Philippine History

THE COMING OF THE SPANIARDS

Rediscovery And Colonization Of The Philippines * Little is known of the Philippines by the Europeans prior to the 16th century. Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain in 1521, and for the next 333 years, the country was subjected to Spanish rule. This period was an era of conversion to Roman Catholicism. * A Spanish colonial social system was developed, complete with a strong centralized government and considerable clerical influence

Prelude to Magellan’s Exploration * 15th century – the new European monarchies had high degree of national unification, embarked on five centuries of expansion. * Technological advances in the system of navigation and ship design enables navigators to undertake longer voyages. * The first to move in colonizing neighboring countries for resources was Portugal. Owing to its long maritime tradition and its advantageous geographic position on the Atlantic. * Prince Henry “The Navigator”, the brother of the king of Portugal, utilized royal treasury to finance voyages down the African cost. * By 1498, the Portuguese had already gained a foothold in Asia. * Spain competed with Portugal later. By 1942, Spain moved westward to the Americas as a result of the voyage of Columbus to the New World. A century later, England, Netherlands, and France joined the race.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAGELLAN’S EXPEDITION * Original plan was to get to “Spice Island” – Indonesia * Magellan’s crew involved 270 men aboard 5 ships (Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Victoria and Santiago) * Only three ships entered the South Pacific – Trinidad, Concepcion and Victoria * In 1542 Magellan reached the Philippines and named it “Archipelago de San Lazaro”, and in 1542 was renamed to “Philippines” by Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in honor of Spanish Crown Prince Philip II * The Spaniards was accepted by Rajah Humabon (main Raja of Cebu) in 1521. * Magellan was claimed to be requested by Humabon to kill the datu of neighboring Mactan island * Magellan in April 27, 1521 was killed in Battle of Mactan * After the tragedy at Mactan, the two remaining fleet, Victoria and Trinidad fled westward to Palawan and continued to circumnavigate around the world

Advent of Spanish Colonization * In 1564, another expedition from New Spain, commanded by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived. * Legazpi established the Spanish city of Manila . * Manila who long have traded with Chinese then repulsed trades with them. * In 1603, the Spaniards murdered thousands of Chinese as they were threatened with their increasing numbers * By the end of 16th century, Manila then became a center of commerce for East Asia
Spanish Settlement * On April 27, 1565 Spanish troops invaded the archipelago and attacked the defiant Tupas (son of Humabon). He was made to sign an agreement effectively placing Philippines under Spain. * By June 24, 1571 Manila was declared the capital of the country. * The colonial period saw domination of Spanish economy focusing on tobacco as well as Galleon Trade * During Spain’s 333 year rule of the Philippines, there were more priests and missionaries than soldiers or civil servants

Aims of Spanish Colonization * Christianity – primary aim of colonization * Economic wealth – second aim of colonizers * Acquisition of territories – third aim of colonizers

Magellan’s Rediscovery Of The Philippines * After Ferdinand Magellan’s return from the Spice Island of Moluccas, he approached the Portuguese King with a proposal to find a westward route from Portugal to the rich Islands of Spices, on the opposite side of the world. The Kind, however, did not take advantage of the offer. * Disgruntled by the ingratitude of King Manuel, Magellan volunteered his services to the King of Spain (Charles V). The King of Spain provided Magellan with a fleet of five ships: Trinidad, Victoria, Concepcion, Santiago and San Antonio * August 10, 1519 – the fleet sailed westward from Seville in search of a passageway to the Moluccas. It was manned by a crew of 270 men and 2 chaplains. * After various incidents suffered from men and the elements as it sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and down the coast of South America, the fleet reached in the last days of October the passage which now bears the name of the leader of the expedition. * In November they turned north to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It took a whole year to arrive at this turn. But by this time, only three ships were left. The Santiago had sunken before they espied the strait and the San Antonio secretly sailed back to Spain.

Samar Sighted * On March 6, 1521 after the exhausting voyage of Pacific Ocean, the explorers reached the Landrones Island group (Marianas). * Arose March 16, however, a body of land unexpectedly popped before their eyes, the coast of the island of Samar. * Without stopping, the continued sailing southwards. Magellan named it the Island of Saint Lazarus * The next day, they reached the island of Homonhon, where they rested from the fatigue of travelling. On March 22, the chieftain himself came and greeted the visitors. Magellan and his crew stayed for about 9 days to recover from exhaustion. * Shortly afterwards, the little fleet sailed again. They rounded the southern tip. On the night of March 28, they saw a bonfire at the nearby Island and so, they headed towards it. This was Limasawa Island in the southern tip of Leyte. * Upon landing on the island, Magellan was greeted officially by nine men who were joyful of their arrival. They represented the chieftain of the area

The First Mass * On March 29, 1521, Magellan made a blood compact with the chieftain Rajah Colambu. * On March 31, 1521 on the island of Limasawa, the first Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by Father Pedro de Valderama. The mass was attended by the remaining crew and the natives * After the Mass, Magellan planted a big cross on top of the hill. This was the first cross planted in the Philippines

First Christian Filipinos In Cebu * Magellan left Limasawa on April 4. Three days later, he entered the narrow sea between Mactan and Cebu. He ranged his ships in battle formation and fired all his guns, scaring the Cebuanos. It was actually the European custom of saluting people honoring the king of friendly ports * Magellan’s aim was to buy food from them with their merchandise. However, their leader, Seripalda Humabon demanded that they must first pay the tribute imposed on all incoming ships * Magellan refused to pay boasting that he represented a great king who pays no tribute * A Moro trader warned Humabon that the newcomers were subjects of a powerful king who had already conquered Calicut, Malaca and India. * The next morning was the formal meeting between the Cebuanos and the Europeans. Their interpreter assured them that they only came for trade with them * As sign of friendship, both Humabon and Magellan placed a drop of blood into a cup and mixed with wine and drank from it. This was “Kasi-kasi” or blood-compact which sealed their friendship * During his brief stay Magellan explained the Christian law of love and respect for parents and elders. He also narrated the Bible and stories of creation, Adam and Eve, life after death and other Christian doctrines. * Magellan then baptized believers and offered to bring priests the next time they came to instruct them in greater depth about Catholic religion * On April 14, 1521 a week after the arrival of Magellan in Cebu, Father de Valderama erected and blessed the Holy Cross in the middle of their settlement. * The king was given the name “Don Carlos” and the Queen was named “Dona Juana”; they were given by Magellan a statue of the Infant Jesus whom the Filipinos later called the “Santo Nino of Cebu”

The Conquest Of The Philippines * The expedition of Legaspi sailed from Mexico and in less than three months Legaspi reached Cebu. Because of the Cebuano’s hostility, he sailed away and explored Samar, Leyte and other islands. * In Bohol he made blood compact with two Filipino royalties, Sikatuna and Sigala. From Bohol Legaspi sailed back to Cebu. * In Cebu, he was defied by Raha Tupas, the Cebuano ruler and son of Raha Humabon. However, the Spanish artillery and muskets overpowered the Filipinos. * Legaspi adapted a policy of attraction so that within a short time Tupas became a friend of Spain. Thus, a Spanish settlement, the first of its kind in the Philippines, was established. * Cebu then became the oldest city in the Philippines. * With conquistadores and missionaries working side by side, the Spanish rule of Christianity were extended from Cebu to other islands including Manila. * Legaspi proclaimed Manila as the capital of the Philippines and rebuilt it into a Spanish city. * From Manila, Legaspi sent out an expedition for the exploration and conquest of Luzon. After the conquest of different parts of Luzon, the expedition crossed over to Tayabas and proceeded to Manila by way of Laguna de Bay. * When the men of Legaspi were busy colonizing the different parts of the Philippines, Legaspi died of a heart attack in Manila. Guido de Lavezaris, successor of Legaspi continued his work.

Reasons For The Easy Conquest * The Filipinos at the time of Legaspi’s arrival were not unified. They constituted different tribes under their respective chieftains. * The Spanish colonizers had a great commander in Legaspi who won the people’s friendship with his generosity and wisdom. * The Filipinos, despite their courage could not win over the military discipline and superior arms of the Spaniards. * The Filipinos were won over by the Spanish missionaries who taught them a better religion. By accepting Christianity, they became loyal subjects of Spain.

Spanish Colonial Administration * During the Spanish regime, a centralized government was established, with Manila as the capital. The early barangays became barrios. The barrios were grouped into towns, and towns to provinces. All the provinces were united into one country called Filipinas. * Our people, as subjects of Spain, paid tribute, rendered forced labor, and performed other services for the glory of God and the King * POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL * The chief executive of the Philippines during the Spanish time was the “Governor General.” As governor general, he had the following powers: * Enforced the King’s royal decrees and laws from Spain * Commander in chief of the colonial armed forces * Appointed and removed colonial officials, except those duly appointed by the King * Recommends priests for appointment as parish priests * The great powers of the Governor General were checked by the following: * Royal Audencia – the Supreme Court of the Phillippines during Spanish period * Archbishop and Clergy who were influential in the King’s court * Residencia – a judicial institution in which the outgoing Governor-General and other Spanish officials are tried and called upon to account for the acts while in office * Visitador – investigating officer which the King of Spain spent to Manila at certain times to investigate Philippine conditions

The Encomienda System * This is the tribute given by the inhabitants living in a particular conquered territory which Spain gave to Spanish colonizers. * In exchange for the encomienda, the encomendero was obliged by the law to promote the welfare of the inhabitants and to perform his duties to wit: * Protect inhabitants from enemies * Assist missionaries in Christianizing them * Promote the education of the people
Taxation
* The Filipinos hated the tribute because it reminded them of their bondage to Spain and it spawned Spanish abuse. Accordingly, the encomenderos forced the inhabitants to pay in kind like rice, appraising it low and later resold at a very high price * The tribute was finally abolished in 1884 and was replaced by the Cedulla or Community Tax

Polo Y Servicio * Aside from paying the tribute, male Filipinos from 16 to 60 were obliged to render forced labor. This lasted for 40 days a year, later it was reduced to 15 days. * A person who rendered forced labor was called “Polista.” He could be exempted by paying the “falla.”

Challenges To Spanish Imposition Of Sovereignty * Spanish soldiers had to fight off invaders who sometimes came to control Manila. * Chinese Limahon in 1574; * Dutch and Portuguese forces; * Muslims who attacked in retaliation; * Japanese under the leadership of Hideyoshi, who eventually claimed control of the country * Most serious challenge to Spanish rule happened in 1761 as a result of Spain’s involvement in the Seven Years War. The British invaded the Philippines as a result of Spain siding with the French in the Briton-French war. * Britain invaded Manila on September 22, 1962. At this time, Archbishop Manuel Antonio Rojo was the acting governor-general of the Philippines * Admiral Samuel Cornish and General William Draper demanded the surrender of Manila. The British forces immediately order the attack of Manila when Rojo did not heed their call for surrender. * British troops immediately occupied the areas of Ermita and Bagumbayan which were very close to Intramuros. * While Spanish officials were deliberating on what to do, British canons destroyed the Walls of Intramuros facing Luneta on October 4, 1762. * The effect of such event led to the existence of three governor-generals in the Philippines: (1) Dawsonne Drake; (2) Archbishop Antonio Manuel Rojo; and (3) Simon de anda * The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the war. This restored Manila to Spain in 1764. The Filipinos were permitted to trade directly with merchants from nearby countries which led to the entry of foreign money and ideas. * The defeat of the Spaniards made the Filipinos realize that they could duplicate what the British did. * After Spanish rule was restored, the colonial government implemented reforms to promote the economic development of the colony.

Economic Development Programs * The economic programs initiated by the Spanish government was intended to make the country self-sufficient. The first governor-general to make move is Jose Basco Y Vargas. * Development of Agriculture – production of cotton and silk; use of scientific methods of farming * Organization of Economic Society of Friends of the Country – organized in 1781 to aid in the implementation of the economic programs * Tobacco Monopoly – by virtue of the Royal Decree of 1780, Charles III established the tobacco monopoly in the Philippines upon the recommendation of Gov. Basco. By the middle of the 19th century, 25,000 Filipinos worked in the tobacco factories. * Royal Company of the Philippines – established on March 10, 1785. The company was made to set aside 4% of its profit for agriculture. * Opening of manila to foreign trade * Laissez faire – adopted in 1789 which opened Manila to foreign trade * Governor General Felix Berenguer de Mariquina encouraged foreign merchants to come and invest in the Philippines. * Economic prosperity was felt which led to opening of new Ports to accommodate foreign trade * Adoption of an international telegraph communication system was established in 1888. The first domestic telegraph and telephone line was opened in 1890. * Families which were prosperous during this time sent their children for an education in Europe; thus they were able to absorb the intellectual developments in Europe.

Social, Educational And Cultural Transformations * Social Transformations * Conversion of Filipinos to Catholicism – notable missionaries that propagated Catholic faith were Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans and Recollects * Feudalistic society – this was the consequence of the encomienda system where Filipinos were treated not as humans but as slaves * Hispanization of Filipino surnames – by virtue of Gubernatorial Decree of 1849, Narciso Claveria ordered all Filipino families to adopt Spanish surnames. * Metamorphosis of bahay kubo to bahay na bato * Indigenization of Spanish and Chinese Cuisine – notable indigenized Spanish dishes were adobo, menudo, mechado and puchero. Chinese noodles were Filipinized into pansit malabon and pansit luglog * Change in Filipino mode of dressing – men started wearing Americana and wore hats. Women started using saya and camisa and learned how to muse manton de manila * Celebration of religious feasts – this is done in honor of patron saints * Cultural Transformations * Introduction of Latin Alphabet – done to forget baybayin * Art of Printing – the first book was published by dominicans in 1593 * Appearance of Theocratic literature – propagation of religious literature/readings * Persistence of Folk and Colonial Art – various art forms were associated with the celebration of fiesta * Hispanic music and western musical instrument – introduction of fandango and jota * Educational Transformations * Schools were controlled by friars * Primary schools were not given much attention * Education was through rote memorization * End of 19th century, UST was established; secondary school for boys were also opened * Public education for the Indios began also in the 19th century * Weaknesses of Spanish education include over emphasis on religion, irrelevant curriculum, obsolete classroom facilities, inadequate instructional materials, absence of academic freedom and racial prejudice.

THE BIRTH OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM

Early Resistance To Spanish Rule * The integration of the Philippines into the Spanish Empire resulted into the implementation of oppressive taxation policies, forced labor, galleon trade and government monopolies * Discontent with Spanish rule was first expressed in the regional revolts that broke out in the archipelago from 1574 to 1843.

* Reasons for revolt include: * Desire to regain lost freedom * Resistance to Spanish-imposed institution * Desire to revert to their native religion * Agrarian unrest * Revolts caused by desire to regain lost freedom * Revolt against spanish imposed institutions * Revolts caused by desire to revert to native faith

Failure Of The Early Resistance * Owing to sectional jealousies * Lack of communication in the provinces * Absence of national leadership * Revolts were isolated, fragmented, disorganized and sporadic * Filipinos were made to fight one another

Emergence Of Filipino Sense Of Nationhood * Took place only during the last years of Spanish rule in the 1890s. * Development of the 19th century can be attributed to the following factors: * Opening of the Philippines to world of commerce * Rise of the clase media * Liberal regime of Carlose Ma. Dela Torre * Racial discrimination * Secularization controversy * Cavite Mutiny of 1872)