History of

Architecture 4
Philippine Architecture

Filipino Architecture
“Architecture must be true to itself, its land and
its people.”
- Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa
 The history and culture of the Philippines are reflected in its
architectural heritage, in the dwellings of its various peoples,
in churches and mosques, and in the buildings that have
risen in response to the demands of progress and the
aspirations of the people.

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/architecture-and-allied-arts-2/history-of-philippine-
architecture/
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

❑GEOGRAPHICAL

• archipelago of 7,641 islands –

mountainous and fragmented
• southeast Asia, Pacific Ocean,
West China Sea
• strategic position - in the path of
Far East trade
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

❑GEOGRAPHICAL

• 3 main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

• major earthquake and volcanic belt

• in the path of typhoons from the Pacific
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑SOCIAL/CULTURAL

Philippines (Republic of the Philippines)

• one of the largest English-speaking country in the world
• citadel of Christianity and democracy in East Asia
• mixture of races: Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American
• Filipino people have many common traits, has close family ties and is sentimental
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

❑GEOLOGICAL
• indigenous materials which were largely used in pre-
Spanish architecture
• wood from trees were mostly used in constructions
• clay – sun-dried or oven baked
• limestone, adobe stone, marble, gypsum, granite, and
volcanic rocks
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

❑CLIMATIC

• tropical and maritime

• dry and wet season
• typhoons and tropical storms
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

❑RELIGIOUS
• Filipinos are deeply religious and is loyal and dedicated to his church and faith
• Roman Catholicism
• Islam
• Protestantism, Aglipayan, Iglesia ni Kristo
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

Pre-Colonial:
• immigration via land-bridges as early as 250,000 years ago, and later, sea-
vessels
• there are two theories on the origins of the first Filipinos, the inhabitants of
what will later be called the Philippine Islands and eventually the Republic of
the Philippines.
• immigrants of Malay origin, food gatherers and hunters
 Philippine Architecture

Tabon caves in Palawan

 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

Pre-Colonial:
• 1380, Muslim Arabs arrived at the Sulu Archipelago and established
settlements which became mini-states ruled by a Datu - barangays
• laws on marriage, inheritance, ownership, crime, and behavior
• elaborate animistic religion
• Arabs - converted some parts to Islam in 1300 AD
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

Spanish Rule:
• 1521, Ferdinand Magellan landed in Samar Island
• 1564, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi brought Christianity
• Systematically and efficiently Christianized most part of the country
• Introduced European institution and thought
• Economically linked Manila with Mexico and the rest of the world - via the
Spanish Galleon Trade
 Philippine Architecture
Influences

• Brief occupation by the British forces (1762-1764); attempted seizure by

Dutch and Chinese
• Spanish colony until 1900's
• Nationalist movement by Jose Rizal, unsuccessful revolt by Aguinaldo
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

American Rule:
• Islands were sold or ceded to America, as a result of Spanish war with USA
• Democracy was introduced - allowed a self-government called the
Commonwealth Era
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

Japanese Invasion:
• December 1941
• Established a puppet government
• Liberation when Gen. McArthur returned in July 1945
• The United States recognizes the Independence of the Republic of the
Philippines Independence in 1946
 Philippine Architecture
Influences
❑HISTORICAL

Philippine Independence
• became an independent republic in 1946
• country placed under Martial Law
• 1986, peoples power revolution
Reference(s):

Lico, Gerard. (2008). Arkitekturang Filipino. A History of Architecture and Urbanism in the Philippines. UP
Press Centennial Publications.

Salvan, George S. (2005). Architectural Character & the History of Architecture book 5, JMS Press

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/architecture-and-allied-
arts-2/history-of-philippine-architecture/

https://www.philippine-history.org/early-filipinos.htm