (e.g. burning of charcoal)
Indigenous knowledge are unique at a given culture. It is one of their basis for local-level
decision making. Indigenous knowledge is transmitted to next generation s through imitation,
demonstration, and by word of mouth. It is also evident in some folk poems, stories and songs.
Indigenous Science
Indigenous science is embodied in the indigenous knowledge system. It is composed of
traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and communities such as ethno-biology,
ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk astronomy. A unique characteristic of
indigenous science as compared to other indigenous knowledge is that it uses science process
skills such as observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, problem solving, inferring,
communicating, and problem solving. People in the past, as they interact with their natural
surroundings, were able to form indigenous knowledge using these science process skills.
Also, indigenous science, just like other indigenous knowledge, is guided by
community values and culture (Pawilen 2006). Examples are the following:
The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.
The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth.” It is the origin of their identity as people.
All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
Human are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have
responsibility to preserve it.
Indigenous science is important in the development of science and technology in the
Philippines. Like ancient civilizations, indigenous science gave birth to the development of science
and technology as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous science helped people in understanding
the natural environment and in coping with everyday life.
References:
Pakipak, Kenneth B. History and Philosophy of Science. Revised Edition. Benguet State University.
2015
Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society.
Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
Taguiling, M. (2019). Science, Technology and Society. Plaridel, Bulacan: St. Andrew Publishing
House.
Tharakan, J. (2017, September 6). Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Appropriate Technology
Development, Indigenous People, Purushothaman Venkatesan, IntechOpen, DOI:
10.5772/intechopen.69889. Retrieved from:
https://www.intechopen.com/books/indigenous-people/indigenous-knowledge-systems-
for-appropriate-technology-development.
UNESCO. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/priority-
areas/links/related-information/what-is-local-and-indigenous-knowledge
Name:_________________________________________________________
Program, Yr., and Section:________________________________
ACTIVITY 11: Answer the following. Detach the worksheet once finished.
1. Identify one Filipino indigenous knowledge, if possible from your place of origin. Give details
about it.
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2. What are the impacts of the indigenous knowledge that you have identified in the country/ in
your locality?
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