OVERVIEW

This module introduces students to the study of Science, Technology and Society (STS) beginning with
the general concepts and its historical development. It also covers the impact of science and technology and
their interactions within various social contexts, with emphasis on the role of science and technology in
Philippine nation building.
This module is composed of four lessons:
Lesson 1: Introduction to Science, Technology and Society
Lesson 2: Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology
Lesson 3: Intellectual Revolutions and Society
Lesson 4: Science and Technology and Nation Building

LESSON 1 : INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. discuss the general concepts related to science and technology;
2. explain the scope of the study of STS;
3. illustrate diagrams showing the interconnections and relations between science, technology and society
4. manifest appreciation on the importance of science, technology and society by citing real-life applications
related to them.

DIAGNOSTICS

Before we discuss the introduction to STS, let us do first this activity.

DIRECTION: On the space provided, write TRUE if the statement is correct or FALSE if it is not.
TRUE 1. Science and technology can be dangerous to mankind.
FALSE 2. Technology can advance on its own without the help of the people in the society.
TRUE 3. Science and technology can be dangerous.
TRUE 4. Science, Technology and Society (STS)is the study of how science and technology shape and are
shaped by social influences.
FALSE 5. STS deals with the historical development of science and technology but does not cover their
philosophical underpinnings.
FALSE 6. The study of STS primarily concerns students of science and technology programs, and not non-
science students as much.
TRUE 7. STS is an important area of study because science and technology permeate every aspect of everyday
life.
TRUE 8. Science and technology are crucial factors in nation building.
FALSE 9. History cannot teach people about evaluating present-day science and technology.
TRUE 10. STS draws from other disciplines such as history, sociology, philosophy, economics, political
science and international relations, and science policy.

DISCUSSION

Before we proceed to the introduction of STS, let us first have the definition of the three main components of
this course; Science, Technology and Society.

SCIENCE
• Science comes from the Latin word scientia meaning knowledge.
• Science refers to a systematic and methodical activity of organizing knowledge about how the universe
behaves through observation, experimentation or both.
• According to the famous American science historian John Heilborn:
“Modern science is a discovery as well as an invention.”
Science required invention to devise techniques, abstractions, apparatuses and organization to
describe regularities in nature.

TECHNOLOGY
• Technology is the application of scientific knowledge and principles to produce services, materials,
tools and machines aimed at solving real-world problems.

• According to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook:

“What defines a technological tool is something that takes a human’s sense or ability and augments it
and makes it more powerful. So, for example, I wear contact lenses or glasses; that is a technology that
enhances my human ability of vision and makes it better.”
SOCIETY
• A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group
sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant
cultural expectations.

• The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

Each one of us belong to a society. Each of us has our own role on improving our way of living in
the society we belong.

DO YOU AGREE?
Do you agree or not agree on this statement? Write your opinion below.
The generation of human today lives more productive and more exciting than their predecessors. This
generation’s children and the children of their children can have even better lives that this generation already
have.
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These three components of STS will be the main areas of discussion for this course. You will discover
how these three plays their role in our everyday life and how they are related and benefitting each other.

IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (STS)

Technology, science and knowledge are important in modern contemporary society. Essential questions
include the following: How does science and technology produce new products, new ways of understanding,
new ways of living and new institutions? Why is new technology and knowledge so fundamental to us in the
ways through which we imagine the future?
Technology, knowledge and science are fundamental in modern contemporary society. The
understanding of how social, cultural and material elements influence the production of new practices, new
ways of understanding and new institutions is vital in our understanding of contemporary postmodern society.
Studies of technology and science provides students with insight into how different processes of knowledge are
initiated and progressed, and how innovative technological processes are developed, employed and increase in
importance.
Studies of technology and science gives insight into the understanding and knowledge of technology,
science and knowledge from the viewpoint of the humanities and the social sciences. Throughout the course of
study students will become familiar with amendments of social and cultural analyses of modern science and
technology in interaction with social, political, economic and cultural processes of change.
In this manner, students will be provided with the academic basis for working with detailed analyses of
different forms of technologies and processes of knowledge, within business life/industry and commerce,
research and research-related work, political development, management of knowledge and innovation.
 SHARE YOUR INSIGHT

Share your insight on the importance of Science, Technology and Society to your course. How do you
think this subject will help you in your future career?

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ACTIVITY 1 REFLECTION TASK

Instruction: On the space below, paste a picture or a photograph that depicts an issue or problem in science and
technology. Then, answer the question that follow.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. What is the issue or problem depicted in the photograph?

The photograph depicts social media misuse which abuses the technology.

2. How does this particular issue or problem impact the well-being of human today?

One of the biggest problems with social media is its proclivity for allowing abuse and harassment. Many people
experience some variation of cyberbullying or harassment from individuals intentionally trying to make them
feel bad. Those who aren’t direct targets can still be negatively affected by slurs and offensive language used by
other users in public comment feeds.

3. Why is it important for people to study and learn about STS as an academic field, especially in addressing the
issue or problem depicted in the photograph?
Studies of technology and science provides students with insight into how different processes of knowledge are
initiated and progressed, and how innovative technological processes are developed, employed and increase in
importance.
LESSON 2 : HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/msts

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. discuss the historical antecedents of science and technology across time;
2. explain how Philippine scientific and technological inventions shaped and were shaped by various social
contexts;
3. illustrate your own idea of an invention that can be of help to solve current issues and problems of the
society today;
4. value the efforts of the scientists and experts in the improvements and advancements of our technology by
writing a short appreciation letter.

DIAGNOSTICS

Watch a video titled “The Big History of Modern Science”. Afterwards, write a short essay on the topic,
“Why is it important to study the history of Science and Technology?”.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcWsjlGPPFQ

History opens out when you start to challenge the sequences of events you take for given as 'fact'. So studying
the history of science and technology could even be more than just a real “fact”.
You have to first break away from the idea of history being about 'what definitely happened'. That alone is
essentially just facts, names and figures and tells you precious little. What you want is to analyze causality.
Why, given all this evidence, did someone do X when Y was more in tune with their thinking?
The scientific method is what allows science to develop successfully and to be put to practical use. Thus, it is
not enough for trainee scientists to gain a knowledge of what has already been scientifically established; they
have above all to gain an understanding of the methods which will permit them to establish new truths and to
envisage new technological applications of what they already know. This means developing a certain mentality,
which we can call the scientific mind. A person with a scientific mind will know how to make the most of his
rational gifts, yet at the same time be able to evaluate critically the use which he does in fact make of them. This
is the background to the remarks I shall be making about intellectual formation. There is one point in particular
which needs to be stressed, namely the place which history must have in the teaching of science. The history of
science is a branch of history which should not be neglected.
 DISCUSSION

ANTECEDENTS
 It is defined as a precursor to the unfolding or existence of something.

 Antecedents of science and technology are factors that paved way for the presence of advanced and
sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today.

 We can use the historical developments of science and technology to come up with proper decisions and
applications of science and technology to daily life.

The historical antecedents of science and technology is divided into three major eras: the ancient, the middle
age and the modern age.

Figure 1. The Historical

Antecedents of Science and
Technology

THE ANCIENT PERIOD

 Ancient civilization paved the way for advances in science and technology.

 These advances during the ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by finding better ways of
communication, transportation, self-organization and ways of living.

1. ANCIENT WHEEL

 People from ancient civilization used animals as

means of transportation long before the invention
of the wheel.
 It grew out from a mechanical device called
the “potter’s wheel” – a heavy flat disk which is
spun horizontally on an axis.
 The Sumerians invented the potter’s wheel after
 3500 BC thus, the invention of the wheel is credited
To them.
Figure 2. The Ancient Wheel

2. PAPER

 Around 3000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians

began writing on a papyrus, a material
similar to a thick paper.
 Papyrus is made up of the pith of the plant
called Cyperus papyrus.
 Before the invention of the papyrus, writing
Was done on stones
 With the invention of the paper, record-keeping
and documentation became efficient, wide-spread
and vast which also hastens information
dissemination during those times. Figure 3. Egyptian Papyrus

3. SHADOOF

 A tool used and invented by ancient Egyptians

to irrigate land.
 It is a hand-operated device used for lifting water.
 Its invention introduced the idea of lifting things
using counterweights.

Figure 4. Shadoof
4. ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM

 Discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the

waters of Antikythera, Greece.
 It is a mechanism similar to a clock for it has
a circular face and rotating hands.
 It is believed that this mechanism is used to
predict astronomical positions and eclipses.
 It is believed that this mechanism is the oldest
Known antecedent of modern clockwork invented Figure 5. Antikythera Mechanism
By Greek scientists 150-100 BC.

5. AEOPILE

 It is also known as the Hero’s engine and is believed

To be the antecedent of the modern steam engines.
 It is a steam-powered turbine which spins as the
 water container at its center is heated.
 At first, it doesn’t serve any practical purpose.
It is believed to be one of the “temple wonders”
at that time.

Figure 6. Aeolipile

THE MIDDLE AGE

 The major advances in scientific and technological development took place in this period, the middle
ages.
 These advancements include constant increase if new inventions, innovations in traditional production
and the emergence of scientific thinking and method.

1. HEAVY PLOUGH

 Perhaps one of the most important technological

innovations during the middle ages is the invention
of the heavy plough.
 Because of the invention of heavy plough,
northern Europe saw rapid economic prosperity.
 According to Thomas Andersen of the University
of Denmark, “The heavy plough turned European
agriculture and economy on its head. The fields
with heavy, fatty soil became those that gave
the greatest yields.” Figure 7. Heavy Plough
2. GUNPOWDER

 Around 850 A.D., Chinese alchemists accidentally

invented the gunpowder.
 Prior to the invention of gunpowder, swords and
spears were used in battles and wars.
 The invention of gunpowder has allowed
advanced warfare such as fiery arrows, cannons
and grenades
Figure 8. Gunpowder

3. PAPER MONEY

 Paper money was first used by Chinese in 17th century.

 Before the introduction of paper money, merchants
and traders used precious metals such as gold and silver.
 The use of these paper many ease the burden of
merchants and traders because it is easier to transport
 compared to other currencies.

Figure 9. Paper Money

4. MECHANICAL CLOCK

 The development of mechanical clock helped the

people in accurately keeping the track of time.
 The sophistication of clockwork technology drastically
changed the way of spending the day and work patterns
were established.

Figure 10. Mechanical

Clock

5. SPINNING WHEEL

 A machine used to transform fiber into thread or

yarn and eventually woven into cloth.
 It is theorized that the Indians are the one invented
the spinning wheel between 6th and 11th century.
 It sped up the rate of manually spinning fiber by 10 to
100 times.

Figure 11. Spinning Wheel

THE MODERN AGE

 Historical period when people realized the importance of the efficiency of transportation,
communication and production.
 Industrialization took place but with greater risk on human health, food safety and environment.
1. COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

 Invented by a Dutch Zacharias Janssen in 1590’s.

 Together with his father, they try to experiment by
putting several lenses on a tube.
 This led to a discovery that an object placed at the end
of the tube can be magnified larger compared to
a simple magnifying lens.
 His invention was an important progression to the
compound microscope which we are using nowadays. Figure 12. Janssen’s
Compound Microscope

2. TELESCOPE

 Invented by Galileo Galilei that can magnify 20 times

 larger than a regular glasses.
 It is one of the most important invention in the study of
astronomy during the modern age.
 Galileo’s discovery made clear that the universe is far
larger than they imagine.

Figure 13. Galileo’s Telescope

3. JACQUARD LOOM

 Built by French weaver Joseph Marie Jacquard

which simplifies textile manufacturing.
• Prior to this invention, a draw loom is used which
requires two persons to operate. This invention can
be operated by one person which further simplified
textile manufacturing.

Figure 14. Jacquard Loom

4. ENGINE-POWERED AIRPLANE

 Invented and designed by Wright brothers,

Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright.
 They demonstrated that slightly-tilted wings
are the key features of a powered aircraft.
 Their discovery paved way to the comprehensive
understanding of the aerodynamics and how
aircraft wings work.

Figure 12. Wright brothers’

Engine-powered airplane

5. TELEVISION

 Invented by Scottish engineer John Logie Baird

in 1920s.
 He televised objects in outline in 1924, human faces
In 1925, moving objects in 1926 and colored images
in 1928.
 British Broadcasting Corporation used this for its
earliest television programming in 1929.
 This first television is mechanical and not the same
as the television we have nowadays.
 Figure 13. Baird’s
Mechanical Television

INVENTIONS BY FILIPINO SCIENTISTS

Aside from these inventions, the Philippines boasts of its own history of tradition of scientific and
technological innovations. Most of these inventions appealed to the unique social and cultural context of the
archipelagic nation. Filipinos are responsible for developing many scientific and technological innovations
focused on transportation, textiles, food processing, indigenous arts and techniques and even cultural
inventions.

Here are some of the most important inventions by Filipino scientists.

1. ELECTRONIC JEEPNEY (e-Jeepney)

 The e-jeepney was first introduced in Manila

And Bacolod City.
 The e-jeepney is the inventive response to the
problem caused by traditional jeepney such as
noise and air pollution.
 E-jeepney are designed to be environmental
friendly, eliminating noise and air pollution as they
run on electricity. Figure 14. E-Jeepney
2. ERYTHROMYCIN

 Invented by Ilonggo scientist

Abelardo Aguilar out of strain of bacterium
Streptomyces erythreus.
 It is an anti-biotic which prevents the growth
of bacteria and prevent infection.

Figure 15. Erythromycin

3. MEDICAL INCUBATOR

 A world-renowned Filipino pediatrician and national

scientist Fe Del Mundo is credited for the invention of
incubator.
 She is also credited for inventing the medicine for
jaundice.
 It addresses the needs of the rural communities of the
Philippines without electricity which needs aid in
regulation of body temperature among newly-born
babies.
Figure 16. Modern Incubator

4. MOLE REMOVER

 Rolando Dela Cruz is credited for the invention of

a product that can remove unwanted moles and
 warts from the skin.
 This mole-removal method doesn’t need surgical
Procedures.
 His commercial product invention made use of
extract of cashew nuts (Annacardium occidentale)
which is very common in the Philippines.
 His invention is also highlighted for its accessibility,
affordability, and painless and scarless procedure. Figure 17. Rolando Dela Cruz and
his Mole Remover

5. BANANA CATSUP

 A Filipino food technologist, Maria Orosa, invented

This variety of catsup out of bananas.
 She invented this during World War II as there was
shortage of tomatoes during that time.
 This variation of catsup has a brownish-yellow color
but dyed with red to resemble catsup’s original
color.
Figure 18. Banana Catsup

SHARE YOUR INSIGHT

Do a simple research about the other Filipino inventions that had a great impact in the advancement of
science and technology. Identify the scientist behind this invention and search on how his/her invention can be
of help to the society.

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Name of the Inventor: ___________________________________________________

A photo of his/her invention:

ACTIVITY 2 IF I WERE AN INVENTOR..

INSTRUCTION: In this lesson, you learned that necessity is the mother of inventions and innovations.
Inventions are not simply made, but are motivated by various social, political, cultural and economic contexts.
In this task, you will answer the question: “If you were an inventor, what would you invent? Consider an
invention that is not invented yet but possible to be invented in the near future. On the space below, sketch a
draft of your invention and answer the questions that follows.

GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your invention? What does it do?

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2. How is your invention similar or different from the existing tools and technologies in terms of function?

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3. Why is there a need for this invention? How will this invention make the world a better place to live in?
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ACTIVITY 3 THANK YOU, INVENTORS!

INSTRUCTION: Most of the gadgets and tools that we have right now are products of the hardwork and
dedication of the inventors and scientists. We can say that we are now living in an easy and comfortable life
because of these inventions and discoveries. As a simple way of appreciation to the scientists’ efforts on
inventions and innovations, write a short message of thanks to them for without their efforts, we do not live in
the way we are living right now. Write your message on the space below.

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LESSON 3 : INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS AND SOCIETY

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. identify the intellectual revolutions that shaped society across time;
2. explain how intellectual revolutions transformed the views of society about dominant scientific thought; and
3. manifest the value of appreciation of the people behind these intellectual revolutions and their contributions
to the shape of society.

DIAGNOSTICS

INSTRUCTIONS: On the space provided, write TRUE if the statement is correct or FALSE if it is not.

TRUE1. An intellectual revolution emerges as a result of the interaction of man and society.
TRUE2. Intellectual revolutions are necessary in understanding how society is transformed by science and
technology.
FALSE3. Intellectual revolutions are often met with huge support and general acceptance.
TRUE4. Intellectual revolutions shape science and technology but spare society from its influence.
TRUE5. The Copernican revolution introduces the concept of geocentrism.
FALSE6. According to Copernicus, the sun is the center of the solar system.
TRUE7. The Darwinian Revolution changed the way people understood nature and evolution.
FALSE8. Charles Darwin received huge support from the church.
TRUE9. Sigmund Freud introduced scientific approaches to understanding of the human subconscious.
TRUE10. The Freudian Revolution was, in itself, controversial and met with resistance from the society.

DISCUSSION

THE INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS

 Intellectual revolutions refer to the series of events that led to the emergence of modern science and the
progress of scientific thinking across critical periods in history.

 The three major intellectual revolutions in the history that altered the way humans view science are:
Copernican, Darwinian, Freudian
  According to Jean Sylvain Bailley (1976), these scientific revolutions involved two-stage process:

*sweeping away the old and

*establishing the new

 It can be also noted as paradigm shift. These shifts resulted from a renewed and enlightened
understanding of how the universes behaves and functions. They challenged long-held views about nature of
the universe. Thus, these revolutions were often met with huge resistance and controversy.

THE COPERNICAN REVOLUTION

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)

 A Polish mathematician and astronomer who

formulated the heliocentric model of the universe.

• He introduced the heliocentric model in a

40-page outline entitled Commentariolus.

• In his model, Copernicus repositioned the Earth

from the center of the Solar System and introduced
the idea that the Earth rotates on its axis.

Figure 1. Nicolaus Copernicus

Figure 2. The Geocentric Vs. The Heliocentric Model of the Solar System
 Ptolemy is an astronomer and a mathematician and he is the proponent of the geocentric model of the solar
system. He believed that the Earth is the center of the universe and the sun, moon and other planets revolve
around it.

 Copernicus introduced the idea of the heliocentric model of the solar system wherein the sun is at the
center of the solar system and the earth rotates on its own axis. The Earth, together with other heavenly
bodies revolves around the sun.

 This idea of Copernicus was not easily believed by the society. His model met huge resistance especially
from the Church and accused Copernicus of heresy.

 The heliocentric model was soon accepted by the other scientists of that time with the help of the ideas and
discoveries of other scientists most profoundly by Galileo Galilei.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE COPERNICAN REVOLUTION

 It marked the beginning of modern astronomy.

 It served as a catalyst to sway scientific thinking away from age-long views about the position of the
Earth.

 It paved way to the discovery of other planets and more understanding of the universe.

THE DARWINIAN REVOLUTION

Charles Darwin(1809-1882)

 An English naturalist, geologist and biologist best

known for his contribution on evolution.

 His book entitled On the Origin of Species was

published in 1859 which contains theories of
evolution with compelling evidences.

 It began an intellectual revolution also

known as Darwinian Revolution.

Figure 3. Charles Darwin

 During his time, he studied and gathered evidences pointing to what is now known as
natural selection.

 Natural selection is an evolutionary process by which organisms, including humans, inherit, develop and
adapt traits that favors survival and reproduction.
 These traits are manifested in offspring that are more fit and well-suited to the challenges of survival and
reproduction.

 Same as Copernicus’ theory, Darwin’s theory of evolution met resistance and considered to be
controversial.

THE NATURAL SELECTION

 Charles Darwin studied finches as one of his evidences to support his theory of natural selection.

 The species of finches in Galapagos archipelago have different shape and forms of beaks.

Figure 4. Species of Finches in Galapagos Archipelago

 In his theory, these finches evolved and have different shapes of beaks depending on the food available
where it lives. Finches need to adapt to their environment to be able to survive. The forms and
characteristics of the species that adapted to its environment were passed on to its offspring.
 Figure 5. Finches’ beaks depend on the food available on its environment

Figure 6. The Theory of Natural Selection Explained

 Figure 6 also explains how natural selection work. Since only the tan mice survives over time, the
population of white mice were not able to reproduce, thus variation of white mice will become extinct in the
near future.

THE FREUDIAN REVOLUTION

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

 An Austrian neurologist and the founder of

psychoanalysis and was a revolutionary in his way
of seeing humans and our minds.
 Psychoanalysis is a method of understanding inner
and unconscious conflicts embedded within one’s
personality.

 Freud pointed out that inside each of us, there’s a

side we can’t access directly or in a conscious way,
the unconscious.
Figure 7. Sigmund Freud

 Freud’s psychoanalysis immediately shot into controversy for it emphasized the existence of the
unconscious where feelings, thoughts, urges, emotion and memories are contained
of one’s conscious mind. Psychoanalytic concepts of psychosexual development, libido and ego were met
with both support and resistance from many scholars.

 Amidst these controversies, Freud’s psychoanalysis is widely credited for dominating psychotherapeutic
practice in the early 20th century.

SHARE YOUR INSIGHT

Among the three intellectual revolutions discussed, which of them you found most interesting? Do
additional research about the intellectual revolution you chose and share some of your insights about it.

I found Freudian revolution the most interest because it has something to do with how one’s mind works. He
gave out different theories in an attempt of understanding and treating people with mental illnesses. It appears to
me that Freudian revolution is not only driven out of curiosity but also of helping other people unlike the two
other intellectual revolutions which was only focused on how the world began. Freudian revolution can and is
already being used up to this day which means his theory did not only end when people believed him but it will
also prosper even in the future.

ACTIVITY 4 METACOGNITIVE READING REPORT

INSTRUCTION: You are going to read articles about intellectual revolutions. Choose 1 among the three
articles and answer the Metacognitive Reading Report after.

 Chapters 5-7 of Thomas S. Khun’s The Copernican Revolution

 Tim M. Berra’s Charles Darwin’s Paradigm Shift

 George J. Makari’s Revolution of Mind: The Creation of Psychoanalysis

1. Difficult Concepts (3)

 a. Retrograde Motion
b. Nicholas of Cusa’s vision of the infinite universe
c. Corpuscular Universes

2. Learning Insights (2)

a. Before reading the article, I thought that

Galilei was one of the scientists in the era of Copernican Revolution who accepted the heliocentric model

However, after reading the article, I now think/learn that

I now think/realize that during this era, a lot of ideas emerged as what I have mentioned above. The
theory of Infinite Universe is also one of the many ideas from the Copernican Revolution. This idea is a
theory made due to the belief that the sun is only one of the billion of different stars and the earth is just a
speck in the universe.
b. Before reading the article, I thought that
the Copernican Revolution has only contributed regarding the universe
However, after reading the article, I now think/learn that
I now think/realize that the Copernican Revolution contributed in the modern technology. Perhaps, it
was marked as the beginning of modern technology. It was also marked as a turning point in studying
cosmology and astronomy. An example of this is the celestial bodies that people knew before were only
the sun and the stars because these can be seen with the naked eye. Not until telescopes were invented
more than half a century after the death of Copernicus. Additionally, comets got considered as celestial
bodies after the Copernican Revolution.

3. Discussion Question (any question related to the article for discussion) (1)

How did scientists during the 16th century discovered that the planets revolved around the sun or
the earth?

LESSON 4 : SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION BUILDING

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. identify the contributions of the Filipino scientists in science and technology;
2. enumerate critical points in the history of science and technology in the Philippines and how these
developments affected society and the environment; and
3. manifest the value of appreciation of the Filipino inventors and their contribution in the development of
science and technology in the Philippines.

DIAGNOSTICS

INSTRUCTIONS: Given the list of Filipino scientists below, search on their major contributions in the field of
science and technology. Write your answer on the space provided.

Invented the formula for producing a pure kind of

 1. Anacleto Del Rosario alcohol from tuba in a nipa palm.

Pioneer in the study of Philippine medicinal

2. Francisco Quisumbing plants where he made tremendous contribution.

 The first two-way video telephone.

3. Gregorio Zara

 Research in alternative fuel. 

4. Julian Banzon

He was a doctor whose greatest accomplishment

5. Manuel Guerrero was his unanimous appointment by the National
Constituent Convention in 1904 to be the first
president of Panama, once the independence from
Colombia was achieved.
With these came its contribution to Philippine art
6. Ignacio Mercado history: botanical illustrations in colored
lithographs, created by 17 artists, 12 of whom
were Filipinos.

His study of Father Murillo Velarde's map of the

7. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera Philippines.

Inventing a way to induce more flowers in mango

8. Ramon Barba trees using ethrel and potassium nitrate.

It has been reported that Agapito Flores received

9. Agapito Flores a French patent for a fluorescent bulb and that
the General Electric Company bought Flores'
patent rights and manufactured and sold his
fluorescent bulb (making millions from it).
Developed enriched rice, a rice variety fortified
10. Juan Salcedo Jr. with Vitamin B1 that helps prevent beriberi.

DISCUSSION

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE

DIFFERENT SEGMENTS OF PHILIPPINE SOCIETY
This lesson situates science, technology and society in the context of how Philippines’ nation was built.
This traces the historical development of science and technology on the different segments of Philippine
society. This will also highlight the contributions of Filipino scientists to science and technology. This will help
you to understand the importance of science and technology as a tool for nation building.
THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
IN THE PHILIPPINES

Figure 1. Flow-chart of the different segments on Philippine society

Figure 1 shows the timeline of the different segments in Philippine society. There are three major
periods namely the pre-colonial times, the Spanish colonial period and the American colonial period. After
these colonializations, the Philippines had its own republic and this is divided into a number or regimes under
different presidents.

THE PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Science and technology in the Philippines had its beginnings as early as pre-colonial period, the time
before Spaniards cam to the Philippines. Here are some of the highlights on how science and technology started:

 People during the pre-colonial period uses herbal medicine to treat illness.

 The first livelihood skills developed among Filipinos were farming, fishing, mining and weaving.

 One of the techniques used by the Filipinos in farming is terracing. This method of livelihood resulted in
majestic architectural designs that even considered as one of the wonders of the world.
 Figure 2. Herbal Medicines Figure 3. Banaue Rice Terraces

THE SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD (1565–1898)

The Spanish colonial period in the Philippines was the period during which the Philippines were part of
the Spanish Empire from 1565 to 1898. Here are some of the developments in science and technology in the
Philippines during that time:

 During the Spanish colonial period, science and technology developed through the establishment of formal
education institutions. Schools were mandated to teach religion, mathematics, reading and writing, music
and arts and health and sanitation.

 Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and training institutions.

 Since agriculture was the major livelihood of Filipinos, they were trained to use innovative approaches in
farming.

 Construction of buildings, churches, bridges roads and the field of engineering was also introduced to
Filipinos.

THE AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1898–1946)

The American colonial period in the Philippines was from 1565 to 1898. Here are some of the
developments in science and technology in the Philippines during that time:

 Bureau of Government Laboratories (Figure 4) was established for the purpose of studying tropical
diseases and pursuing other research projects.

 In 1905, this was changed to Bureau of Science, the main research center of the Philippines. Eventually, it
was replaced by Institute of Science in 1946.

 In 1933, the National Research Council of the Philippines (Figure 5) was established which is focused on
agriculture, medicine and pharmacy, food processing and forestry.

Figure 4. Bureau of Government Laboratories Figure 5. National Research Council of the Philippines

FERDINAND MARCOS REGIME (1965 – 1986)

 The role of science and technology in
national development was emphasized.

 He mandated the Department of Education,

Culture and Sports (DECS) now known as
Department of Education (DepEd) to promote
science courses in high school.

 Additional budget for research project and science

education was granted by Marcos.

 A 35-hectare lot in Bicutan, Taguig was proclaimed

in 1968 as the Philippines Science Community, now the
site of Department of Science and Technology. Figure 6. Ferdinand Marcos
• The Philippine Coconut Research Institute (PHILCORIN) was established and tasked to promote the
modernization of coconut industry.

• Several agencies were established:

- Philippine Textile Research Institute

- Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (Philippine Nuclear Institute)
- National Grains Authority (National Food Authority)
- Philippine Council for Agricultural Research (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural
Resources Research and Development)
- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
- Philippine National Oil Company
- Plant Breeding Institute
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
- Bureau of Plant Industry
- Bureau of Forest Products
- National Committee on Geological Sciences

 In 1976, Marcos established the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). It served as the
reservoir of scientific and technological expertise in the Philippines.

 Philippine Science High School in Visayas and Mindanao areas were also established during the time of
Marcos.

CORAZON AQUINO REGIME (1986 – 1992)

 National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)

was renamed Department of Science and Technology
(DOST).

 DOST proposed the Science and Technology Master Plan

to update the production sector, improve research
activities, and develop infrastructures for science and
technology sector.
 Figure 7. Corazon Aquino

Figure 8. Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

FIDEL RAMOS REGIME (1992 – 1998)

 During his regime, the Philippines had approximately

3000 competent scientists and engineers.

 The “Doctors to the Barrio” program made healthcare

accessible to far areas in the country.

 Incentives were given to people who played significant

roles in science and technology sector.

 The National Program for Gifted Filipino Children in Science

and Technology was created for high school students who
wanted to major science and technology in college.

Figure 9. Fidel Ramos

 Several laws and statutes related to science and technology were mandated on his regime:
- RA 8439: Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and Technology
Personnel in Government
- RA 7687: Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994
- RA 7459: Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act
- RA 8293: The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines

JOSEPH ESTRADA REGIME (1998-2001)

 RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and

RA 8792: Electric Commerce Act of 2000 were both
signed and mandated during his regime.

 He also implemented cost-efficient irrigation technologies

and providing basic health care services for those who
cannot afford.
 Figure 10. Joseph Estrada

GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO REGIME (2001-2010)

 Referred Philippines as Filipinnovation: The Innovation

Hub of Asia.

 RA 9367: Biofuels Act were promulgated to utilize

indigenous materials as sources of energy which
do not results positive results due to lack of technology
and materials.

 RA 10601: Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization

(AFMech) Law

Figure 11. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Benigno Aquino Regime (2010 - 2016)

 In his regime, he named new National Filipino

scientist namely:

- Gavino C. Trono for Marine Biology (Fig.13);

- Angel C. Alcala for Biological Science (Fig. 14);
- Ramon C. Barba for Horticulture (Fig.15);
- Edgardo D. Gomez for Marine Biology (Fig. 16)

Figure 12. Benigno Aquino

Fig. 13. Gavino Trono Fig. 14. Angel Alcala Fig. 15. Ramon Barba Fig. 16. Edgardo Gomez
RODRIGO DUTERTE REGIME (2016 – Present)

 Increased budget for research and development (R & D)

 DOST focused to put the results of R & D into

commercialization to gain new intellectual properties.

 Currently, we have the Philippine Space Technology

Program which launched Diwata 1 in 2016 and
Diwata 2 in 2018 that displayed the Philippine Flag
in outer space.

 Aside from space technology, he also gave emphasis

on disaster preparedness.

Figure 17. Rodrigo Duterte

THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO THE PHILIPPINE SOCIETY

Science and technology have numerous contributions in the society and here are some of them:

 AGRICULTURE

The mechanization of farming is necessary for agriculture, being the number one source of food production
in the Philippines.

Agricultural development and advancement need to cope up with the rapid increase of the population.

Tools such as water pumps and sprinklers were utilized to manage the extreme damaging effects of heat and
climate change on crops.

Production of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops that grows faster, yields more crops and
resistant to pests.

 TRANSPORTATION

Improved the means of transportation by land, air and seas.

 COMMUNICATION

Communication was also improved through technological advancements with the use of phones and
internet.

With the rise of the social media, information dissemination can be done easily and rapidly.

 EDUCATION
 With the help of science and technology, ways and means of learning also changed through the introduction
of new learning management systems (LMS) through phones, computer, tablets and other gadgets.

SHARE YOUR INSIGHT

Indeed, science and technology had a lot of contributions in the development of the Philippine society
and in the way of living of the Filipinos. These contributions of science and technology, however, always come
with adverse impacts in the environment. Share your insight about these adverse effects of technological
advancements in the environment.

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ACTIVITY 5 METACOGNITIVE READING REPORT

INSTRUCTION: You are going to read articles about the development of science and technology in the
Philippines. Choose 1 among the three articles and answer the Metacognitive Reading Report after.

 Caoli, Olivia. “A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines,” in Analysis of Conditions for
National Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation. Quezon City: University of
the Philippine Press, 1986.

 Dayrit, Fabian. “Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm of the 21st Century,” in Stellar Origins,
Human Ways: Readings in Science, Technology and Society ed. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City:
Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011.

 Gripaldo, Rolando M. (2007). “The concept of the public good: a view from a Filipino philosopher.”
Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy (Philippine e-Journal),
vol. 36, no.2, 2007.

1. Difficult Concepts (3)

a. One of the concepts that we found difficult to understand was why the government did not
support Science and Technology in the Philippines, when it was for the future and the betterment
of the country and its countrymen.
 b. The second concept we found difficult to understand was why there was a lack of learning
institutes and education here in the Philippines, and who really helped nurture it: The Spaniards
or the Americans?
c. Another difficult concept was if the Filipinos actually benefited and prospered from all of those
archaeological finds and trades and inventions during the

2. Learning Insights (2)

a. Before reading the article, I thought that

I thought that Science and Technology did not become a thing here in the Philippines until the
technological advancement where the computers came in.
However, after reading the article, I now think/learn that
I now think/realize that a lot of developments in Science and Technology had occur even before the
Spaniards colonized the Philippines.
However, after reading the article, I now think/learn that
I now think/realize that this is something about the development of science and technology in the
Philippines, this talks about the foundation, the building, on how our country modernized and being able
to be centralized in terms of economy, which involve different industries, education, technology,
government and science. And how all of this innovate within the colonialism.
3. Discussion Question (any question related to the article for discussion) (1)
Why do you think Philippine government did not pay attention that much in developing science and
technology at the time of Spanish and American colonialism?

REFERENCES

Caoli, Olivia. “A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines,” in Analysis of Conditions for National
Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation. Quezon City: University of the Philippine
Press, 1986.

Dayrit, Fabian. “Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm of the 21st Century,” in Stellar Origins,
Human Ways: Readings in Science, Technology and Society ed. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City: Ateneo
de Manila University Press, 2011.

DeHaan, M. (2017, July 17). The universal Turing Machine is a Turing Machine emulator. Decoded Science.
Retrieved from https://decodedscience.org/the-universal-turing-machine-is-a-turing-machine-emulator-3/

Gripaldo, Rolando M. (2007). “The concept of the public good: a view from a Filipino philosopher.”
Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy (Philippine e-Journal),
vol. 36, no.2, 2007.

Harvard Kennedy School. (2018). What is STS? Retrieved from http://sts.hks.harvard.edu/about/whatissts.html

Kuhn T.S. (1985). The copernican revolution: planetary astronomy in the development of western thought.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press
Quinto, E.J,Nieva, A.D. (2019) Science, Technology and Society. Manila: C & E Publishing Inc.