Name: Clifford Jay E.

Dela Peña Subject: Readings in Philippine History

Year and Section: BSEE 4A Date: May 17, 2023

“Salakot”

Salakot is a piece of head gear that has become a symbol of Filipino identity. The

material the salakot is made of reflects the natural resources of the Philippines.

Resources that are mostly found in the area, including bamboo, palms, and rattan leaves.

Some salakots were coated in a resin to make them waterproof to protect local farmers

and fishermen from the sun and rain. The history of this head gear can be traced back

during the Malay immigration to the Philippine Archipelago. In Panay Island, the first

Malay settlers acquired valleys and plains from Aetas (indigenous people) by paying

them with golden salakot and a manangyad (very long gold necklace). During the

Spanish occupation, the custom of embellishing the salakot was developed. The design

has become a status symbol. The symbolism of the salakot has evolved over time. In the

1800s, native Filipinos were calling for reforms. The Propaganda Movement wanted the

Philippines to be acknowledged as a province of Spain and to be represented in the

Spanish Cortes. The head gear became the war helmet for the Philippine Revolution.