Chapter 5 & 6: Colonial Institutions & Early Filipino Revolts PDF
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This document provides an overview of colonial institutions and early Filipino revolts. It details important historical events, including the establishment of a Spanish colony and the resettlement plans implemented by the Spanish authorities. It also details the various forms of labor and taxation imposed during that time. The chapter also touches upon aspects of abuses and revolts based on these systems of oppression.
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Chapter 5: Introduction to Colonial Institutions Establishment of a Colony The arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi signalled the start of a real Spanish colony. Legazpi = adelantado (title:advanced officer) May 18, 1571 - negotiations with Raja Matanda and Lakandula. Manila was co...
Chapter 5: Introduction to Colonial Institutions Establishment of a Colony The arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi signalled the start of a real Spanish colony. Legazpi = adelantado (title:advanced officer) May 18, 1571 - negotiations with Raja Matanda and Lakandula. Manila was conquered afterwards. June 21, 1574 - Manila was given the title La insigne y siempre leal ciudad (Distinguished and ever loyal city) One of the first tasks was to “unify” the islands Resettlement Plans… A plan, presented by Fr. Juan de Plasencia to the Synod of Manila. Synod: a council of bishops The Filipino natives were re-settled, in an attempt to ‘tame’ them, and further indoctrinate them to the Christian faith. Towns were structured using the plaza complex. As soon as Legazpi started colonizing during 1565, the encomienda system was established, led by encomenderos. Spanish word: ‘encomendar’ = to entrust. A grant from the Spanish crown to a Spanish official, who was meant to control a specific area and all its inhabitants. Encomienda was abolished eventually, replaced by the alcadia (comparable to a modern-day province) led by an alcadia mayor. Resettlement and Local Government Smaller towns were under the gobernadorcillo Encomenderos had the right to collect taxes Those who resisted and escaped the reduccion, were labeled: tulisanes. Labor Services and Tribute Payment of annual tribute was seen as a form of loyalty to the king of Spain By the 19th century this was replaced by the cedula personal. Polo y servicios ○ Drafting of laborers who were either Filipino or Chinese mestizos aged 16 to 60 years. ○ Obligated to render 40-day service in construction projects: ships, churches, cutting of logs. ○ In 1885: that labor was reduced to 15 days. Immaculate Conception Parish, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental Abuses Committed by the Spaniards in Domingo Salazar’s Letter The rising prices of certain product, particularly food and other commodities that used to be affordable The natives dying from overwork Those who survive are paid very little, if not at all. Men compelled to work to render their services, are forced to abandon their pregnant wives. Both husband and wife are beaten when they resist. Natives working on the galleys are placed on ‘irons’ or chains, and then flogged (whipped). During harvest time, the share of the rice that native are supposed to receive are taken away and sold. Many die from hunger. Abuses Committed by the Spaniards in Domingo Salazar’s Letter Natives are immediately ordered to pay tribute after subjugation ○ Gold ○ Cloth, thread The chiefs are punished if the town fails to meet the demands of encomenderos: ○ Crucifixion ○ Lashing ○ Wife and daughter of the chief is seized if the chief is not found Decree Regulating the Services of Filipinos Royal Decree issued by King Philip II on May 26, 1609. Repartimiento- allowed the masters in colonies to recruit natives and those of other nations to work on public and community projects. ○ In case the Chinese and Japanese hired workers do not prove sufficient, the governor and captain-general may turn to the natives for more workers, provided that the services are voluntary. But if there is a lack of volunteers, only then can force be applied. ○ Repartimiento can only be used for necessary affairs. ○ Number of native workers should be lessened ○ Natives cannot be taken from distant districts ○ The governor should assign a certain number of work hours per day, and that the natives be given full wages ○ Labor should not interrupt harvest, and sowing of land products ○ Quality of caracoas, ships that require rowing, must be improved since they cause natives to die at sea Chapter 6: Early Filipino Revolts 3 Main Reasons Imposition of the Catholic faith Forced labor or polo y servicios Usurpation of land by the friars
