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)