SPANISH PERIOD

A. Encomienda System
In 1570, the encomienda was introduced in the Philippines when Legaspi, in compliance with
the decree issued by King Philip II in 1558, distributed lands in Cebu to loyal Spanish subjects.

 Encomienda
A legal system in which taxes are being collected by the Spaniards towards Filipinos in
the public areas which is owned by the government.
 Encomiendero
The individual receiving free labor and tribute, in return for which subjects were
commended to the encomendero’s care.
 The encomendero’s were required by law to perform the following duties:
1. To give protection to the natives.
2. To help the missionaries convert the natives to Christianity.
3. To promote education

B. Cacique Class
The Spanish used the word cacique as a title for leaders of the other indigenous groups they
encountered in territories they occupied.

In the Philippines, a cacique is a prominent land owner.

These leaders have often played a key role in the political structure.
C. Conflicts over Land Tenureship

Is characterized by communal ownership of land. Individual families had usufruct rights to a

parcel of land.
Serfs and Slaves lived on the labor in exchange for protection.
Serfs served as master or lord, who may have been a datu, and tilled hand.
Slaves served both the lord and master in both his house and farm.

D. The Friar Lands

The Augustinians, Dominicans, Jesuits and other religious orders were all holders, administrators
and owners of vast tracts of land in different parts of the country during the Spanish colonial
period.
These lands were given to them by the Spanish government and landed Catholics, others they
bought and some were taken and possessed by them in very questionable ways
Some of these religious orders were practically landlords during the Spanish colonial period.
THE HACIENDAS OF HE AUGUSTINIANS

1. San Francisco de Malabon [Genaral Trias Cavite)

 Five out of parcels were purchasedfrom Don Gaspar Godoy in August 26, 1877.
2. Malinta, Bulacan
3. Muntinglupa
4.