Bantuas, Laut Jr.

SUMMARY
CHAPTER 5: THE NINETEENTH CENTURY PHILIPPINE ECONOMY, SOCIETY AND THE CHINESE
MESTIZOS

Impact on the life of colony

The economic developments, as mentioned, precipitated social, political and cultural

developments as well. The new economy demanded a more literate population to addressing
the needs for a more professionalized workforce to man the trading activities in manila and
other centers. This demand compelled the issuance of the colonial government order in 1836
that required all towns to set up primary schools to teach the population how to read and
write. It eventually led to the passage of education decree in 1863 that mandated free
education. The nineteenth century gave birth to many schools that addressed the growing
demand for more professionals. As manila became the trading center. It became viable
destination for people seeking better oppurtunities or those wanting to escape the worsening
conditions in the farmlands. The increased rate of internal migration raised several concerns
such as overcrowding implied issues in living quarters, sanitation and public health. The
collection of tax were difficult for the government. The 1849 decree of Governor-General
Narciso Claveria that urged the people in the colony to adopt surnames with the catalogo de
appellidos. The possesion of having cedula personal one's name and residence, the colonial
government sought to have better surveillance mechanism. Guardia civil was eventually
established to assess the government in carrying out it's authority.