Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Bayombong Campus
DEGREE PROGRAM CAS/BSAB/BSCE COURSE NO. GE STS
/BAS/BSAF
/BSFish
SPECIALIZATION COURSE TITLE SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
YEAR LEVEL 1&2 TIME FRAME 3 HOURS WK NO. 5 IM NO. 3
I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE: Chapter I – GENERAL CONCEPTS & STS HISTORICAL
DEVELOPMENTS
II. LESSON TITLE: Lesson 3 – Science, Technology and Nation Building
III. LESSON OVERVIEW
This lesson will discuss the influence of science and technology in the development of the Philippine
society. It identifies government programs, projects, and policies geared toward boosting the science and
technological capacity of the country.
IV. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson students should be able to:
1. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building
2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions
to nation building
3. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on
the development of the Filipino nation
V. LESSON CONTENT : Lesson 3
- Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
- Government Policies on Science and Technology
- Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science
VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
3.1. Brief Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
a. Precolonial Period
The history of science and technology in the
Philippines started way back before the country
gained its independence from the American
colonizers. Early Filipinos already had their own
culture and traditions before the coming of the
colonizers. Their own systems of belief and
indigenous knowledge helped them to thrive and
survive their lives and communities for many years.
The scientific knowledge of Filipino people before
the pre-Spanish times were incorporated already to their way of life such as in planting their crops that
provide them food, in taking care of animals to help them in their daily tasks, and in their food production.
Science is observed in the way they interpret the movement of
heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and in organizing
days into months and years.
Early and Indigenous sciences were used by Filipinos in
preparing the soil for agricultural purposes, interpreting movements of
heavenly bodies to predict seasons, documenting the uses of medical
plants.
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 1 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and in developing tools that they can use in
everyday life. They developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking, and fishing; for fighting their enemies during
war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation, both on land and on waterways. They also developed technologies
in creating musical instrument.
Ornaments:
• Men and women wore ornaments to look attractive
• Both wear kalumbiga, pendants, bracelets and leglets
• These ornaments were made of gold
• Some wore gold fillings between the teeth
• Tattoos were also faschionable for some pre-colonial Filipinos; they also
exhibit a man’s war record
• Islas de Pintados – term coined by the Spaniards for the Visayans
Houses were made of light materials like wood, bamboo and nipa palm. A ladder was
placed to prevent strangers from intruding when the owner was not around. Strong
post at the lower part of the house was enclosed. A jar of heart was placed in a gallery
called “batalan.”
Some of them built
tree houses to
protect themselves
against their
enemies or from
being attacked by
wild animals.
During Metal Age,
artifacts were also
found in different regions of the
country which signify that Early Filipino utilized these tools on their daily living.
The sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools proved that their technological
ideas helped in the development of different tools. Also, trading with
China, Indonesia, Japan, and other nearby countries have influenced
their lives by providing different opportunities for cultural and
technological exchange.
All these ancient practices in science and technology are considered now as indigenous science or folk
science.
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 2 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
b. Spanish Regime
When the Spaniards colonized the country, they brought with them their own culture and practices. They
established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept of subjects and disciplines. It was the
beginning of formal science and technology in the country, known now as school of science and technology.
Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different concepts related to the human body, plants,
animals, and heavenly bodies Technology focuses on using and developing house tools used in everyday
life.
Life during the Spanish era slowly became modernized, adapting some Western technology and their ways
of life. The Filipinos developed ways to replicate the technology brought by the Spaniards using indigenous
materials. Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities established by
the Catholic orders.
The galleon trade has brought additional technology and development in the Philippines. Although it is
only beneficial for the Spaniards, these trades allowed other ideas, crops, tools, cultural practices, technology,
and Western practices to reach the country. Some Filipino students who were able to study in Europe also
contributed to the advancement of medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature in the country.
The Philippines, being one of the centers of global trade Southeast Asia during that time, was considered
to be one of the most developed places in the region. Although the country is blessed with the developments,
the superstitious beliefs of the people and the Catholic doctrines and practices during the Spanish era halted
the growth of science in the country.
c. American Regime
• The Americans have more influence in the development of
science and technology in the Philippines compared to the
Spaniards. They established the public education system,
improved the engineering works and the health conditions
of the people. They established a mode research university, the
University of the Philippines, and created more public
hospitals than the former colonial master.
• The mineral resources of the country were also explored and
exploited during the American times. Transportation and
communication systems were improved though not accessible
throughout the country.
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
• The Americans did everything to “Americanize” the
Philippines. They reorganized the learning of science and
introduced it in public and private schools. In basic education,
science education focuses on nature studies and sanitations,
until it became a subject formally known as “Science”.
• The teaching of science in higher education has also
greatly improved and modernized.
Researches were done to control malaria, cholera, and
tuberculosis and other tropical diseases. The desire of the
Americans to develop the human resources of the Philippines
to serve their own interests is, somehow, beneficial in the
country. These allowed American scholars to introduce new
knowledge and technology in the country.
d. Japanese Regime
• However, World War II has destabilized the development of the country in many ways. Institutions and
public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were burned, and many lives were destroyed. The country
had a difficult time to rebuild itself from the ruins of the war.
https://www.military.com/off-duty/2018/11/05/forgotten-world-war-ii-horror-philippines-revealedrampage.html
The human spirit to survive and to rebuild the country may be strong but the capacity of the country to bring
back what was destroyed was limited. The reparation funds focused on building some institutions and public
facilities like schools, hospitals, and transportation systems. The reparation money from Japan was also
concentrated on building highways and in providing technological training and human resource development
in the country.
https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/65120/photos-manila-during-the-world-war-ii-and-today-20160203
• Since the establishment of the new republic, the whole nation has been
focusing on using its limited resources in improving its science and
technological capability. It has explored the use of ODA or Overseas
Development Allocations from different countries to help the country improve
its scientific productivity and technological capability.
• Human resource development is at the heart of these efforts focusing on
producing more engineers, scientists, technology experts, doctors, and other
professionals in the country.
• The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its brief history, is shaped by
several factors and influences. Like in the history of science in other countries, it is always shaped by
human and social activities, both internal and external.
Science and technology may have a significant impact on the lives of the people and in the development of
the Philippine society. However, improving the quality of science education still remains as a big challenge in
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Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
the country. School science basic education to graduate education is improving slowly, and there are only few
students enrolling in science and technology courses.
To understand better you can open said link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jICN2IKKJg&t=123s
3.1. Government Policies on Science and Technology
The Philippine government introduced and implemented several programs, projects, and policies to
boost the area of science and technology. The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people to meet
the demands of a technologically driven world and capacitate the people to be in a world driven by science.
Padilla-Concepcion reported that in 2015, in response to the ASEAN 2015 Agenda, the government,
particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has sought the expertise of the National
Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) to consult various sectors in the society to study how the
Philippines can prepare itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015 Goals. As a result of the consultation, the NCRP is
expected to recommend policies and programs that will improve the competitiveness of the Philippines in the
ASEAN Region.
Internal Influences
• Survival
• Culture
• Economic
Activities Development
of S&T in the
Internal Influences Philippines
• Foreign Colonizers
• Trades with
Foreign Countries
• International
Economic
Demands
Influences in the Development of S & T in the Philippines
The NCRP clustered these policies into four, namely:
1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance
● Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding to the curriculum
● Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue
● Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband
● Local food security
2. Physics, Engineering, and Industrial Research in Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics
● Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities
● Outright grants for peer monitoring
● Review of RA 9184
● Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of development
2. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences
● Ensuring compliance of drug manufacturing firms with ASEAN-harmonized standards by full
implementation of the Food and Drug Administration
● Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of pharmaceutical services and care
● Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based research as pool of information
● Allocating two percent of the GDP to research
● Legislating a law supporting human genome projects
3. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry
● Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of existing laws
● Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
● Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous people's conservation
● Formulation of common food and safety standards
There are also other existing programs supported by the Philippine government through the DOST. Some
of these projects are the following:
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 5 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
o Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and technology. The government funds
basic and applied researches. Funding of these research and projects are also from the Overseas
Development Aid (ODA) from different countries.
o Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies of students in the field of science and
technology. Saloma (2015) pointed out that the country needs to produce more doctoral graduates in the
field of science and technology, and produce more research in these fields, including engineering.
o Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School System for training young Filipinos in
the field of science and technology.
o Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and industry partnerships.
o Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists abroad to come home and work in the Philippines
or conduct research and projects in collaboration with Philippine-based Scientists.
o Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses to encourage academe and industry
partnerships.
o The establishment of the National Science Complex and National Engineering Complex within the
University of the Philippines campus in Diliman. These aimed to develop more science and technology
and engineering manpower resources needed by the country. They also aimed to produce more
researches in these fields. The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE,
2008) identified several capacity-building programs such as:
o Establishment of national centers of excellence.
o Manpower and institutional development programs, such as the Engineering and Science Education
Program (ESEP) to produce more PhD graduates in science and engineering.
o Establishment of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead the country in different
research and development areas.
o Establishment of science and technology business centers to assist, advise, and incubate techno-
preneurship ventures.
o Strengthen science education at an early stage through the Philippine Science High School system.
In the field of education, several science-related programs and projects were created to develop the scientific
literacy of the country.
• Social science classes were organized and special science elementary established in different regions.
Aside from these, science and n basic education were continuously improved. The current K to 12
education programs included Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as one of
its major tracks in the senior high program to encourage more students to enroll in science-related
fields in college.
• Lately, the Commission on Higher Education launched its Philippine-California Advanced Research
Institutes (PICARI) Project to allow several higher education institutions in the Philippines and some
US based laboratories, research institutes, and universities to work on research and projects related
to science, agriculture, engineering, health, and technology. This project is hoped to strengthen the
STEM competitiveness of the country.
There are many other areas and fields that the country is looking forward to embark various research and
projects. The following are some of them:
1. Use of alternative and safe energy
2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 6 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
The Philippine Congress has also created various laws related to science and technology. These laws serve
as a legal framework for science and technology in the country. These laws vary according to different themes
such as: conservation, health-related, technology-building, and supporting basic research, among others.
Some laws and policies are in line with international treaties such as the United Nations (UN). United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other
international agencies.
As shown in the diagram, the development of policies in
science and technology is shaped or influenced by several
variables policies need to se aligned to national goals,
consider international commitments based on legal
frameworks, and respond to various social needs, issues,
and problems, Science and technology policies ensure that
the whole country and all people will experience the progress
that science can bring. Policies are guides to direct all alerts
to a goal of developing a scientifically advanced country
3.3. Famous Filipinos in the field of Science
School science is filled with names of foreign scientists: Einstein, Galileo Galilei. Newton. Faraday, Darwin,
and many other Western scientists. We rarely hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in science classes.
Lee Chua (2000) identified 10 outstanding Filipino scientists who have made significant contributions in
Philippine science. These scientists are also famous abroad especially in different science disciplines:
agriculture, mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, chemistry, engineering and biology.
The Filipino scientists are:
Ramon Cabanos Barba - for his outstanding research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes
Josefino Cacas Comiso - for his works on observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images
Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. - known internationally in the field of electrical engineering; was elected as officer of the
famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Lourdes Jansuy Cruz - notable for her research on sea snail venom
Fabian Millar Dayrit - for his research on herbal medicine.
Rafael Dineros Guerrero Ill - for his research on tilapia culture
Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. - for inventing the meconium drugs testing
Lilian Formalejo Patena - for doing research on plant biotechnology
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 7 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
Mari Jo Panganiban Ruiz - for being an outstanding educator and graph theorist.
Gregory Ligot Tangonan - for his research in the field of communications technology
There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who are recognized here and abroad for their outstanding
contributions in science;
Caesar A. Saloma - an internationally renowned physicist
Eduardo Gomez - famous scientist in marine science
William Padolina - chemistry and president of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-
Philippines
Angel Alcala - marine science
There are other scientists in the Philippines who were not identified in the list. Yet, the Philippines still need
more scientists and engineers, and there is a need to support
scientific research in the country. The University of the
Philippines-Los Baños is a science paradise for agriculture,
forestry, plant and animal science, and veterinary science. It
has produced numerous scientists and various research in the
fields mentioned. The University of the Philippines-Visayas is
also a national center for marine science, fisheries and other
related sciences. The University of the Philippines-Manila is a
center of excellence and has produced many researchers,
doctors, health professionals, and scientists in the area of
medical and public health The University of the Philippines-
Diliman also has established a national science and
engineering complex to develop more research and produce
more scientists and engineers in the country. The government
must find ways to establish more research laboratories and
research institutes. There is also a need to find ways on how
Factors that Influence the Development of Filipinos Scientist
their researches are disseminated to the public.
Many of these Filipino scientists are products of good school science. It means they were taught and inspired
by great teachers. Their interests in science started to manifest during their childhood years. Their natural
environment ignited their curiosity to learn more about the natural and physical environment. Schools and the
laboratories where they studied and worked nurtured this.
Many Filipino scientists, whether they are in the country or abroad, always excel in their job. The Filipino spirit
in their souls has never faded. They continue to bring honor to the country. They make ordinary things in an
extraordinary way. They are always at par with other scientists in spite of the limited facilities we have here in
the country.
Lesson Summary
Even before the time of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, various people and communities already
practiced science.
These are considered indigenous science, which is one of the foundations of modern science.
The growth of science and its development as a field in the country is a hybrid of indigenous and foreign
ideas. Spain and the United States, being the former colonial masters of the country, played an important
role in building the foundation of science in the Philippines.
To further strengthen the science program in the Philippines, the government establishes various science
programs, policies, and projects.
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 8 of 9
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.:FISH- STS-1ST SEM-2022-2023
Through the years, may Filipinos were able to establish themselves as scientists and science educators
in various scientific areas and fields.
Finally, the demands of globalization, especially the ASEAN economic agenda,prompted the Philippines
VII. ASSIGNMENT
Make a creative graphic representation ether in a form of a table/Venn Diagram/concept map etc. of the
significant contributions of the Spaniards and Americans to the development of STS in the Philippines.
VIII. EVALUATION
A. Identify 1 more Filipino scientist not mentioned above. Research on his/her contribution in the field of
Science. Discuss what made him/her pursue a career in science. (5 points)
B. Answer the following questions:
1. Identify several issues in the Philippines. What S & T related policies could be developed and
implemented to solve these issues?
2. Assess the implementation of some science and technology policies and projects in the country.
Suggest ways and means of improving its implementation or suggest new policies you think can
improve S & T in the Philippines.
REFERENCES
Serafica, Janice Patria et.al. (2017) Science, Technology and Society. Rex Printing Company Inc.
Quezon City
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1372/a-small-collection-of-fernando-amorsolos-paintings
https://pensievemindniche.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/planting-rice-1951-by-fernando-amorsolo/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/363665738659699545/
https://filipiknow.net/facts-about-pre-colonial-philippines/
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.slidesharecdn.com%2Fphilippinehist
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%2F201363-3504x2336-filipinofestival.jpg
https://www.bioversityinternational.org/news/detail/plowing-with-buffaloes-in-the-philippines-an-
interview-withone-of-the-photo-contest-winners/
https://www.pinterest.ph/panteii/filipino-weapons/
http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/an-ilongot-murder-mystery
https://gutomna.com/filipino-culture-traditions/
http://arttistik.blogspot.com/2014/01/ancient-artifacts-found-in-philippines.html
https://www.filipiknow.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Manunggul-Jar.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ph/Clickerheels/filipinism/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/507640189231488638/
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/224476362649230484/
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/749216087980651176/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clw5rCDKqjA
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/featured/third-republic/
https://niemanreports.org/articles/an-orgy-of-mass-murder-in-a-new-book-james-m-scott-nf-07-
investigatesworld-war-ii-atrocities-in-the-philippines/
https://businessdiary.com.ph/14617/philippines-to-revive-garlic-production-asplant-breeders-use-tissue-
culture-to-boost-garlic-production/
http://mangoworldmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/08/dr-ramon-barba-science-against-all-odds.html
https://www.asianscientist.com/2016/05/features/8-scientists-philippines-research-and-development-
stem/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbleP4nn3Fg
https://philippines1900.tumblr.com/post/264595846/education-as-a-colonial-tool
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/470133648572981033/
https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/history-of-education-in-the-philippines
https://ericpgranada.wordpress.com/2015/05/
http://www.pinoystop.org/14-september-1815/
Prepared by:
STS Instructors/Professors from the CAS – Natural Sciences Department
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 9 of 9
