Filipino natives in seventeenth century Marianas: Their role in the establishment of the Spanish mission in the islands

• Main Author: De Viana, Augusto V.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2004
• Subjects: Filipinos—Mariana Islands—History; Mariana Islands—Colonization; History; Pacific Islands Languages and Societies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/7037
• Institution: De La Salle University

Natives of the Philippines formed part of the colonizing force at the establishment of the Spanish colony in the Marianas during the 17th century. Coming from various regions of the Philippines they consisted of Tagalogs, Pampangos and Visayans who were already Christianized and hispanicized. They played an important role in the colony not just as servants and assistants of the Spanish administrators but also as officers and catechists in the mission. Together with the other colonists they endured the hostility of the native Chamorros who struggled to retain their traditions and distinguished themselves in the service of Spain. Among them were Juan de Santa Cruz and Jose de Tapia who were military leaders and played a vital role in the conquest and colonization of Guam and other islands. Others like Pedro Calungsod and Hipolito de la Cruz died as martyrs in the effort to Christianize the natives. Throughout the period of Spanish domination, native Filipinos proved themselves to be loyal and dependable allies. Spanish administrators made petitions to bring more natives of the Philippines especially Pampangos and Tagalogs to the islands. Many Filipino natives who completed military service opted to remain in the Marianas and became its alcaldes, gobernadorcillos and other officials. Loyal service in the hands of the colonizers gave them an opportunity to elevate their status from ordinary Spanish subjects to one that is more privileged.