• analyze the early revolts of nationalistic Filipinos

• discuss the events and effects of early revolts and the other reactions of the Filipinos to Spanish colonization

The Filipinos suffered hardships under the Spanish regime. Because of their misery and bitter experiences, the Filipinos had risen in more than 100 revolts to defend their God-given rights and regain their lost freedom. The revolts were caused by Spanish oppressions and brutalities, religious persecutions, and harsh economic policies.  Some revolts were agrarian in nature due to the usurpation of lands by the friars.

Personal Reasons

The first Filipino revolt against Spain was led by Lakan Dula and his nephew Raja Sulayman in 1574. The reason for the revolt was the failure of Governor-General Guido de Lavezaris to fulfill the promise made by Legazpi to respect their patrimonial lands and exemption to pay the tribute.

Andres Malong of Pangasinan led a revolt that attacked the rich towns of Bacnotan and Lingayen in 1661. Malong killed the alcalde mayor and proclaimed himself as king of Pangasinan. However, Malong was captured by the Spanish forces. Pedro Almazan also led a revolt and proclaimed himself as king of Ilocos. Both of these revolts failed.

The revolt of Francisco Dagohoy is considered as the longest rebellion which took place from 1774 to 1829.  Dagohoy was angered when Fr. Gaspar Morales, a Jesuit priest, refused to bless his dead brother who died in a duel.  About 3 000 Boholanos joined the revolt not because they sympathized with Dagohoy but because they had suppressed anger against the Spaniards. The revolt failed but the rebels were given amnesty.

Religious Reasons

In 1621, Tamblot, a babaylan, led the Boholanos in a revolt to bring back their old religion. Bankaw also led a revolt for the same reason. In Oton, Panay in 1663, Tapar led a revolt in his desire to put up his own version of Christianity. All of these revolts failed.

Resistance to Spanish Colonial Policies

The Filipinos endured too many sufferings and hardships because of the colonial policies that were imposed by the Spaniards. Because of these, various revolts were held in different parts of the country. Magalat led a revolt in Cagayan in 1596 against the forced and unjust collection of tributes. The Spaniards hired a Filipino to kill Magalat.

As a result, the revolt was a failure.

In the Visayas, Don Juan Ponce, Don Pedro Caamug, and Agustin Sumuroy of Samar resisted the order of Governor-General Diego Fajardo to send polistas or forced laborers to build ships in Cavite. The Spaniards used the native Lutaos to quell the revolt. Sumuroy was beheaded by his own men and his head was turned over to Don Genis de Rojas.

In 1719, Juan Caragay of Dagupan and in 1762, Juan dela Cruz Palaris in Binalatongan, Pangasinan led revolts against the harsh collection of tributes, corruptions, and other abuses of the alcalde mayor. They also petitioned for the alcalde mayor to be ousted from office. Unfortunately, they were both killed by their own men who became traitors and sided with the Spaniards.

Diego Silang belonged to the principalia class in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He led a revolt in 1762 against the heavy imposition of tributes, abuses of their alcalde mayor, and in defense of their rights. Silang was killed by his best friend, Miguel Vicos. His wife, Gabriela, continued his mission. However, after four days, she was captured and killed by the Spaniards.

The 333-year-old Spanish colonization in the Philippines brought a lot of changes to the country. It also resulted to many unpleasant things in the lives as well as in the society of the Filipinos during that time. We can say that these are still evident in our modern times.

Task:  Conduct a survey on the Filipinos' reactions to Spanish colonization and then present the results.