Science and Technology in the Philippines
History of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Pre-colonial Period (Before 1521)
Agriculture: Early Filipinos implemented advanced irrigation techniques, as seen in the Banaue Rice
Terraces, they used intricate water management systems to cultivate rice in mountainous regions.
Metallurgy: Early Filipinos excelled in metallurgy and measurement, they crafted intricate gold
ornaments and tools, showcasing advanced skills in metalworking. Gold and bronze were used to create
weapons, tools, and jewelry, reflecting both utility and artistry.
Celestial Navigation: Early Filipinos built durable wooden boats, such as the balangay and karakoa, which
were used for trade, warfare, and exploration across Southeast Asia. They navigated the seas by
observing the stars, wind patterns, and ocean currents, demonstrating a deep understanding of celestial
navigation.
Herbal Medicine: Early Filipinos relied on herbal medicine and healing practices as a core part of their
healthcare system. Local shamans and healers, known as babaylan or albularyo, used native plants to
treat various ailments, drawing on centuries of empirical knowledge passed down through generations.
These traditional practices emphasized holistic well-being and were integral to maintaining health within
their communities.
Spanish Colonial Period (1521-1898)
1521: Ferdinand Magellan's expedition and arrival in the Philippines marked the beginning of over three
centuries of Spanish influence and colonization, introducing Western scientific knowledge, including
European navigation, medicine, and cartography, to the archipelago.
1611: The University of Santo Tomas, the oldest existing university in Asia, was established in Manila,
contributing to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.
1865: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
traces its origins to the Observatorio Meteorológico del Ateneo Municipal de Manila, which monitored
weather and atmospheric conditions. PAGASA was officially established in 1972 under Presidential
Decree No. 78 to provide timely meteorological, astronomical, and geophysical services. It plays a critical
role in weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate studies in the Philippines.
1869: The Suez Canal opened, facilitating the exchange of scientific ideas and technologies between the
Philippines and Europe.
American Colonial Period (1898-1946)
1901: The National Museum (NM) of the Philippines was initially established as the Insular Museum of
Ethnology, Natural History, and Commerce under the Department of Public Instruction. It later became
the National Museum, tasked with preserving the nation’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Over
the years, it has expanded into a network of museums, focusing on anthropology, fine arts, archaeology,
and natural history, providing a comprehensive record of Philippine history and culture.
1905: The establishment of the Bureau of Science (now the Department of Science and Technology)
aimed to promote scientific research and development in the Philippines.
1907: The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) was established as a public hospital through Act No. 1688 of
the Philippine Commission. Located in Manila, PGH is the largest government-funded tertiary hospital in
the country, providing specialized medical care, research, and training. It serves as a teaching hospital
for the University of the Philippines Manila and is a leader in healthcare services, serving millions of
Filipinos annually.
1908: The University of the Philippines (UP) was established, becoming a major institution for scientific
research and higher education.
1900s: Urban planning in the Philippines began under American colonial rule, focusing on the
modernization of Manila and other key cities. Plans included wide streets, parks, and structured city
layouts to accommodate urban growth and modern infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future
urban development in the country.
1936: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was established through Commonwealth Act No. 181
as the Division of Investigation under the Department of Justice, initially focusing on investigating
criminal cases. It was later renamed the NBI in 1947 through Republic Act No. 157, tasked with handling
criminal investigation, law enforcement, and crime prevention. The NBI continues to play a vital role in
the country's legal system, specializing in forensic and technical services.
1930s: Modern agricultural techniques, including the use of fertilizers and improved irrigation systems,
were introduced to increase productivity.
1930s: The Philippines faced major public health challenges, with efforts focused on controlling
infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera. The Philippine Health Service
spearheaded initiatives in sanitation, health education, and disease prevention to improve public health
across the country.
1941: Philippine Airlines (PAL) became Asia’s first commercial airline, marking significant advancements
in aviation technology.
Post-Independence Period (1946-present)
1958: The Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (now the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute) was
established to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
1959: The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden (Manila Zoo) was established, primarily serving as a
facility for education and the conservation of various animal species. Although its main focus is on
zoological exhibits, it also features a botanical garden that nurtures select plant species, contributing to
public awareness of biodiversity in the Philippines.
1960: The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) was founded to provide specialized education in science
and technology for gifted students.
1970: The first Philippine Planetarium, located in Luneta Park, Manila, was inaugurated as part of the
National Museum system. It aims to promote the study of astronomy among Filipinos through
educational programs and celestial exhibits. Planetariums in the country serve as public venues for
astronomy education and observation, offering interactive experiences that foster a deeper
understanding of space science and exploration.
1976: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) was established to monitor
volcanic and seismic activity in the country.
1970s: The electronics industry in the Philippines began to take shape, marking the start of its
development as a significant sector in the national economy.
1981: The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) was officially established to address public
health concerns such as malaria, dengue, and other infectious diseases. It has since become a leading
institution for research, diagnostics, and the development of treatments for tropical diseases in the
Philippines.
1980s: The semiconductor and electronics industries in the Philippines experienced rapid growth, driven
by substantial investments from multinational corporations. This period marked the country's
emergence as a key player in the global electronics supply chain, contributing significantly to export
revenue, job creation, and technological advancements in manufacturing.
2003: The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) was established to conduct research on genomics and
biotechnology.
2009: The electronics industry emerged as a key sector in the national economy, becoming one of the
top exporters of electronic products and contributing significantly to technological advancements and
job creation.
2010: The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry began to flourish, establishing the Philippines as
a global leader in outsourcing services and contributing significantly to the economy.
2016: Diwata-1, the Philippines' first microsatellite, was launched from the International Space Station
(ISS) under the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite (PHL-Microsat) Program. Developed
by Filipino engineers in collaboration with Japan's Tohoku University and Hokkaido University, Diwata-1
was designed for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural planning. This
launch marked the Philippines' entry into the global space community and significantly enhanced the
country’s capabilities in space research and technology.
Philippine Science and Technology Laws
Republic Act No. 2067 (Science Act of 1958)
June 13, 1958: This act established the National Science Development Board (NSDB), the precursor to
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aiming to promote scientific research and
development in the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines)
June 6, 1997: This act created a comprehensive intellectual property framework, covering patents,
trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights.
Republic Act No. 8439 (Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and Other Science and
Technology Personnel in Government)
December 22, 1997: This act provided additional benefits and incentives to government scientists,
engineers, researchers, and other science and technology personnel.
Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999)
July 27, 1999: This act aimed to protect the environment by regulating air pollution and promoting
sustainable practices to improve air quality.
Republic Act No. 10055 (Technology Transfer Act)
March 23, 2010: This act facilitated the transfer of government-funded technology and intellectual
property to benefit society and the economy, encouraging partnerships between research institutions
and industries.
Republic Act No. 10693 (Microfinance NGOs Act)
November 3, 2015: Although primarily focused on microfinance, this act also plays a role in promoting
innovation and technology among microfinance institutions.
Republic Act No. 11035 (Balik Scientist Act)
June 15, 2018: This act encouraged Filipino scientists and technology experts abroad to return to the
Philippines by providing incentives and support for their research and work in the country.
Republic Act No. 11293 (Philippine Innovation Act)
April 17, 2019: This act promoted innovation in various sectors to foster economic development, job
creation, and competitive advantage.
Republic Act No. 11337 (Innovative Startup Act)
April 26, 2019: This act provided support and incentives for startup companies to encourage innovation
and entrepreneurship in the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 11363 (Philippine Space Act)
August 8, 2019: This act established the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), focusing on space technology
development, research, and industry partnerships in the space sector.
Filipino Scientists and Technologists
Fe del Mundo (1911–2011) - A pediatrician known for her work in pediatrics and for being the first
woman to be admitted to Harvard Medical School.
Arturo Alcaraz (1916–2001) - A chemist known for his contributions to the field of agricultural chemistry.
He developed a method for producing coconut methyl ester, a biofuel.
Gregorio Zara (1902–1978) - An engineer and physicist who invented the two-way television telephone
or videophone, the solar powered stove, and a device that detects heart signals.
Julian Banzon (1908–1988) - A chemist who researched methods of producing alternative fuels from
indigenous materials. He invented a process for converting coconut oil into methyl ester (biodiesel).
Angel Alcala (1929–2021) - A biologist known for his work in coral reef ecology and marine conservation.
He pioneered the development of marine protected areas in the Philippines.
Jose Rodriguez (born 1950) - A physicist known for his research in experimental condensed matter
physics. He has made significant contributions to the study of magnetism and superconductivity.
Edgardo Gomez (1940–2019) - A marine biologist known for his research on coral reef ecosystems and
marine conservation. He played a key role in establishing marine protected areas in the Philippines.
Aletta Yñiguez - A marine biologist known for her research on phytoplankton ecology and oceanography.
She has contributed to our understanding of marine microbial ecosystems.
Rogel Mari Sese - An astrophysicist known for his work in space science and astronomy education. He
has been involved in various projects related to space exploration and science communication in the
Philippines.
