NOTES STS Chapter 2 for EE ECE IT

Historical Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines (focus on EE, ECE, IT)

1. Spanish Regime – Establishment of Schools and Scientific Research

  • Event: Introduction of formal education and limited scientific research during Spanish colonization.

  • Significance: Laid the foundation for a structured educational system, which later supported technical fields. Although focused on religious and classical studies, this was the first step toward institutionalized learning.

  • Impact:

    • Indirect influence on EE/ECE/IT since these disciplines require strong educational systems.

    • Early literacy and math skills became precursors for future engineering education.

2. American Regime – Public Education, Scholarships, and Research Agencies (Early 1900s)

  • Event: Americans established public schools, introduced English as a medium of instruction, created scholarships in science and engineering, and set up research agencies.

  • Significance: Accelerated modernization and technical education.

  • Impact:

    • Created demand for technical professionals and engineers.

    • Laid groundwork for universities to offer engineering programs, including electrical engineering.

3. 1890 – Introduction of Electric Power in the Philippines

  • Event: Electric power came to the country in 1890 with companies like La Electricista and later MERALCO.

  • Significance: Triggered the need for electrical infrastructure and engineers to maintain, design, and expand power systems.

  • Impact:

    • EE: Sparked the formal need for electrical engineers.

    • Encouraged industrialization and urban development, increasing demand for power systems.

4. 1916 – Formal Establishment of Electrical Engineering Education at UP

  • Event: University of the Philippines approved degree programs in electrical engineering in 1916.

  • Significance: Institutionalized EE education to meet growing industrial demands.

  • Impact:

    • EE: Created a pool of skilled professionals who powered the development of electrical grids and energy infrastructure.

    • Enabled research and technological innovation in power systems.

5. 1950 – Formation of IECEP (Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines)

  • Event: Organization of IECEP by pioneering ECE engineers.

  • Significance: Professionalized ECE practice, promoted standards, and fostered collaboration.

  • Impact:

    • ECE: Encouraged development of local expertise in electronics and telecommunications.

    • Helped prepare for global tech advancements during the electronics revolution.

6. 1969 – Republic Act No. 5734 (Electronics and Communications Engineering Law)

  • Event: RA 5734 regulated and formalized the practice of ECE in the country.

  • Significance: Gave legal identity to the ECE profession and enforced professional standards.

  • Impact:

    • ECE: Elevated the field to a recognized engineering discipline.

    • Increased quality of ECE education and licensing, ensuring competent engineers.

7. 1928 – Establishment of PLDT

  • Event: Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) consolidated the telecom sector in 1928.

  • Significance: Created a unified national telecommunications system.

  • Impact:

    • ECE & IT: Strengthened communication infrastructure, essential for both traditional telephony and future digital networks.

8. 1987 – First Cellular Network in the Philippines by PLDT

  • Event: PLDT launched the country’s first cellular network.

  • Significance: Marked the beginning of mobile communication technology in the Philippines.

  • Impact:

    • ECE: Opened new avenues for wireless communication systems and engineering.

    • IT: Set the stage for data-based communication and later internet integration.

9. 1994 – First Internet Connection (Benjie Tan, PLDT Network Center)

  • Event: Philippines connected to the global internet in 1994.

  • Significance: Pioneered the digital age in the country.

  • Impact:

    • IT: Established the foundation for web services, e-commerce, and ICT-driven industries.

    • Led to initiatives like PHNET and government ICT policies.

10. Late 1990s to Present – Rapid ICT Expansion

  • Event: Widespread adoption of mobile technology, internet penetration, and government support for ICT.

  • Significance: Transformative effect on economy and society; rise of BPO, fintech, e-learning.

  • Impact:

    • IT: Positioned the Philippines as a global IT and BPO hub.

    • ECE: Expanded demand for network engineers and telecom specialists.

    • EE: Supported infrastructure for digital systems, data centers, and renewable energy integration.

Filipino Scientists and Their Contributions

Filipino scientists have made significant contributions in EE, ECE, and IT that hold both local and global impact, improving technology infrastructure, disaster resilience, computing systems, and research methodologies.

1. Contributions in Electrical Engineering

Scientist: Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.

  • Key Achievement: Developed methods for analyzing dynamic systems and feedback control.

  • Details: His research focused on optimizing system performance even under uncertain or varying parameters, which is essential for control systems engineering.

  • Why Important:

    • Globally: His methods influenced industrial automation, robotics, aerospace systems, and power grid stability worldwide.

    • Locally: Inspired advancements in electrical engineering education and research in Philippine universities, contributing to training engineers who design stable power and control systems.

  • Connection to EE: Control systems are central to EE, influencing the design of electric motors, power grids, and industrial automation.

2. Contributions in Electronics and Communications Engineering

Scientist 1: Gregorio Y. Zara

  • Key Achievement: Invented the videophone, enabling real-time video communication.

  • Additional Work: Patented about 30 devices improving communication technologies, such as airplane engines and solar energy equipment.

  • Why Important:

    • Globally: The videophone laid conceptual groundwork for video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime).

    • Locally: Demonstrated Filipino capability for pioneering global innovations, influencing Philippine ECE education and inspiring future inventors.

  • Connection to ECE: Video communication is core to telecommunications and signal processing.

Scientist 2: Philip Martinez

  • Key Achievement: Led ROGER GSM base station project at DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI).

  • Purpose: Built resilient emergency communication networks for disaster-prone areas.

  • Why Important:

    • Locally: Improved disaster response communication systems in the Philippines, vital because of frequent typhoons and earthquakes.

    • Globally: Adds to disaster telecom research for resilience in developing nations.

  • Connection to ECE: Enhances network engineering and emergency telecom systems.

3. Contributions in Information Technology

Scientist: Diosdado “Dado” Banatao

  • Key Achievements:

    • First 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS chip.

    • First logic chipset for IBM PC XT and AT.

    • First Windows graphics accelerator chip.

  • Why Important:

    • Globally: Accelerated development of personal computers and improved processing/graphics efficiency, influencing IT hardware evolution worldwide.

    • Locally: Elevated the image of Filipino engineers, inspiring startups and government-backed tech initiatives.

  • Connection to IT: His work underpins modern computing, data transfer, and graphical interfaces, which power today’s digital ecosystem.

4. Local and Global Significance

  • Local Impact:

    • Telecommunications infrastructure (e.g., PLDT, mobile networks) strengthened by ECE contributions.

    • Disaster resilience through emergency networks (e.g., ROGER system).

    • Improved technical education and engineering standards through EE advancements.

  • Global Impact:

    • EE: Cruz’s control system theories applied in robotics, power systems, and automation worldwide.

    • ECE: Zara’s videophone influenced global telecom trends.

    • IT: Banatao’s chip innovations revolutionized computing globally.


These contributions showcase Filipino ingenuity and adaptability, advancing local infrastructure while influencing global technology in telecommunications, control systems, and IT hardware design.

Filipino Innovations and Values

Cultural Reflection in Innovations

Filipino culture emphasizes bayanihan (community cooperation) and resilience, which are mirrored in innovations aimed at addressing local needs and enhancing collective welfare.

  • Electrical Engineering Example: The Barangay Electrification Program under the Total Electrification Program was developed to extend electricity to off-grid and remote rural communities. This reflects bayanihan because engineers and local communities collaborate to ensure sustainable power solutions, often using microgrids or solar-based systems in geographically isolated areas.

  • Electronics and Communications Engineering Example: The Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS), deployed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), allows fast dissemination of hazard alerts during typhoons and earthquakes. This mirrors Filipino resilience and prioritization of community safety due to frequent natural disasters.

  • Information Technology Example: Platforms like Sakay.ph and ReliefAgad were created to help commuters navigate transportation disruptions and provide quick disaster relief cash distribution, respectively. These apps aim to support communal well-being, reflecting the cultural value of mutual aid during crises.

Societal Values in Technology Adoption

The widespread use of mobile phones primarily for texting and voice calls to maintain close-knit family and social relationships highlights the cultural importance of strong interpersonal connections.

  • EE Connection: Affordable prepaid electricity and pay-as-you-go systems offered by MERALCO and electric cooperatives reflect the Filipino priority for flexibility, enabling households to manage power costs without long-term financial strain.

  • ECE Connection: The rise of GSM-based texting culture in the late 1990s and 2000s shows how Filipinos adapted mobile technology for constant communication with family and friends. Telecom providers like Smart and Globe introduced unlimited text promos to cater to this cultural practice.

  • IT Connection: Social media dominance in the Philippines—particularly Facebook Free Basics and Messenger Lite—shows that IT adoption prioritizes maintaining family and social ties, often more than business or institutional uses.

Innovation Driven by Socioeconomic Context

Filipino innovations often address practical challenges such as disaster readiness, affordable technology access, and digital literacy.

  • EE Example: Development of solar-powered streetlights in rural barangays and disaster-prone areas ensures affordable lighting during frequent blackouts. Projects like the Department of Energy’s renewable energy microgrid programs highlight practical, community-driven solutions.

  • ECE Example: Project NOAH’s real-time hazard monitoring systems employ integrated sensors and wireless communication to provide life-saving alerts in vulnerable areas, showcasing innovation driven by disaster preparedness.

  • IT Example: The Tech4ED Centers (Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development) under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) provide free internet access and digital literacy training in underserved areas, reflecting inclusivity and empowerment goals.

Critical Perspective

While Filipino innovations show strong cultural alignment and address local needs, challenges remain in scaling these innovations globally or transforming adoption into structural economic change.

  • EE Issue: Although local renewable energy microgrid systems are successful in remote islands, scaling them to become exportable technology remains limited, often due to reliance on imported components.

  • ECE Issue: The Philippines is a global hub for semiconductor assembly and testing but has minimal participation in high-end electronics design and intellectual property creation, limiting global competitiveness.

  • IT Issue: While the country leads in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), much of the work focuses on support rather than advanced software development or AI innovation, showing a need for capacity-building in higher-value segments of IT.

Summary

Filipino technological innovations in EE, ECE, and IT strongly reflect cultural values of community, resilience, and inclusivity, which shape their development and application. These innovations address pressing local challenges—such as electrification gaps, disaster response, and digital access—while promoting societal values like education and equal opportunity. However, scaling these efforts for global impact and advanced technological leadership remains an important long-term goal.


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