Act # 5: The Philippine Government Science and Technology Agenda

Summary

In an interview with students from Buena Vista Community College, the discussion revolves around the impact of colonization on the development of science and technology in the Philippines. The students agree that colonizers, particularly the Spanish, introduced formal education and scientific institutions, which significantly contributed to the growth of science in the country. They also acknowledge the pre-colonial practices of the Filipinos in agriculture and medicine, indicating an early understanding of science and technology.

Takeaways

• 📚 The interviewees are students from Buena Vista Community College pursuing Bachelor of Science and Education major in English.
• 🌏 The main topic of discussion is the Philippine government's Science and Technology agenda.
• 🏛️ The interviewees believe that colonizers, particularly the Spanish, brought science to the Philippines, influencing the country's development.
• 🏗️ Science has contributed to modern infrastructure and advancements in the Philippines, as evidenced by the interviewees.
• 📚 The Spanish colonization is credited with introducing formal education and establishing scientific institutions in the Philippines.
• 🌱 Prior to Spanish colonization, indigenous Filipinos were already practicing science and technology, such as in agriculture and medicine.
• 🏫 The University of Santo Tomas, founded during the Spanish era, is highlighted as an important institution that contributed to the growth of science.
• 🔬 The beginnings of modern science and technology in the Philippines are traced back to the Spanish regime, which established schools, hospitals, and scientific research.
• 📈 The Spanish influence led to the rise of various professions in the Philippines, marking a significant shift in the country's development.
• 🤝 The interviewees express gratitude for the opportunity to share their views on the historical and current role of science and technology in the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the general belief about the introduction of science to the Philippines?

The general belief is that colonizers, particularly the Spanish, brought science to the Philippines, which is evident in the country's infrastructure and development.

How did the Spanish colonization impact the growth of science in the Philippines?

Spanish colonization introduced formal education and founded scientific institutions, which contributed to the growth of science and technology in the Philippines.

What is the role of the University of Santo Tomas in the history of science in the Philippines?

The University of Santo Tomas, established during the Spanish colonial period, played a significant role in the introduction and development of science and higher education in the Philippines.

Can you provide an example of pre-colonial scientific knowledge in the Philippines?

An example of pre-colonial scientific knowledge is the construction of the Rice Terraces and the understanding of the therapeutic properties of plants by indigenous Filipinos.

How did the Spanish influence the formal education system in the Philippines?

The Spanish introduced formal education by establishing schools and universities, which laid the foundation for the country's educational system and the advancement of science.

What were some of the early scientific institutions founded by the Spanish in the Philippines?

The Spanish founded scientific institutions such as schools and hospitals, which were crucial in starting scientific research and professional development in the country.

How did the colonizers contribute to the modernization of science and technology in the Philippines?

Colonizers, through the establishment of educational and research institutions, contributed to the modernization of science and technology by introducing new knowledge and practices.

What is the significance of the Spanish regime in the development of modern science in the Philippines?

The Spanish regime marked the beginning of modern science and technology in the Philippines by establishing schools, hospitals, and initiating scientific research.

How did the introduction of science by colonizers affect the indigenous practices of the Filipinos?

The introduction of science by colonizers led to the integration of new knowledge with indigenous practices, resulting in a blend of traditional and modern approaches to various fields.

What are some of the long-term consequences of the Spanish introduction of science and technology in the Philippines?

Long-term consequences include the establishment of a formal education system, the rise of various professions, and the continued development of science and technology in the country.

How do the interviewees perceive the current state of science and technology in the Philippines in relation to its colonial past?

The interviewees perceive that the current state of science and technology in the Philippines is a result of the foundational work laid by colonizers, with continuous evolution and adaptation over time.