The History of Science and Technology in the Philippines | Online Class Edition

Summary

This video explores the rich history of science and technology in the Philippines, from pre-Spanish times with innovations like the Banaue Rice Terraces, to Spanish colonial advancements in education and engineering. It highlights the American period's focus on agriculture and medicine, and the post-Commonwealth era's emphasis on applied science. The Marcos era saw significant funding for science education, while the Aquino and Arroyo presidencies furthered tech advancements and honored scientific contributions, setting a foundation for the country's progress.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Pre-Spanish Period: Filipinos were engaged in activities like weaving, shipbuilding, mining, and farming, leading to early engineering feats like the Banaue Rice Terraces.
• 🌿 Herbal Medicine: During the pre-colonial era, Filipinos also practiced herbal medicine and developed an alphabet, counting methods, and a lunar-based calendar.
• 📚 Spanish Colonial Period: Formal education was introduced, and institutions like the University of Santo Tomas were established, with contributions to engineering through infrastructure development.
• 🚢 Galleon Trade: The Spanish period saw significant economic activity through the galleon trade, which also spurred technological advancements.
• 🌱 American Period: Science and technology were further introduced, with a focus on agriculture, food processing, medicine, and pharmacy.
• 🏛️ Bureau of Government Laboratories: Established on July 1, 1901, under the American administration, marking a formal approach to scientific research.
• 💼 Marcos Era: During Ferdinand Marcos's presidency, science was prioritized, with increased funding for applied science and education.
• 🏫 Post-Martial Law: The Fifth Republic saw the creation of numerous organizations to implement science and technology initiatives.
• 🎓 Scholarships: Under Corazon Aquino, the government provided scholarships to encourage students to pursue science and technology courses.
• 🌐 Internet Age: President Joseph Estrada's term focused on advancing schools and industry through the internet.
• 🏅 Golden Age: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's presidency was marked as the golden age for science and technology in the Philippines.
• 🔬 Recognition of Scientists: Benigno Aquino IV's term saw the honoring of four scientists for their contributions to the field.

Q & A

When did science and technology first start in the Philippines?

Science and technology in the Philippines first started during the pre-Spanish period, with traces found in archaeological finds.

What are some examples of early Filipino engineering?

Early Filipinos created the Banaue Rice Terraces, which are considered one of the first products of engineering.

How did Filipinos contribute to medicine during the pre-Spanish period?

Filipinos engaged in herbal medicine during the pre-Spanish period, which was part of their early scientific knowledge.

What was the impact of the Spanish colonial period on science and technology in the Philippines?

During the Spanish colonial period, formal education was introduced, and scientific institutions like the University of Santo Tomas were established.

What role did the galleon trade play in the Philippine colonial economy?

The galleon trade accounted for the Philippine colonial economy due to the prospects of having big profits, indicating its importance in the era.

When was the Bureau of Government Laboratories established in the Philippines?

The Bureau of Government Laboratories was established on July 1, 1901, during the American period.

How did President Ferdinand Marcos contribute to the advancement of science and technology in the Philippines?

President Marcos gave importance to science, recognized technology as a top reason for economic development, and provided extra funds to support projects in applied science and science education.

What significant change occurred in the Philippine science and technology sector during Corazon Aquino's presidency?

During Corazon Aquino's presidency, the National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and scholarships were provided for students interested in science and technology courses.

What advancements were made in the Philippines during President Joseph Estrada's term?

President Joseph Estrada's term saw the push for the Internet age to advance schools and industry.

Who is considered to have brought the golden age of science and technology in the Philippines?

Science and technology reached its golden age under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

What recognition was given to Filipino scientists during President Benigno Aquino III's term?

During President Benigno Aquino III's term, four scientists were given honor for their contributions to the scientific field that geared towards the advancement of science and technology in the country.