CHAPTER 6

AGRARIAN
DISPUTES
 REPORTERS:

Novi Mae Aika T. Kuizon

Gleia S. Gorgonio
Devon Rey R. Cuico
Cj Maroel O. Monforte

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In 1891, Jose Rizal was in Hong Kong when he received distressing
news about his family who were, at that time, embroiled in a
litigation case concerning the Hacienda de Calamba. He
heard that the Spanish authorities were summoning his
mother, Doña Teodora, and two younger sisters, Josefa and
Trinidad, for further investigation. In a show of support, he
wrote to his family, “I am following your cavalry step by step.
Do not be afraid, I am doing all I can… Patience, a little
patience. Courage!”

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 Scholars and students of history agree that the conflict
between his family and the Dominicans over the Hacienda greatly
affected Rizal.

This chapter will attempt to show the historical context behind

this incident that played a pivotal role in Rizal’s life. It will first
provide a brief history of friar estates in the Philippines and will
then look closely into the Hacienda de Calamba conflict.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of
this chapter,
the students • examine Rizal’s life in the Philippines within the wider
should be able context of the developments in the nineteenth century;
to:
• explain how the Hacienda de Calamba issue serves as an
exemplary illustration of agrarian conflicts in the late
nineteenth century; and

• describe the interplay of several factors that contribute to the

changing landscape of the Philippines society and economy.

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VOCABULARY
• Conquistador – a Spanish conqueror
• Caballeria – a small tract of land included in a land grant
• Canon – annual rent paid by the inquilino.
• Cavan – a measure equal to 75 liters
• Hacienda – large estate that were used for raising livestock and agricultural production.
• Inquilino – a tenant who rented land from the friars and subleased the land to sharecroppers
• Principales – ruling elite class
• Sharecropper (kasamá) – an individual who rented the land from an inquilino and worked the land
• Sitio de ganado mayor - a large tract of land included in a land grant.