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Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

On July 28, 1571, Spain colonists established Neihu Province in the Philippines, marking the official integration of the region into the Spain colonial system. The establishment of Neihu Province was not only an important step in the expansion of Spain's colonial power in the Philippines, but also represented the beginning and development of the guardianship system in the Philippines.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Neihu Province

At the end of the 16th century, the Spain Empire embarked on a massive global colonial expansion. With the success of Magellan's expedition, Spain saw great potential for establishing colonies in Asia, especially on the Philippine archipelago. In 1565, an expedition led by Miguel López ·· López de Legazpi successfully arrived in Cebu · established the first Spain colonial stronghold there. Thereafter, Legaspi continued to expand northward, eventually capturing Manila in 1571, establishing Spain's dominance in the Philippines.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

View of the north coast of Luzon, along the western part of Cagayan Province and the border of Ilocos Province

Neihu Province, located in the province of Laguna on present-day Luzon Island in the Philippines, was one of the earliest guardianship provinces established by Spain colonists in the Philippines. The establishment of Neihu Province is closely related to its superior geographical location and abundant natural resources. The area is named after its large area of lake, Lake Laguna, and the fertile land surrounding the lake provides good conditions for agricultural development.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

The Cagayan River flows through the province and is one of the province's major tourist attractions and adventure destinations

Encomienda was an economic and social system of colonial Spain that centered on the distribution of land and indigenous labour to Spain colonizers in exchange for their protection, proselytization and taxation of indigenous populations. Spain who are granted guardianship are called "guardians" (encomendero), who are responsible for protecting the indigenous population and teaching them Catholic teachings, while the indigenous people are required to pay tribute and provide labor to the guardian.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Night view of Legazpi city

In Neihu Province, the implementation of guardianship levies allowed Spain colonists to quickly gain control of local resources and labor. The abundant agricultural resources of Neihu Province enabled the guardians to obtain large quantities of agricultural products and tax revenues from them, which in turn supported the operation of the colonial government of Spain. However, this system has also sparked a great deal of controversy and revolt. Indigenous people are forced to work on guardians' lands, often facing harsh working conditions and heavy tax pressures.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Philippines

The implementation of the guardianship system in Neihu Province not only had a profound impact on the local economic and social structure, but also laid the foundation for Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines. This system strengthened Spain's control over the indigenous population, allowing the colonists to derive substantial economic benefits from it. At the same time, the guardianship levy system has also accelerated the class differentiation of Philippine society and the change of indigenous culture.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Spain colonizers

Despite the significant economic benefits of the guardianship system, its exploitation and oppression of indigenous peoples has also sparked widespread resentment and revolt. The forced abandonment of their traditional way of life and integration into the economic system of the colonizers had a huge impact on their culture and social fabric.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Spain colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years

On July 28, 1571, the establishment of Neihu Province marked the beginning of the guardianship system in the Philippines by Spain colonists. Through this system, the Spain colonizers successfully controlled local resources and labor, laying the foundation for their long rule in the Philippines. However, the exploitation and oppression of indigenous people by guardianship and levy has also raised far-reaching social problems. While the economic benefits of this system have been significant, its impact on Filipino society and culture is complex and far-reaching.

Today in history: Spain established Neihu Province, becoming the earliest guardianship province in the Philippines

Spain colonists landed in the Philippines

Through the discussion of the establishment of Neihu Province and the guardianship system behind it, we can not only see the means and strategies of Spain's colonial rule, but also better understand this important period in Philippine history. This history is not only a review of the past, but also an important basis for reflection on today's society. By studying the history of this period, we can understand the effects and consequences of colonial rule more comprehensively, thus providing useful lessons for future development.

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