Juan de Plasencia and Spanish Colonial Governance

Questions and Answers

What was the primary role of Juan De Plasencia as a friar in the Philippines?

To engage in military campaigns against native tribes

To document the geography of the Philippines

To govern local politics and enact laws

To convert natives and organize towns (correct)

What was the purpose of the Reduccion Policy initiated by Juan De Plasencia?

To increase agricultural productivity

To consolidate scattered populations into towns (correct)

To establish trade routes with other countries

To promote cultural exchanges among communities

What challenges did the Spanish government face in managing local politics?

The limited number of Spaniards wanting to live outside of Intramuros (correct)

High levels of rebellion among the local populace

Conflict among Filipinos over leadership roles

A surplus of Spanish officials willing to govern

What position was granted to Filipinos to help in local governance?

Gobernadorcillo Signup and view all the answers

How did the friars influence local governance in the Philippines?

By assuming administrative duties initially meant for colonial officials Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the temporary shed called sibi during the worship PANDOT?

To shelter the assembled people Signup and view all the answers

Which priest is known to induce maladies capable of causing death?

Mangangauay Signup and view all the answers

What does the priest Manyisalat specifically do?

Makes lovers abandon their wives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures is considered a demon?

Sitan Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the term Maca in relation to life after death?

A paradise for moral people Signup and view all the answers

What function does the priest Osuang serve?

Eats flesh and murders men Signup and view all the answers

What does the creature Patianac resemble?

A toddler Signup and view all the answers

Which priest is known for predicting the salvation of the soul?

Sonat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a Datu in a barangay?

To manage and defend the community Signup and view all the answers

Which practice was commonly used by the Tagalogs as part of their judicial process?

Trial by ordeal Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the main economic activities in the Philippines according to the content?

Agriculture, fishing, and lumbering Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Tagalog customs deals specifically with governance and leadership?

Political Aspect Signup and view all the answers

Which method was NOT used by the Tagalogs in their trial by ordeal?

Plunging into boiling oil Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of umalohokan in the Tagalog society?

To announce laws and rules Signup and view all the answers

How were the judicial proposals of a chief communicated to the community?

By umalohokan announcements Signup and view all the answers

What type of information were friars in mission territories required to document?

People’s way of life and struggles Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a datu in Tagalog society?

Chief of the barangay and war captain Signup and view all the answers

Which group among the Tagalogs is considered freeborn and does not pay tax?

Maharlica Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the Tagalog concept of breast-feeding in marriage customs?

Bigay-suso Signup and view all the answers

In the caste system of the Tagalogs, who would inherit the father's properties?

Only the legitimate child Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the dowry if a wife dies without children?

Half of the dowry is given to the husband Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a form of burial practiced by the Tagalogs?

Burial in hanging coffins Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary religion of pre-colonial Filipinos, including the Tagalogs?

Animism Signup and view all the answers

Who is Bathala in Tagalog culture?

The most powerful god and creator Signup and view all the answers

Which deity is recognized as the patron of cultivated lands and husbandry in Tagalog culture?

Idianale & Lacapati Signup and view all the answers

What does the term SIMBAHAN refer to in Tagalog culture?

A place of adoration or temple Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author Background

Juan de Plasencia was a prominent Spanish friar of the Franciscan order born in the 16th century in Extremadura, Spain.
He arrived in the Philippines with the first batch of Franciscan missionaries in 1577, focusing on converting natives and organizing comunidades.
Initiated the Reduccion Policy to consolidate indigenous populations.
Notable works include "Coleccion de Frases Tagala," "Catecismo de la Doctrina Cristiana," and "Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos."

Historical Context

Spanish colonial administration struggled with local governance due to a shortage of Spaniards outside Intramuros, leading to Filipino governors known as gobernadorcillos.
Gobernadorcillos were municipal judges responsible for local leadership and administration.
The presence of friars became dominant in local governance, performing roles that colonial officials were supposed to handle.

Role of Friars in Governance

Friars supervised local elections, tax collection, and education.
They documented native life and communicated observations to their superiors, contributing to the historical understanding of Filipino customs and struggles.

Customs of the Tagalogs Overview

The customs of the Tagalogs encompass political, economic, social, cultural, and religious aspects reflecting pre-colonial life.

Political Structure

The barangay, containing 30 to 100 families, was led by a Datu (chieftain).
Sanduguan (blood compact) facilitated alliances among Datus.
Inheritance followed a patrilineal line with customary laws announced by umalohokan (herald).
Judicial processes incorporated trial by ordeal, demonstrating cultural beliefs in justice.

Economic Aspects

The Philippines showcased abundant natural resources, rich in agricultural products like rice, sugarcane, and bananas.
Fishing thrived due to the archipelagic geography, while mining provided gold, silver, and diamonds.
Shipbuilding and lumber were established industries.

Datu/Sultan served as war leaders and village chiefs and held significant power.
Social classes included:
- Maharlica: Freeborn individuals; do not pay tax.
- Aliping Namamahay: Serve masters and assist in warfare.
- Aliping Saguiguilir: Bound to their master's household; could be sold.

Marriage and Family Customs

Marriages involved dowries, with various customs like panghimuyat (night surveillance) and bigay-suso (breast-feeding rites).
Only legitimate children could inherit property, emphasizing family lineage.

Cultural Practices

Important rituals included sacrifices for good harvests, safe travel, and victorious battles.
Unique burial customs featured the Manunggul Jar and hanging coffins, indicative of their rich traditions.

Religious Beliefs

Pre-colonial Filipinos practiced animism, venerating Bathala, the supreme deity.
Idols (Lic ha) represented various deities, with Star Gods influencing weather patterns.
Worship involved community gatherings and participatory ceremonies in temples designated as simbahans.

Spiritual and Superstitious Beliefs

Various practitioners, such as Catalonan (female priest) and Mangangauay (causing diseases), were influential in spiritual life and ominous practices.
Beliefs about ghosts and supernatural creatures shaped cultural narratives and community behaviors.

Afterlife Perspectives

The Tagalogs envisioned distinct afterlife realms: Maca (paradise) for moral individuals and Casanaan (place of suffering) for the immoral.

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Description

Explore the life of Juan de Plasencia, a key Franciscan friar in 16th century Philippines. This quiz covers his contributions to local governance and the implementation of the Reduccion Policy as well as the role of friars in colonial administration. Test your knowledge on historical context and significant works.