Chapter 1

THE PHILIPPINE AND ITS PEOPLE

How come Filipinos have such varied physical features? Such diverse economic activities?
Observers say, one’s geography can help shape not only a people’s physical appearance but also their
economy, character traits, and development.
The Philippines is a tropical and archipelagic country found in Southeast Asia. Endowed with rich
natural resources and warm, hospitable people, it has its own share of political and economic
challenges to meet.
Geography
The Philippines is an archipelago lying southeast of the coast of the Geography – the science
mainland of Asia. It is located a little above the equator and thus, belongs that studies the earth’s
to the northern hemisphere. Of approximately 7,107 islands and islets form, physical features,
that compose the archipelago. Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, Samar, climate, population, and
Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, and Bohol are the ten biggest
other related topics.
islands.
The total land area is 300, 000 square kilometers. The northernmost island of Luzon is just 100
kilometers away from the island of Taiwan. North and west of the archipelago lies the South China
Sea or West Philippine Sea; to the east is the Pacific Ocean; and to the south are the Celebes Sea
and the waters of Borneo.
The Philippine Deep – is found east of the Philippines near Samar and Leyte, is considered as one
of the deepest sea trenches in the world.
Mount Apo – located in Mindanao is the highest mountain standing at approximately 2, 954 meters
high.
Sierra Madre – the longest continuous mountain ranges in the Philippines.
There are many volcanoes in the Philippines whose eruptions caused much damage to lives and
property. Twenty-six of the volcanoes are considered active, while the rest are supposed to be dormant
or “sleeping.” Mayon and Taal are the most active of these volcanoes.
Climate
The Philippines has a tropical and maritime climate which is tempered by the breeze from the Pacific
Ocean on the east and the China Sea on the west. Based on rainfall and temperature, there are two
major seasons: the dry season which extends from June to November. The period from late November
to February is usually cool. May is often the hottest month of the year, while January is the coldest.
Nature has given the Philippines rich soil and plenty of natural resources. The rich valleys and fertile
plains are planted to crops such as rice, corn, coconuts, sugar cane, bananas, pineapples, and varieties
of vegetables.
Economy
Rice is the main crop of the country and is cultivated in large quantities in Central Luzon, Western
Visayas, and Mindanao.
The major Philippine products for export include coconut oil, fresh bananas, pineapples, sugar, gum
resins, and abaca, among others. Among the country’s growing industries are mining, lumber, metal,
woodcraft, furniture, and petroleum.
Population
The population of the Philippines is 112.7 million as of 2024 data. The majority of the Filipinos belong
to the Austronesian ethnic group. Due to early trade contacts and subsequent colonization by the
Spaniards and later by the Americans, Filipinos today are a mixture of races.
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Government
The Philippine is a constitutional republic with three co-equal branches: the executive, legislative, and
judiciary. The executive branch, headed by the President and Vice President, administers the
functions of the government through the cabinet that is made up of departments and headed by
department secretaries. The legislative branch, which is responsible for enacting bills into laws, is
composed of the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House), led by the
Senate President and the Speaker of the House. The judiciary consists of the systems of courts with
the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land and headed by the Chief Justice.
The country has undergone five constitutional changes since the Malolos Constitution of 1899 which
set up the First Filipino Republic with Emilio F. Aguinaldo as president. These constitutions are:
1. The 1935 Constitution
2. 1943 Constitution of the Japanese-sponsored government (2nd Republic)
3. The 1935 Constitution (3rd Republic)
4. The 1973 Constitution (4th Republic)
5. The 1987 Constitution (5th Republic)
Filipino Traits and Values
 Close Family Ties
 Hospitality
 Respect for the Elder
 Sentimental
 Values
 Sense of Togetherness
 Debt of Gratitude
 Sense of Shame
Chapter 2
THE PHILIPPINES IN ANCIENT TIMES (200, 000 B.C. – 1300 A.D.)

The lack of awareness of our ancestry resulted to feelings of inferiority to other cultures and
dependence on the influence brought in by colonizers and foreigners as source of our identity as a
people.
Evidences, both material (economic, social, and political structures) and nonmaterial (language,
literature, arts, and belief system) demonstrate that the ancient Filipinos were a productive and creative
people. They produced their given natural environment, climate, and geography. Hence, Filipinos were
already a civilized people long before the encounter with the West.
Early settlers
Ice Age – a period in the Earth’s history when ice sheets covered the surface of the earth causing the
sea levels to drop 200 meters, to the level lower than they are today.
Hominid – also known as Cagayan Man or Homo Erectus Philippinensis
-the first settlers who came to Philippines.
In 1962, a skull cap or Tabon Man was discovered in the Tabon caves of Palawan. From this skull,
archeologists learned that man had been in the Philippines for at least 22,000 years.
Prehistoric – the period before written records; divided into the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the
Iron Age, on the basis of the materials used for weapons and tools.
Some 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, another kind settlers, the ancestors of the Negritos (Aeta, Ati,
Dumagat), came to the Philippines by crossing the “land bridges.”

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More than 7, 000 years ago, long after the ice that covered the world melted, the Austronesians came
to Southeast Asia by boats from Southern China.
Economic Life
The ancient Filipinos practiced agriculture, which was the main source of their sustenance. Land
cultivation was done in two ways: the kaingin system and tillage.
Social Life
The ancient Filipinos were divided into social classes. These were the nobles (chiefs and their families),
the freemen (middle class), and the independents (aliping sagigilid and aliping namamahay).
Government
The community called barangay was the basic unit of government. It consisted of 30 to 100 families.
The Tagalog word “barangay” was derived from the Austronesian balangay, a boat which transported
the Austronesian immigrants to the Philippines.
The chieftain was powerful and exercised the powers of the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.
How a Law Was Made?
If the elders approved the proposed law, the chieftain ordered a town cryer, called umalohokan, to
announce to the community the approval of the law.
Culture
When the first Spaniards came to the Philippines in 1521, they found the early Filipinos with a culture
that was different from theirs.
Clothing
 Kangan (jacket with short sleeve)
 Bahag (lower part clothing)
 Saya (skirt)
 Putong (headgear)

CHAPTER 3

EARLY CONTACTS WITH THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

(900 – 1400 A.D.)

O.W. Wolters said such a trade may have been there as early as the 3 rd century, based on the pearls
and gold excavated in Funan.
Orang Dampuan – a group of people from Southern Annam (Vietnam) established trading posts in
Sulu.
Buranun – People of Sulu
Banjar – people near Borneo
Chinese trade in the Philippines greatly improved during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1650) under the
reign of Emperor Yong-lo.
Theories on the Coming of Islam
It has been noted that as early as the seventh century there were few trader colonies scattered along
trade routes and that there was decided increase in their number during the ninth and tenth centuries
in Southeast Asia. Yet it was only by the end of the thirteenth century, continuing to the next century,
that Islamic influences became more pronounced, and this was followed by an acceleration of
Islamization in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It has been, therefore, concluded by scholars that
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some element or factor over and above the mere presence of Muslim traders is needed to explain the
process of Islamization. The attempt to discover this element has given rise to various theories.
1. Trade Theory
It maintains that Muslim traders brought Islam along with their merchandise. Therefore, the Muslim
trader at the same time a religious mentor.
2. Missionary Theory
This explains how Islam was spread the work of professional teachers of Islam who came to expand
Islam. Some of them belong to the Sufi orders.
The Trade Theory and Missionary Theory are compatible to each other since Islam is not a sacerdotal
religion; some of its greatest teachers have dedicated themselves in teaching and preaching Islam
without abandoning trade to supplement their earnings as teachers and preachers.
3. Political Theory
It maintains that the adaptation of Islam by the rulers for political motives. For example, Islam was
utilized as a political instrument with Muslim leaders enjoying the protection of Muslim rulers, while thy
in return provides the ruler their economic resources.
4. Economic Theory
The rulers of principalities were able to participate more extensively and profitably in the international
trade upon adopting Islam.
5. Ideological Theory
This asserts that Islam was adopted by many natives simply because the manner it was presented and
introduced satisfied certain spiritual aspiration and expectation of the people.

Tuan Maqbalu
There is one piece of archeological information that may support the theory that Islam may have arrived
much earlier than the closing years of the fourteenth century. The discovery of sacred grave/ tombstone
on the slope of Bud Datu bearing, among other entries, the year of the death of the deceased, 710 A.H,
which corresponds to 1310 A.C. The sacred grave in Bud Datu is a venerated grave, a few miles from
Jolo and has been the site for the coronation of most of the Sultans of Sulu.
Tuan Mashaika
He appeared and stayed in the area of Maimbung, Sulu. He was credited with having founded the first
Muslim community and married the daughter of a local chieftain and raised 4 his children as Muslim.
He came when the people of Jolo were still worshipping stones and other inanimate objects.
Karimul Makhdum1 (Sharif Awliya)
He is an Arab who arrived in 1380 A.C. and converted a large number of inhabitants to Islam; reverently
called Sharif Awliya. Makhdum was responsible for the founding of the first Masjid in the Philippine
archipelago at Tubig-Indangan on Simunul Island. Najeeb Saleeby quotes from one tarsila with regards
to him as follows:
The existence of graves in several places in Sulu which local residents claim to be the final resting
place of the Makhdum suggests the possibility that there were two or more makhdumin.
Rajah Baguinda
In 1390, Rajah Baguinda arrived and continued the works of Karimul Makhdum. By this time flourishing
Muslim community in Sulu evolved. Sulu tarsilas speak about him; came to Jolo from Menangkabaw
region of Sumatra. No clear account if he was a Sumatran. He was a
powerful foreign Muslim; he strengthened Islamic consciousness in the area.
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Sayyid Abubakar (Sultan Sharif Hashim)
The first crowned sultan of Sulu, an Arab from South Arabia, who was said to be a direct descendant
of Prophet Muhammad. He came to Buansa towards the middle of 15th century and lived with the Rajah
Baguinda. He founded the Sultanate of Sulu, referred to in Sulu Sultan Sharif Hashim. And he
consolidated Islam in Buansa and shaped political institutions along Islamic lines. The old Rajah
Baguinda’s daughter, Paramisuli, was married by Sayyid Abubakar.
Penetration of Islam In Mindanao
Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan
He came from Johore to the mouth of Pulangi River, sometime in the year 1475; descended from
Arab father and Malay mother. It is possible, however, that Muslim missionaries were at work in
Mindanao well before that time. Out of his marital union with the local maidens, the Maguindanao
sultanate and Buayan sultanate came into existence.
Sultan Qudarat (Kudarat)
Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan’s great grandson who was the first Maguindanao ruler spoken of in
the tarsilas as “Sultan”.
Sharif Awliya
Local genealogies or tarsilas of Maguindanao speak of a certain Sharif Awliya, also from Johore, who
is said to have introduced Islam to the people of Mindanao around 1460.
He introduced Islam in a place not far from the present day Cotabato City; his story is wrapped in myth.
He is said to have come to Mindanao in the air in search for paradise. He married houri (celestial
maiden) and bore him a daughter called, Paramisuli, a name reserved to the royalty.
Sharif Maraja
According to Maguindanaon genealogies and traditions, he came from Johore to the area of Slangan
(Cotabato). Soon afterward he married Paramisuli, the daughter of Sharif Awliya.
Penetration of Islam in Lanao and Cotabato
Some traditions suggest that Sharif Kabungsuan himself may have gone to the lake area and
converted the datus. Mranaw tarsilas are silent about this.
Sharif Alawi
According to the genealogies and traditions in Lanao, Sharif Alawi came possibly from Cotabato to the
mouth of the Tagoloan River in present-today Misamis Oriental, later
proceeding to Bukidnon. There is a scant evidence to prove this journey. Until now the coming of Islam
to the Mranaws is subject to speculation.
In many instances, global politics affected or indirectly the turn of events even faraway places. Had not
the Moors been defeated by the Spaniards in 1492, the Spaniards could not have come in 1521 and
conquered the Philippines. Or had the Spaniards delayed their coming to the Philippines for just half a
century, there would be no such thing as the “only Christian country” in Asia.

Islam in Manila and Nearby Areas

Aside from Manila, then known as Selurong2 Islam had already gained ground in Batangas,
Pampanga, Cagayan, Mindoro, Palawan, Catanduanes, Bonbon, Cebu, Oton, Laguna and other
districts. Preachers of Islam, all reportedly coming from Borneo came to teach the natives the rudiments
of the new religion.
What is metropolitan Manila today was formerly the bastion of Islam. The ruling of Manila was
not only related to the Bornean Sultan but was of Bornean origin.

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Rajah Sulayman
The nephew of Rajah Matanda, who was reported to have married a daughter of a Borneo sultan
and to have been Bornean origin.
Rajah Matanda
The uncle of Rajah Sulayman who assisted him in ruling Manila during the arrival of the Spaniards
there in 1570.
Rajah Lakandula
He was the Muslim ruler of Tondo.
Impact of Islam:
1. Establishment of the new political system-Sultanate
2. Domestic trade was controlled by the Muslims
3. Mindanao became part of the world map
Basic Teachings of Islam
Five Pillars of Islam
1. Profession of Faith (Shahada)
The profession of faith is saying with purity, sincerity and full conviction, “La ilahailla Allah,
Muhammadurrasoolu Allah”. This saying means “I bear witness that there is no God except God and
Muhammad is the messenger of God”. The profession of faith is the most important pillar of Islam
because it is the ultimate foundation of Islamic faith.
2. The Five Times Daily Prayer (Salah)
Muslims perform five daily prayers. Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God.
There are no intermediaries between God and the worshipper. In prayer, a person feels inner
happiness, peace, and comfort, and that God is pleased with him or her. The five daily prayers:
Salat al Fajr (The dawn prayer)
Salat al Dhuhr(The noon prayer)
Salat al Asr (The afternoon prayer)
Salat al Maghrib (The sunset prayer)
Salat al Isha (The evening prayer)
3. Poor Due (Zakah)
All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original
meaning of the word zakat is both “purification” and “growth”. Poor due is paid at 2.5% outof our wealth
once in a lunar year.
4. Fasting During the Holy Month of Ramadhan(Sawm)
Every year in the month of Ramadhan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. In this month we
remember the value of the favors God has given to us, which we normally take for granted and for
which we do not give sufficient thanks. It is a spiritual purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly
comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well
as growth in his or her spiritual life.
The aim of fasting is to achieve taqwa (awe) and curb the selfish soul, to discipline it and bring
it under control. Fasting must be performed in an attitude of worship if we really wish to benefit from its
blessing.

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5. Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makka is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and
financially able to perform it. Through the Hajj we take lessons from the submission of the prophets
Abraham and Ishmael and can appreciate their strong trust in God.
In addition to the Hajj (greater pilgrimage), which is performed only on fixed days of the year, one can
also perform the lesser pilgrimage called Umrah at any time of the year. Due to its performance at any
time, it is also called the lesser pilgrimage.
Articles of Faith / Belief
1. Belief in the Oneness and Unity of God (Tawheed)
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, who has neither son nor partner, and that
none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. He has the most magnificent names and sublime
perfect attributes. No one shares His divinity, or his attributes.
God exists and His existence depends on nothing. Thus, He is self-existent. There is no probability of
Him being non-existent.
2. Belief in Angels
Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels
worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by his command. Among the angels is Gabriel, who brought
down the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.
Angels are benevolent non-material beings. That is why we cannot see them in their actual form
with our eyes. Yet, they have the ability to be seen in their actual form with our eyes. Yet, they have
the ability to be seen in whatever form is deemed best. However, they were allowed to be seen by
some of the great prophets in their non-materialized form. Their nature requires no food, drink or sleep.
As they are created to spend their entire existence in the service of God they are not given a soul (nafs).
Therefore, their nature does not allow disobedience to God.
3. Belief in Holy Books
Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as
guidance for them. Holy books are like letters from God to His servants. They deal with how humans
should spend their lives and provide prescription for eternal happiness. There are four holy books: the
Torah (Taurat) sent to Moses; the Psalm (Zabur) sent David; the Gospel (Injil) sent to Jesus; and finally
the Qur’an sent to Muhammad.
4. Belief in Prophets
Prophets are the guides for leading to, finding and remaining on the straight path. As humans
are prone to go astray from the straight path, God protected them from being further misled by sending
prophets. Thus, Allah through the holy books and prophets, informs humans about their responsibilities
and limitations, and made them accountable; God gave this opportunity to every people.
5. Belief in the Hereafter/ Day of Judgment.
Salvation and eternal happiness depend upon deeds and conduct of humankind in this temporal
life. Belief in the hereafter is one of the principles of the six articles of faith enabling men to become
aware of the fact that there is a reward or a punishment in return for these deeds and acts and thus
men have responsibilities during his temporal life.
6. Belief in Divine Determining/ Qadar.
Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine
Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that
God has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they
are responsible for their choices.

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 Chapter 4
ENCOUNTER WITH THE WEST (1400-1600)
The Coming of the Spaniards
Orient - the European’s term for Asia or the East.
Trade Routes
1. Northern Route 2. Central Route 3. Southern Route
Portugal – the first to send expeditions to the East.
Prince Henry – one of the famous Portuguese navigators and was also known as “The Navigator”
Astrolabe – (developed by Prince Henry) an instrument formerly used in measuring the altitudes of the
stars and other heavenly bodies.
Bartholomew Diaz – Portuguese Navigator and discovered the “Cape of Good Hope”
Christopher Colombus – sailing from Spain, he discovered North America in 1492.
Amerigo Vespucci- an Italian sent by Spanish King and Queen to explore what Colombus had found.
Vicente Pinzon – discovered Brazil in 1500
Nuñez de Balboa – discovered the Pacific Ocean
Pope Alexander VI - a Spaniard, issued a bull in 1493 dividing the world into two. All lands south and
west of the Azores and Cape Verde Islands were to belong to Spain. Portugal was to take possession
of the continent Africa.
Treaty of Tordesillas
- An imaginary line was drawn from north to south at a distance of 370 leagues west of the Cape
Verde Islands. Lands to be discovered east of this line would belong to Portugal, and those on
the west would belong to Spain.
- If Spanish ships discovered lands east of the demarcation line, the said lands should be turned
over to Portugal, and lands discovered by Portuguese ships west of the line should be turned
over to Spain.
- No Portuguese ships shall be sent to lands belonging to Spain, and vice versa, for the purpose
of trading with them.
Magellan Expedition (Trinidad, Concepcion, Victoria, Santiago, San Antonio)
Ferdinand Magellan – a Portuguese who went to Spain to offer his services to the Spanish King.
Moluccas known as the Spice Islands
Antonio Pigafetta – an Italian scholar, explorer, and a chronicler best known for his detailed account
of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition – the first voyage to circumnavigate the world.
Limasawa - this happened the first Baptism by Fernando Amorsolo.
Battle of Mactan - a battle between Rajah Lapulapu and Magellan.
Victoria - the only ship that survived the voyage under the command of Sebastian del Cano.
Father Andres de Urdaneta - a member of the Loaysa expedition was appointed by the king as the
pilot of the Legazpi expedition.
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi - was appointed head of the expedition and the first governor-general of
the Philippines
Juan de Salcedo - younger brother of Legazpi and headed the first Spanish Voyage to Manila.
Manila at that time was ruled by a Muslim leader, Rajah Sulayman.
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June 24, 1571 - Manila (a city government or ayutamiento) was declared by Legazpi as the capital of
the Philippines.

Chapter 5
THE PHILIPPINES UNDER SPANISH RULE (1600s-1800s)
Moluccas (Spice Island)
Motives of the Spaniards
1. Europeans Seek Gold and Spices
The desire for wealth was the first motive that pushed Europeans to make long voyage of exploration
Europeans sought gold and silver as well as luxury goods like sugar and silk, which came from Asia.
They also coveted spices from Asia, which were needed to preserve food, particularly meet.

2. Europeans Seek Alternative Routes

For centuries, Muslim traders had controlled the rich land and sea trade routes to Asia, from Indian
Ocean to Mediterranean Sea. In 1453 the Ottoman Turks during the sultanate of Fatih Muhammad II
took the Constantinople (later on Istanbul), ending the Byzantine Empire. The Muslim now ruled from
Danube River along the entire Black Sea.

3. Religious Zeal Encourages Expansion

A desire to spread Christianity was another reason for the European voyages to distant parts of the
world. The Christian nations in Europe believed that they had an obligation to spread their faith. They
even regarded this obligation as a destiny.

Council of Indies - it administered the Philippines even so, the Spanish officials in the Philippines
were appointed by the King of Spain.
Governor-General - appointed by the King of Spain. He was the king's official representative in the
colony. He possessed vast executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The president or the presiding
officer of the Audiencia.
Cumplase - the right of the governor to suspend the operation of a Royal Decree.
Audiencia - the highest court in so far as civil and criminal cases were concerned. The first president
was Governor Santiago de Vera.
Alcalde Mayor - the provincial governor and was appointed by the governor-general. He was given
the right to participate in trade called Indulto de Comercio.
Gobernadorcillo - also called as Capitan municipal or simply Capitan. He headed the town or
municipality. Today, he is called Mayor.
Manila and Cebu- these are the two cities during the first century of the Spanish rule.
Ayutamiento - equivalent to today's city hall and consisted of two alcaldes, twelve regidores (now
called councilors), a chief of police, a city secretary, and few other lesser officials.
Religious Orders
1. Augustinian 2. Franciscan 3. Jesuits
4. Dominican 5. Recollects
The Union of the Church and the State
This system meant that the Spanish government and the Catholic Church worked hand in
hand to rule the country—both politically and spiritually.

9
The Inquisition – an ecclesiastical office, whose duty was to search for heretics and those guilty of
preaching or practicing religious doctrines that were contrary to that of the Catholic Church.
Xylography (printing by woodblock) – the first printing press. The first to print in this was the Doctrina
Christiana by Tagalog and Chinese.
Residencia – the public investigation and trial of outgoing colonial officials in order to ascertain
whether they had committed abuses in the performance of their duties.
Visita – a secret investigation of an official’s conduct a s a public servant.
Plaza Complex – politico-religious structure of the Spaniards. The houses of the natives were
situated around plaza or town center.

Encomienda
The encomienda was a system introduced by the Spaniards during the early years of colonization in
the Philippines. It was a form of land and people management where the Spanish Crown granted a
Spaniard (called an encomendero) the right to collect taxes or tributes from a group of natives living
in a particular area.

In return, the encomendero was expected to:

 Protect the natives from enemies

 Maintain peace and order in the area
 Instruct them in the Catholic faith

The system was meant to help administer newly conquered territories and promote Christianity,
but in practice, it often led to abuses and exploitation of the natives.

Three kinds of Encomienda:

1. The Royal Encomienda (belong to the King)

2. Ecclesiastical Encomienda (belong to the Church)
3. Private Encomienda (private individual)

Polo y Servicio was a form of forced labor imposed by the Spanish colonial government in the
Philippines. Under this system, Filipino male natives (called polistas) aged 16 to 60 were required
to render labor for the government.

 Each male Filipino had to work for 40 days a year on public projects.
 Later, this was reduced to 15 days due to complaints and abuses.
 The work included building roads, bridges, churches, ships, and public buildings.
 Those who did not want to serve could pay a fee called the falla (a sum of money to be
exempted from labor).

Taxes

 The Tribute (Tributo) was a form of tax payment imposed by the Spanish colonial
government on the native Filipinos. It served as a way for the Spaniards to generate
revenue to support the government, the Church, and colonial administration.
 Sanctorum (A church tax of one real each year.) Used to support religious activities and
maintain church buildings.
 Donativo de Zamboanga - A special donation tax collected to fund the military
campaigns in Zamboanga and Mindanao against Muslim resistance.
 Vinta - A tax collected from the people of the coastal provinces to maintain ships (vintas)
used to guard against Moro raids.
 Diezmos Prediales (Tithes) - A religious tax amounting to one-tenth (1/10) of
agricultural produce. Originally given to the Church but later shared with the colonial
government.

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  Buwis or Local Taxes - Local communities also paid taxes to support the needs of their
town or province, such as maintenance of roads and public buildings.

Galleon Trade

The Galleon Trade was a major economic activity during the Spanish colonial period that linked the
Philippines and Mexico from 1565 to 1815. It was also known as the Manila-Acapulco Trade
because the trading route connected Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico (both
Spanish colonies at the time).

The Mexican Subsidy, also known as the Real Situado (250,000 pesos), was the financial aid
sent from Mexico to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. It played a crucial role in
supporting the administration and defense of the Philippine colony.

Government Monopoly

During the Spanish period in the Philippines, a government monopoly referred to the exclusive
control by the Spanish colonial government over the production, sale, and trade of certain
products. This system was established to increase government revenue and regulate valuable
local industries.

Examples of Government Monopoly:

1. Tobacco Monopoly (1782–1882)

o Introduced by Governor-General José Basco y Vargas.
o Farmers were forced to plant tobacco only in certain provinces like Cagayan, Isabela,
and Ilocos.
o All harvested tobacco had to be sold to the government at fixed prices.
o The monopoly became the biggest source of revenue for Spain in the Philippines but
caused hardship and abuse among farmers.

Royal Company

The Royal Company of the Philippines (Real Compañía de Filipinas) was a trading company
established by the Spanish government in 1785 under King Charles III. It was created to promote
trade and develop the economy of the Philippines during the late Spanish colonial period.

Chapter 6

CHALLENGES TO SPANISH AUTHORITY (1560-1820s)

During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, many Filipino communities resisted Spanish rule
due to abuses, forced labor, heavy taxation, loss of freedom, and the suppression of native beliefs.
These early revolts showed the Filipinos’ desire for independence and rejection of foreign control.

Magalat Revolt (1596 – Cagayan)

 Led by Magalat, a native of Cagayan who opposed Spanish oppression and tribute
collection.
 He was eventually killed by his own men under Spanish orders.

Diego Silang Revolt (1762–1763 – Ilocos)

 Diego Silang wanted to end Spanish rule and establish Ilocos as a free government
under British protection.
 After Diego’s death, his wife Gabriela Silang continued the fight but was captured and
executed in 1763.
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Revolt of Francisco Maniago in Pampanga and the Revolt of Andres Malong in Pangasinan. Both
happened in the 17th century and were part of the growing unrest among native leaders who sought
freedom from Spanish oppression.

Result:
 Spanish authorities offered amnesty to Maniago and his followers.
 Malong and his followers were captured and executed

Dagohoy Revolt (1744–1829 – Bohol)

 Led by Francisco Dagohoy, the longest revolt in Philippine history (lasting 85 years).
 It began when a Jesuit priest refused to give his brother a proper Christian burial.
 The revolt became a symbol of Boholano bravery and resistance.

Tamblot Revolt (1621–1622 – Bohol)

 Led by Tamblot, a native priest (babaylan).

 A religious revolt urging the people to return to the old native faith and reject Christianity.

Bankaw Revolt (1621 – Leyte)

 Led by Bankaw, a local datu and former ally of the Spaniards.

 Revolted after becoming disappointed with Spanish rule and returned to the ancient religion.

Resistance in Mindanao was more organized and long-lasting due to the strength of the Muslim
sultanates.

 The Maguindanao and Sulu Sultanates resisted Spanish attempts to conquer them.
 The Spaniards launched several “Moro Wars” from the 16th to the 19th century.
 The Muslims fought to defend their faith (Islam) and political independence.
 Despite repeated Spanish expeditions, Mindanao and Sulu were never fully conquered.

Sultan Kudarat’s Leadership (1600s)

 Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao led a strong resistance against Spanish invasion.

 He successfully united Muslim and non-Muslim groups to defend Mindanao’s sovereignty.

The Chinese Presence

The Chinese presence in the Philippines dates back long before Spanish colonization, but it became
more significant during the Spanish period (1565–1898). The Chinese, called “Sangleys” by the
Spaniards, played a major role in the economic and cultural development of the colony, particularly
in trade, craftsmanship, and commerce.

 The Chinese were required to live in a separate area called the Parián (from Chinese word
palien), near Intramuros, to monitor their activities.

Chapter 7

CULTURAL CHANGES AND IDENTITY (1600–1800)

Spanish Influences in the Philippines

From 1600 to 1800, Spanish colonization brought profound cultural changes to the Philippines,
reshaping the people’s way of life, beliefs, and identity. The Spaniards not only governed the islands
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politically but also sought to transform Filipino society through religion, education, language, and
lifestyle. These influences became deeply rooted and continue to shape Filipino culture today.

Change in Filipino Names

Before Spanish rule, Filipinos used a variety of native naming systems that reflected their ethnic
origins, family ties, or personal traits (ex. Si Malakas or Si Maganda). However, the Spaniards
introduced a standardized system to organize taxation, census, and Christianization across the
colony.

 In 1849, Governor General Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa issued the Clavería Decree, also
known as the Catalogo Alfabético de Apellidos (Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames).
 The decree required all Filipinos to adopt Spanish surnames from an official list created by
the government.

Amusements

During the Spanish period, Filipinos enjoyed various forms of amusements and leisure activities
that reflected a blend of native traditions and Spanish influences. These entertainments were
often connected to religious celebrations, community gatherings, and social events, becoming
important parts of Filipino culture and daily life.

Religious Festivals (Fiestas)

 The fiesta was the most popular form of amusement introduced by the Spaniards.
 Each town celebrated the feast of its patron saint with processions, music, dancing, and
games.

Cockfighting (Sabong)

 Sabong, or cockfighting, was one of the most common pastimes among Filipino men.
 It was held in cockpits (sabungan), often after Sunday Mass or during town fiestas.

Change in Clothing

 Filipino men began wearing the camisa de chino, a collarless shirt made of light fabric.
 Later, the barong Tagalog evolved — a long-sleeved, embroidered shirt worn untucked, often
made of piña or jusi fabric.
 Baro – a blouse with long, wide sleeves.
 Saya – a long, full skirt that replaced the native tapis.
 Pañuelo – a shawl or scarf worn over the shoulders for modesty.
 Tapis – a decorative overskirt, often shorter than the saya.

Class and Social Distinction

 Clothing became a symbol of social status during the Spanish period.

o Spaniards and mestizos wore elaborate European-style clothing.
o Native Filipinos (indios) wore simpler versions of Spanish-influenced attire.
 This created clear distinctions between the elite and commoners in both urban and rural
settings.

Religion

 The greatest Spanish influence was the introduction of Christianity, particularly Roman
Catholicism.
 Churches and missions were built across the islands, and native Filipinos were converted to
the new faith.
 Religious festivals or fiestas, processions, and devotions such as Santo Niño, Virgin Mary,
and patron saints became central to community life.
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  The friars (priests) held both spiritual and social power, guiding the moral and cultural values
of the people.

Education

 Education was primarily religious and limited to the upper class at first.
 The Church established schools, convents, and universities like the University of Santo
Tomas (1611) and Colegio de San Juan de Letran (1620).
 Lessons were focused on Christian doctrine, Spanish language, reading, and writing.
 Eventually, education helped create a wealthy and highly learned Filipino class (Ilustrados)
who later became the leaders of reform and independence movements.

Language

 The Spanish language became the medium of government, religion, and education.

Family and Social Structure

 The Spaniards promoted patriarchal family systems, where the father was the head of the
household.
 Marriage became a sacred Christian institution.
 Society was divided into classes: Peninsulares (Spaniards born in Spain), Insulares
(Spaniards born in the Philippines), Mestizos (mixed ancestry), and Indios (native
Filipinos).
 This class system created social inequality but also a new Filipino identity that blended
native and foreign elements.

Chapter 8

THE BEGINNINGS OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM (mid 1700s-1900s)

The Silang Revolt in Ilocos Region (1762–1763)

 Leaders: Diego Silang and later his wife Gabriela Silang

 Cause: The revolt arose during the British occupation of Manila (1762–1764) when Diego
Silang saw a chance to free the Ilocos region from Spanish rule. He wanted self-rule and to
establish an independent Ilocano government under Spanish protection from the British
instead of direct control by colonial authorities.
 Outcome: Diego Silang was assassinated by his friend Miguel Vicos under Spanish orders in
1763. After his death, Gabriela Silang continued the fight but was later captured and executed
by the Spaniards.

The Palaris Revolt in Pangasinan (1762–1765)

 Leader: Juan de la Cruz Palaris

 Cause: Palaris led the people of Pangasinan in revolt against Spanish abuses, excessive
taxation, and the oppression of local officials. Like Silang, he took advantage of the confusion
caused by the British invasion to assert local independence.
 Outcome: The revolt lasted for about three years but was eventually suppressed by Spanish
forces. Palaris was betrayed, captured, and executed in 1765.

Contribution to Filipino Nationalism

1. Awakening of Local Patriotism:

o Both revolts showed early forms of regional nationalism and resistance against
foreign control. The people began to realize their capacity to fight for self-rule.

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 2. Inspiration for Future Revolts:
o The courage of Diego and Gabriela Silang, and Palaris, inspired later revolutionaries
such as Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal, who continued the struggle for freedom in
the 19th century.
3. Role of Women in the Revolution:
o Gabriela Silang became a symbol of female bravery and leadership, showing that
the fight for freedom was shared by both men and women.
4. Foundation of Filipino Identity:
o These revolts contributed to the emergence of Filipino consciousness — the idea
that people from different regions could unite for independence from Spain

José Basco y Vargas (1778–1787)

During the period of José Basco y Vargas as the governor-general, the Philippines experienced
significant economic and industrial reforms. His leadership focused on self-sufficiency,
agricultural improvement, and trade development. Although some policies, like the tobacco
monopoly, caused hardship, his governance laid the groundwork for economic progress and inspired
early Filipino nationalism through self-reliance and reform.
Laissez-Faire and the Opening of Ports

The laissez-faire policy (let alone policy) and opening of Philippine ports to world trade ended
Spain’s trade monopoly and encouraged economic freedom and global interaction. These changes
led to the rise of a middle class, the spread of liberal ideas, and ultimately helped awaken Filipino
nationalism, laying the foundation for the reform and revolutionary movements of the late 1800s.

The Rise of the Filipino Middle Class

The rise of the Filipino middle class in the 19th century was a result of economic progress, education,
and exposure to foreign ideas. This new educated group, the Ilustrados, became the leaders of
reform and early nationalism, inspiring Filipinos to seek freedom, equality, and independence from
Spanish rule.

The Education of Some Filipinos

During the Spanish period, education in the Philippines was limited and religious in nature,
accessible mainly to the elite. However, the few Filipinos who gained education especially those who
studied abroad became leaders of reform and nationalism, inspiring others to seek freedom and
equality for the Filipino people.

Liberalism and Carlos María de la Torre (1869–1871)

Liberalism is a political and social philosophy that promotes freedom, equality, and individual
rights.

Governor-General Carlos María de la Torre (1869–1871) embodied these ideals by promoting

freedom and justice for Filipinos. Though his rule was short, it sparked the rise of reformist
movements and helped awaken Filipino nationalism, paving the way for future struggles for
independence.

Promoted Liberal Ideas

 Encouraged freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

 Allowed people to criticize the government without fear.

Supported Equality

 Treated both Spaniards and Filipinos as equals, regardless of race or social class.

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  Even shook hands with common Filipinos — something rare for a Spanish official at that
time.

Encouraged Education and Reform

 Advocated for secular education (education not controlled by the friars).

 Supported Filipino reformists and listened to their concerns.

Empowered the Educated Class

 The Ilustrados were inspired by his leadership and became more active in advocating for
reforms.

Start of Reform Awareness

 His short rule planted the seeds of Filipino nationalism and reform that later grew
stronger in the Propaganda Movement.

Secularization and the Cavite Mutiny (1872)

 Secularization was a movement during the Spanish period that aimed to transfer church
leadership from Spanish friars to Filipino priests.
 The Filipino clergy wanted equal rights to handle parishes and religious duties, which were
mostly controlled by Spanish friars.
 The movement was led by Filipino priests such as:
o Fr. Mariano Gómez
o Fr. José Burgos
o Fr. Jacinto Zamora
→ Collectively known as GOMBURZA.

Cause of the Movement

 The Spanish friars refused to give Filipino priests the same privileges and positions in the
Church.
 Filipino clergy demanded justice, equal treatment, and recognition of their capability to lead
the Church.
 This conflict became not only a religious issue but also a social and political one,
symbolizing the Filipinos’ desire for equality and respect.

The Cavite Mutiny (January 20, 1872) was a small uprising by Filipino soldiers and workers at the
Cavite Arsenal (a naval shipyard).

The Aftermath and the Execution of GOMBURZA

 The Spanish government blamed the secularization leaders — Fathers Gómez, Burgos,
and Zamora — accusing them of plotting the rebellion.
 Despite the lack of evidence, the three priests were executed by garrote (strangulation) on
February 17, 1872, in Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park).

Awakening of National Consciousness

 The unjust execution of GOMBURZA opened the eyes of Filipinos to the cruelty and injustice
of Spanish rule.

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