Republic of the Philippines

Surigao del Sur State University

Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

1.4 Science, Technology and the Nation Building

Technology and development is always linked with each other. When there is
advancement in science, technology occurs. The work of science and technology as
one, equates to a progress of a certain nation in order to prosper in all aspects. The
development of infrastructures, road expansions, and conversions of barangays to towns,
town and cities and cities to greater solutions are among the examples of the growth of
science and technology that occurred. But what is science by the way, and what is the
relationship of science to technology?

Basically, science is defined as the study of knowledge, which is made into system and
depends on analyzing and understanding facts while technology is the application of
scientific knowledge. (see lesson 1)

The implementation of science and technology may result on a maximum development

on different facets of different nations including the growth in economy. The idea is a
prerequisite of so called developed nation, globalization and modernization.

The science and technology in modernization introduces the modern gadgets which
considered being as one of the most important applications across different walks of life.
The advancement and benefits that we have today in the field of medicine, aviation,
education, information technology and other fields have been possible because of this
implementation.

We as citizens of the nation and who hold equal responsibility for the growth should equip
the youth with all possible facilities for their research thirst and support to motivate them,
as the future of our nation is in their hands and they could get our nation to more
advanced levels than what it is today.

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building;
2. Evaluate government policies pertaining to S and T in terms of their contribution to
nation and; 3. Identify actual S and T policies of the government and appraise their
impact on development of the Filipino nation.

The First “Filipinos”

Many historians and scientists believe that the first inhabitants of the Philippine
islands emerged during the Pleistocene period. There are two theories on where
the inhabitants (first Filipinos) came from namely: Beyer’s “Migration Theory” and
Jocano’s “Evolution Theory”. Noted social scientist Henry Otley Beyer believes
that Filipinos descended from different groups that came from Southeast Asia in
successive waves of migration. Each group had a distinct culture, with it’s own
customs and traditions. While Jocano believes that Asians, including Filipinos are
the result of a lengthy process of evolution and migration.

Migration Theory

Migrants came in the Philippines in the following order

1. Dawnmen
2. Aetas
3. Indonesian
4. Malays

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

Migration Theory

The first migrants were what Beyer caked the “Dawnmen” (or “cavemen” because they
lived in caves.). The Dawnmen resembled Java Man, Peking Man, and other Asian Home
sapiens who existed about 250,000 years ago. They did not have any knowledge of
agriculture, and lived by hunting and fishing. It was precisely in search of food that they
came to the Philippines by way of the land bridges that connected the Philippines and
Indonesia. Owing perhaps to their migratory nature, they eventually left the Philippines
for destinations unknown.

The second group of migrants was composed of dark-skinned pygmies

called “Aetas’ or “Negritoes”. About 30,000 years ago, they crossed the
land bridged from Malaya, Borneo, and Australia until they reached
Palawan, Mindoro and Mindanao. They were pygmies who went
around practically naked and were good at hunting, fishing and food
gathering. They used spears and small flint stones weapons.

The Aetas were already in the Philippines when the land bridges disappeared due to the
thinning of the ice glaciers and the subsequent increase in seawater level. These natural
events “forced” them to remain in the country and become its first permanent
inhabitants.

Because of the disappearance of the land bridges, the third wave of migrants was
necessarily skilled in seafaring. These were the Indonesians, who came to the islands
in boats. They were more advanced than the Aetas in that: they had tools made out of
stone and steel, which enabled them to build sturdier houses: they engaged in farming
and mining, and used materials made of brass; they wore clothing and other body
ornaments.

Last to migrate to the Philippines, according to Beyer, were Malays. They were believed
to have come from Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula more than 2,000
years ago. Like the Indonesians, they also traveled in boats.

The Malays were brown-skinned and of medium height, with straight black hair and flat
noses. Their technology was said to be more advanced than that of their predecessors.
They engaged in pottery, weaving, jewelry making and metal smelting, and introduced
the irrigation system in rice planting.

Migration Theory

The first migrants were what Beyer caked the “Dawnmen” (or “cavemen” because they
lived in caves.). The Dawnmen resembled Java Man, Peking Man, and other Asian Home
sapiens who existed about 250,000 years ago. They did not have any knowledge of
agriculture, and lived by hunting and fishing. It was precisely in search of food that they
came to the Philippines by way of the land bridges that connected the Philippines and
GE-Science Technology & Society
lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

Indonesia. Owing perhaps to their migratory nature, they eventually left the Philippines
for destinations unknown.

The second group of migrants was composed of dark-skinned pygmies called

“Aetas’ or “Negritoes”. About 30,000 years ago, they crossed the land bridged
from Malaya, Borneo, and Australia until they reached Palawan, Mindoro and
Mindanao. They were pygmies who went around practically naked and were
good at hunting, fishing and food gathering. They used spears and small flint
stones weapons.

The Aetas were already in the Philippines when the land bridges disappeared
due to the thinning of the ice glaciers and the subsequent increase in seawater level. This
natural events “forced” them to remain in the country and become its first permanent
inhabitants.

Because of the disappearance of the land bridges, the third wave of migrants was
necessarily skilled in seafaring. These were the Indonesians, who came to the islands
in boats. They were more advanced than the Aetas in that: they had tools made out of
stone and steel, which enabled them to build sturdier houses: they engaged in farming
and mining, and used materials made of brass; they wore clothing and other body
ornaments.

Last to migrate to the Philippines, according to Beyer, were Malays. They were believed
to have come from Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula more than 2,000
years ago. Like the Indonesians, they also traveled in boats.

The Malays were brown-skinned and of medium height, with straight black hair and flat
noses. Their technology was said to be more advanced than that of their predecessors.
They engaged in pottery, weaving, jewelry making and metal smelting, and introduced
the irrigation system in rice planting.

Jocano’s Theory

Renowned Filipino anthropologist Felipe Landa Jocano disputes Beyer’s belief that
Filipinos descended from Negritoes and Malays who migrated to the Philippines
thousands of years ago. According to Jocano, it is difficult to prove that Negritoes were
the first inhabitants of this country. The only thing that can positively concluded from
fossil evidence, he says is that the first men who came to the Philippines also went to New
Guinea, Java, Borneo, and Australia.

In 1962, a skullcap and a portion of a jaw-presumed to be a human origin-were found in

the Tabon Caves of Palawan by archaeologist Robert Fox and Manuel Santiago, who
both worked for the National Museum. Carbon dating placed their age at 21,000 to
22,000 years. This proves, Jocano argues, that man came earlier to the Philippines than
to the Malay Peninsula; therefore, the first inhabitants of our islands could not have come
from the region. The “Tabon Man” is said to resemble Java Man and Peking Man. He
GE-Science Technology & Society
lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

gathered fruits, leaves and plants for his food. He hunted with weapons made of stone.
Although further research is still being done on his life and culture, evidence shows that
he was already capable of using his brain in order to survive and keep himself safe.

Instead of the Migration Theory, Jocano advances the Evolution Theory, as a better
explanation of how our country was first inhabited by human beings, Jocano believes
that the first people of Southeast Asia were products of a long process of evolution and
migration. His research indicates that they shared more or less the same culture, beliefs,
practices an even similar tools and implements. These people eventually went their
separate ways; some migrated to the Philippines, the others to New Guinea, Java
and Borneo. Proof, Jocano says, can be found in the fossils discovered in different parts
of Southeast Asia, as well as the recorded migrations of other peoples from the Asian
mainland when history began to unfold. Continue to Spanish Expeditions to the
Philippines. Also see "About the Philippines".

Jocano’ Theory
• Jocano believes that the first people of Southeast Asia were products of a long
process of evolution and migration. His research indicates that they shared more
or less the same culture, beliefs, practices even similar tools and implements. These
people eventually went their separate ways; some migrated to the Philippines, the
others to New Guinea, Java and Borneo.
• Tabon Man
Pre- Spanish Philippines
Embedded in the way of life

Science
Planting cops that provide them food
taking care animals
food production
interpret the movements of heaven ly bodies to predict seasons and climates
Medicinal uses of plants

Technology
Building houses
Irrigations
Developing tools
Musical instruments

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

Metal Age influence

Gold and silver jewel
Trading with other countries
Indigenous or folk Science

Spanish Rule

Brought their own culture and practices

Established schools and introduces the concepts of subjects and discipline
Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different concepts related to
the human body, plants, animals, and body.
Technology focuses on using and developing house tools.
Life during the Spanish era become modernized
Filipinos replicated technology brought by the Spaniards using indigenous materials.
Medicine and advanced science were introduced in formal colleges and universities.

Galleon Trade

The galleon trade was supplied by merchants largely from port areas of Fujian who
travelled from Manila to sell the Spaniards spices, porcelain, ivory, processed silk cloth
and other valuable commodities.

From 1565 to 1815, the galleon trade contributed to the change of culture, language
and environment for both Philippines and Mexico.
The Galleon trade was a government monopoly. Only two galleons were used: One
sailed from Acapulco to Manila with some 500,000 pesos worth of goods, spending 120
days at sea; the other sailed from Manila to Acapulco with some 250,000 pesos worth of
goods spending 90 days at sea.
The country became one of the centers of global trade in SEA
Superstitious belief and Catholic doctrines and practices halted the growth of science
in the country.

American Period
GE-Science Technology & Society
lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

More influence in the Development of Science and Technology

Public education system

Improved engineering works and health of the people

Mineral resources were explored and exploited

Americanize the Filipinos

Reorganized the learning of Science

In basic education, science education focuses on nature and science and sanitation.

Health and Sanitation

Filipinos learned the value of cleanliness, proper hygiene, and healthy practices.

Hospitals, clinics, and health centers were established including public hospitals

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

Exercise 11. Reflection Task 11 (Individual Task)

Name: __________________________________ Date Submitted;__________

Course/Section: __________________________ Score: _________________

Instructions: Interpret the following images and answer the guide questions that follow.

Guide Questions:

 Explain to the class about the (2) personalities and their stand against
environmental destruction and climate change.
 What can you say about the implementation of some science and technology
policies and projects in the country?

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

The said issues are the foremost issues confronting the world and the Philippines right now.
And to effect change caused by these problems, long-term programs must be
implemented.

Just like the mentioned issues, the state of science and technology in the Philippines need
a big push from the government and the private sector.

Explain further that the development and success of S&T programs are dependent upon
the will power of the focal person/group implementing the policies and programs.

Activity 1: What you know about me (Individual)

General Instruction:

Write the names of famous Filipinos in the field of Science and


Technology. Indicate the area where they are famous and the awards
they have received.
 ½ sheet of paper
 10minutes
Famous Inventors (10 Items)

NAME INVENTION AWARDS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

References

Offline

1. Nieva, A., & Quinto, Ed. (2019). Science, Technology and Society Outcome-based
Module.C.&E Publishing, Inc

2. Books: Beleno, R., McNamara, D., & Valverde, V. (2018). Science, Technology and
Society. C.&E Publishing, Inc.
3. Ariola, M.M., (2018). Science, Technology and Society, Unimited books Library
Services and Publishing INC. Intramuros,Manila.

Online

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Copernican-Revolution
2.http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/beystehner.html

3. -https://www.medievalchronicles.com/medieval-history/medieval-inventions-list/printing-
press/
4. -https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.history.com/.amp/news/7-unusual-ancient-medical-
techniques
5.http://www.localhistories.org/warancient.html#:~:text=They%20fought%20with%20spears%2C%
20swords,the%20army%20also%20had%20chariots

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
Telefax No. 086-214-4221
Website: www.sdssu.edu.ph.

GE-Science Technology & Society

lsg1980