Our Barangay: Pre Hispanic to Spanish Period

During the 17^th Century, large portion of the population belongs to the group of the so-called, “timawa.” Timawa or the “Indios” is the least powerful. Those Spaniards were on the top of the structure of the Pueblo Social Classes, the “ Peninsulares” and followed by the “ Insulares.” Then they were “mestizos,” those who were termed to have a mixed blood or half-breeds, a Filipino with Spanish blood. At that time, there was a big racial barrier between the Spaniards and to the Mestizos.

But, during the 16^th Century, the social class structure is lead by the “Datu,” followed by the “Timawa” and then by the  so-called, “Alipin” which was break in to two types, the “ aliping namamahay” at “alipin sa gigilid.”

From Matangdilis

This means, that during the pre-hispanic period the basis of “power” is wealth, but when the Spaniards came, one of the great factor is in terms of “race.”

Politics:

The highest decision maker during the 16^th century were the datus termed to be as “Cabeza de Barangay” in the legislative, judicial and executive power, but in the 17^th century it was the “Gobernador General.” The Governor General was the authorized person by the King of Spain.

In connection to their primary tasks is that the collection of taxes especially during the 16^th century. On the 17^th century, governor general is tasked to the Supreme Court of the Colonial Government in the country.

In the 16^th century, the power in the political sphere was all in the hands of the datu, everything was changed during the 17^th century. The political power really belongs to the colonists.

Economics:

During the pre-hispanic period, the work was available for everyone even to those who were called “alipin.” They are in to farming, poultry and stock-raising, weaving of blankets and cotton growing. But when the colonization of Spain started, new agricultural technology was introduced. We adapted those agricultural changes, but after all even the datus who have the right to till the land, it all changes.

The one who benefited of them all are the Spaniards. We labor and then they are the one who harvest the fruit of our labor.

Culture:

In the pre-hispanic period, there exists a culture of freedom despite of differences in their social status, but when the Spaniards came in, the culture of fear is heightened. Of course, there were so many changes, but this one was more observed.

The constant thing in this world is change, and even the “power relations” to our past reflects our history of today.