MANILA — On this day in Filipino history, December 26, 1849, marked the conclusion of Narciso Claveria y Zaldua’s tenure as Governor-General of the Philippines. Claveria, hailing from Gerona with Biscayan roots, assumed office on July 16, 1844.

His impactful term saw a series of reforms and noteworthy achievements:

In 1844, he rectified the Philippine calendar.

On February 15, 1846, he established a military library.

The Philippines welcomed its first steam war vessels from London in 1848.

Under his leadership, the influential Manila papers, La Esperanza (December 1, 1846), and Diario de Manila (1848), were printed.

Claveria also founded the Sociedad de Recreo casino on October 31, 1844.

On November 11, 1849, regular clergy were prohibited from alienating property.

Perhaps most significantly, on November 21, 1849 (some accounts state November 11, 1849), surnames were officially assigned to native Filipinos during his term.

Following his retirement, Claveria returned to Spain, and the temporary successor to the Governor-General position was Antonio Maria Blanco.

Source: The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803, Volume 1, number 17, Blair, Emma Helen, ed. d.1911.

(Jr Amigo/IA/MNM)

Image Courtesy of The Kahimyang Project

Today in Filipino history, on September 24, 1669, Manuel de Leon took possession of the Philippines as the new governor-general. He was appointed by royal provision on June 24, 1668, and arrived in Manila on September 24, 1669.

During his time the seeds of cacao were brought to the Philippines and planted first in Carigara, Leyte. De Leon extended the commerce of the islands to China, India, and Java, and thus enabled the citizens of Manila to attain unusual wealth and prosperity.

On April 11, 1677 (according to Concepcion’s account from his Hist. de Philipinas, vii, pp. 258, 259), Governor Manuel de Leon died due to excessive obesity. De Leon left all his property for charitable purposes.

Casimiro Diaz from his Conquistas said that Governor General Manuel de Leon died on the night of April 8, 1676.

On account of his death, the senior auditor, Don Francisco de Coloma, took charge of the government, in company with auditors Don Francisco de Mansilla and Don Diego Calderón y Serrano for civil affairs.

Source:

Pambansang Komisyong Pangkasaysayan
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XLII, 1670-1700, page 15, 157-161 E. H. Blair, Gutenberg EBook #34384

(Filed by Jr Amigo/A. Inigo/mnm)