Pre-Colonial Era of the Philippines: Government and Society

Pre-Colonial Era of the Philippines

• The ancestors of the Filipinos already had a government before the coming of the Spaniards in the 15th century.
• The basic unit of government was the barangay, which came from the word "balangai" and consisted of 30 or more families.
• There was no national government, and the independent barangays had relations of war and peace among themselves.

Datu or Raja

• The datu was the ruler of the barangay, and obtained his position through inheritance, wealth, wisdom, or strength.
• The powers of the datu were similar to those of a monarch in Western Europe, including being the chief executive, legislator, judge, and military commander.

Social Classes in a Barangay

• The nobles, known as Maharlika, constituted the ruling class or barangay elite.
• Titles of nobility included Datu, Raja, Lakan, Lakambini, Gat, and Dayang.
• The freemen, known as Timawa, consisted of persons born as free and emancipated slaves.

Filipino Society During the Spanish Era

• Hospitals and orphanages were established, including the Hospital of San Juan de Dios and San Lazaro Hospital.
• The diet of the Filipinos was introduced to new foods such as beef, mutton, sausages, ham, and sardines, as well as European wines and spirits.
• Men and women adopted Western-style clothing, such as coats and trousers for men, and saya and camisa for women.
• Family life was improved, and women's status in society was elevated.

Education and Culture

• The University of Sto. Tomas (1611) and Colegio de Sta. Isabel (the oldest existing school for girls) were established.
• The Latin alphabet and Spanish language were introduced, making the Filipinos closer to the Western World.
• The printing press was introduced, with the first book printed in the Philippines being the Doctrina Christiana (1595).
• Literature flourished, with notable works including the Pasión, Awit, and Corrido.

Spanish Laws and Governance

• The Spanish laws extended to the Philippines, including the Leyes de Indias, Las Siete Partidas, La Novisima Recopilación, Las Leyes de Toro, Penal Code, Civil Code, Code of Commerce, Mining Law, and Mortgage Law.
• The Spanish Governor-General was the chief executive of the Philippines, with powers including executive, administrative, legislative, judicial, diplomatic, military, and ecclesiastical.
• Checks to the Governor-General's powers included the Royal Audiencia, the Supreme Court of the Philippines during the Spanish Period.

Theater, Music, and Art

• The Cenaculo and Moro-moro were popular forms of theater.
• Music was enriched by the introduction of Western instruments, songs, and dances.
• The Las Piñas Bamboo Organ (1818) was built by Father Diego Cerra.
• Notable artists included Damian Domingo, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurreción Hidalgo.

Science and Fiestas

• The Observatory of Manila was founded in 1865, with Father Federico Faura as its first director.
• Notable scientists included Anacleto V. Del Rosario, Leon Ma. Guerrero, and José Rizal.
• Fiestas and religious occasions, such as Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo, were introduced by the Spaniards.
• Amusements such as cock-fighting, Manila Lottery, and horse-racing were also introduced.