University of San Jose-Recoletos

School of Arts and Sciences

Name: Jenn Margarit P. Tajanlangit Subject: GE RPH – Readings in the Philippine History
Course and Year Level: BSA – 1 Schedule: MWF 1:30 – 2:30 P.M.

GE RPH – Readings in the Philippine History

Activity Sheet no. 1

Instructions: In this lesson, you will be able to understand the Philippine history during the Spanish
Period.For your activity, answer the following questions using what you’ve learned throughout the
discussion. Make sure to elucidate your points in writing your answer.
Criteria: Content – 3, Structure – 3, Evidence/ Support – 2, Citation – 2.
The score for this activity is 10 points per question.

1. Explain the intentions and the result of the expedition done by Ruy Lopez de Villalobos.
Ruy López de Villalobos led expeditions to the Philippines to help Spain maintain its presence in the
Pacific, connect its colonies in the New World with the spice-rich Moluccas, and expand its empire. The
Philippines bears the imprint of Villalobos' explorations, with numerous locations associated with his
historic journey. Villalobos' expeditions in the 16th century influenced not only the history of the
Philippines but also its culture and heritage.

One significant legacy is the naming of Mindanao. Villalobos named the island "Caesarea Karoli" in
honor of Charles V of Spain. This name endured over time. Mindanao, with its abundant resources and
diverse culture, remains crucial to the Philippines today.

Villalobos' fleet also discovered the Palau archipelago, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and
vibrant marine life. Palau has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the
world who want to explore its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking underwater scenery.
Villalobos' discovery of Palau paved the way for further exploration and appreciation of this unique part
of the Philippines. Sinaunangpanahon (Historians, 2023)

Source Links
https://alchetron.com/Ruy-López-de-Villalobos
https://dbpedia.org/page/Ruy_López_de_Villalobos
https://vocal.media/history/spanish-colonization-in-the-philippines

2. Explain the intentions and the result of the expedition done by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
The Viceroy commissioned Legazpi in 1564 to lead a naval expedition across the Pacific in search of a
return sea route from Asia to the Americas and the establishment of a colony in the Philippines. After
deposing a local Muslim ruler in 1571, he founded Manila, the new Spanish colony's capital and the
country's main trading port in East Asia. Legazpi repulsed two Portuguese attacks in 1568 and 1571,
easily defeating the poorly organized Filipino resistance ( Gorlinski and Tikkaen, 2010). The López de
Legazpi and Urdaneta expedition to the Philippines established the trans-Pacific Manila galleon trade,
exchanging silver mined in Mexico and Potosí for Chinese silk, porcelain, Indonesian spices, Indian
gems, and other goods precious to Europe at the time. M.c. Halili (2004).

3. Identify the forms of government and its structure during the Spanish Period in the Philippines. Make
sure to elaborate on their roles and jurisdiction.
Under Spanish rule, legislative powers were divided among three entities: (1) the Governor-General, who
could issue executive decrees, edicts, or ordinances with legal effect; (2) the Royal Audencia, which
passed laws in the form of autos accordados; and (3) the Crown of Spain, acting through its councils.
 University of San Jose-Recoletos
School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Social Science and Philosophy

A governor-general served as chief legislator, with the assistance of two advisory bodies over which he
presided. The Royal Audencia, or Spanish Supreme Court in the Philippines, was the other legislative
body in the country. The governor-general also served as president of this body. Many historians have
observed, however, that the legislative function during the Spanish period was monopolized by a series of
interlocking bodies, with the Chief Legislator, the governor-general, wielding unrestricted power while
also serving as president and member of other bodies tasked with advising him. Filipino representation
was also notably absent in legislative bodies. (Pastrana and Raval, 2001)

4. Elaborate on the social hierarchy present during the Spanish period in the Philippines.

The class divide in the Philippines has deep historical roots, dating back to pre-colonial times when
society was divided into four classes: Maginoo (nobles), Timawa (freemen), Maharlika (commoners), and
Alipin (slaves). Spanish colonization exacerbated this divide by establishing a racial hierarchy that placed
Spanish colonizers and their mestizo descendants at the top, while native Filipinos and foreign merchants
were relegated to the lower ranks.

During the Spanish colonial period, the mestizo class emerged, which consisted of people of mixed
Spanish and Filipino heritage. This educated and affluent group distanced themselves from both Spanish
colonizers and native Filipinos by embracing Spanish customs and culture. They frequently held
influential positions in society.

Native Filipinos, on the other hand, were excluded from positions of power, forced to work for the
Spanish, and subjected to exploitation. The imposition of Spanish religion and culture widened the social
divide between the colonizers and the indigenous population.

To summarize, the Philippines' class divide has a complex history that dates back to pre-colonial
structures and has been exacerbated by Spanish colonization. This historical legacy continues to influence
the social and economic landscape in today's Philippines. Sinaunangpanahon (Historians, 2023)

5.Elaborate on the role of the Church during the Spanish period in the Philippines.
Catholicism has a long history in the Philippines, dating back to the Spanish colonial period. The Church
played an important role in shaping the country, spreading faith, and building structures. The Spaniards
who colonized the islands in the 16th century introduced Catholicism to the Philippines. The initial
contact occurred in 1521 (Jocano, 2013). The Catholic Church amassed enormous wealth and wielded
considerable power in politics and society. Spanish soldiers, motivated by "territorial expansion," were
accompanied by church representatives who hoped to spread the kingdom of God and increase the
church's influence. Catholicism has visibly impacted the nation's culture and society, influencing
everything from religious practices to political beliefs. As a result, up to the present, it continues to wield
significant power in the country (Robinson, 1901).

6.Identify and explain the duties of the Filipinos during the Spanish period in the Philippines.
During the Spanish rule in the Philippines, the people were given important duties by the Spanish leaders.
They were required to pay tribute to the Spanish government by donating goods or performing labor.
They were also required to work for free on projects such as road construction, known as "polo y
servicio." People were instructed to follow Spanish customs, act like Spaniards, and avoid moving around
excessively. (Scott, 1994) The subject peoples were converted to Catholicism and were subjected to direct
rule by Spanish governors and the all-pervasive influence of Spanish priests for the next three centuries.
These tasks influenced daily life and sometimes led to protests as people wanted more freedom. What
Lies Ahead for the Philippines? (1945)