UNIVERSITY OF CALOOCAN CITY

Biglang Awa St., Corner Catleya St., EDSA, Caloocan City

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

SUBJECT CODE: GEC 007
TOPIC OR LESSON: INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES
WEEK: 4
SUB-TOPIC/S: NONE

OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC

This lesson focuses on the system of knowledge used during the early times by Filipinos. This lesson
aims to discuss the concept of indigenous science and technology in the Philippines

Are you ready? Prepare your pen and paper and be ready to explore your journey in learning!

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• Discuss the concept of indigenous science and technology in the Philippines

LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

a. discuss the concept of indigenous science and technology in the Philippines; and
b. discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science and technology
in the Philippines.

ENGAGE

Old VS New. Complete the table by drawing its modern counterpart and vice versa.

Old New

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 Email

Traditional medicine

Domestic water system

Beeper

Alpabeto

Alibata or Baybayin

EXPLORE

Research on indigenous Filipino knowledge on the following areas:

Health

Engineering

Farming

Fishing

Astronomy

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 EXPLAIN

As we continue the lesson, let us dig deeper into different Filipino indigenous knowledge.
Indigenous Knowledge System

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines “local and
indigenous knowledge” as the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies with
long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings. For rural and indigenous peoples, local
knowledge informs decision-making about fundamental aspects of day-to-day life.

This knowledge is integral to a cultural complex that also encompasses language, systems of
classification, resource use practices, social interactions, ritual and spirituality. It is embedded in the
daily life experiences of children as they grow up. These unique ways of knowing are important facets
of the world’s cultural diversity, and provide a foundation for locally-appropriate sustainable
development.

Some of the indigenous knowledges that are taught and practiced by indigenous people are:
 Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals’ behavior
and celestial bodies;
 Using herbal medicine;
 Preserving foods;
 Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties;
 Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting;
 Using indigenous technology in daily lives;
 Building local irrigation systems;
 Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties;
 Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits; and
 Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard.

Indigenous Science

(Gribbin, 2001; MKapa, 2004; Sibisi, 2004) stated that indigenous science is part of indigenous
knowledge system practiced by different groups of people and early civilizations. According to Cajete
(2004), indigenous science includes everything, from metaphysics to philosophy and various practical
technologies practiced by indigenous peoples both past and present.

Indigenous beliefs develop desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific attitudes such
as motivating attitudes, cooperating attitudes, practical attitudes, and reflective attitudes (as identified
by Johnston, 2000).

Pawilen (2005) explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse structures and
contents though the interaction between environment and society.

Pawilen (2006) developed a simple framework for understanding indigenous science. Accordingly,
indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills and guided
by community values and culture.

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 Uses Science Process Skills

INDIGENOUS Community and

Guided by
SCIENCE Culture Values

Traditional
Composed of
Knowledge

The Concept of Indigenous Science

 Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.

 Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as the following:
 The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.
 The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth.” It is the origin of their identity as people.
 All living and non-living things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have a
responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings – it needs respect and proper care

 Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and
communities such as ethnobiology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
astronomy.

ELABORAT
E
In this activity, you will be asked to choose one indigenous knowledge and compare it with modern
technology using a Venn diagram.

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 RUBRIC FOR VENN DIAGRAM
Feature 5 4 3 2 COMMENT
S
Concept Each section Each section of Each section of Each section of
Arrangement of the the diagram the diagram the diagram
diagram contains three contains two contains
contains four facts easily facts that are very few facts
facts easily identified. somewhat that are not easily
identified. identified. identified.
Primary Exhibits Illustrates a Displays a Shows little
Source mastery of firmer limited or no
Content the material understanding understanding understanding
as evidenced of most of the with some details of topic.
by attention similarities and pertinent to the
to detail differences subject matter.
brainstormed.
Linking Reflects Most of the Reflects some Contains non-
Content factual information is factual factual
together information factual information and information that
that and seemingly attempts to put it does not
corresponds corresponds with in corresponding correspond
with appropriate section of to the appropriate
appropriate section diagram. section
section of diagram. of diagram
of diagram.

EVALUATE

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In this lesson, you have learned about the different indigenous knowledge of the Philippines. In that
regard, you will be asked to think critically and answer the following the questions related to the
foregoing discussion:

1. What is the role of indigenous knowledge in the development of indigenous science?

2. What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in the
Philippines?

3. How do society and culture influence the development of science and technology?

REFERENC
ES
COOP INDISCO International Labour Organizatnion. (1995). Indigenous Knowledge System and
Practices Among Selected Philippine Ethnic Groups and their Promotion Through Cooperatives.

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Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., Jr., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science, Technology, and
Society (1st ed.). Manila: Rex Book Store.

What is local and Indigenous Knowledge: United Nations Educational, scientific and Cultural
Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/priority-areas/links/related-information/what-is-local-
and-indigenous-knowledge

Images:
Openclipart.org

ADDITIONAL
MATERIALS

Prepared By:
EDMUN T. ANDRADE

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