The video lesson taught me the system of governance, their rules and procedures of then and now. Spanish colonization centralized power, while the American era introduced democratic ideals and education. Several trivia's and new perspective in understanding of changes throughout history for a student of public administration like me to realize how local governance had evolved through the decades. This progress shows how colonization reshaped indigenous governance practices and serves as the foundation for modern political systems in the country. Reflecting on to the governance, rules, and procedure during pre-colonization to American period reminds me of how Good and well organized Governance should we push for once the student became a servant, serving its best for the betterment of the governance.
Watching this video gave me a better understanding of how local governance in the Philippines started and evolved over time, even before colonization. It was interesting to see how early communities, called barangays, were organized under leaders known as datus, who provided guidance and protection. This system became the basis for the way local governance works today, even after colonizers changed things. I also found it thought-provoking to learn about the social classes back then, like the "aliping namamahay" and "aliping saguiguilid." These types of roles seem to have some influence on society today. Overall, this lecture showed how important it is to understand our history, especially so we can see how far we've come and keep our government accountable. It’s a good reminder that as citizens, we should pay attention to our leaders and make sure they’re really serving the community, not just focusing on politics.
This video gave me enough knowledge about what kind of governance the Philippines had and how it started. The lesson was all about the significance of local governance, starting with the barangay, which developed into a more structured system under Spanish and American rule. Spanish colonization centralized power, while the American era introduced democratic ideals and education. This legacy continues to shape our current government, where education remains crucial for individual and national progress. This lesson made me realize that it is important to be interested in our own history and to understand the background of every story for us to better understand our current situation.
I learned about the historical development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, with a focus on the changing roles of local leaders. The study highlighted the presence of indigenous governance structures and how they played a vital role in upholding social order.
The video discussion taught me the historical development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, when it comes in emphasizing the evolving roles of local leaders and the challenges faced in balancing central authority with local autonomy. It also provides valuable insights into the foundations of the current Philippine governance system. As a public administration student, i possess a unique skill set that can significantly contribute to local and regional governance wherein i can make a positive impact in government system. Local and regional governance is essential for the effective functioning of any society. It is the level of government closest to the people, and it is responsible for providing essential services such as education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. Public administration students develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to local and regional governance.
Watching this video reminds me that the structures and system that we have now has its origin and purpose. I learned that we really started from scratch where our traditions greatly impact the way we are governed and also the influence of those that colonized our country.
This lecture encompassed the rich and dynamic history of local and regional governance in the Philippines which is still reflective in our government systems today. Throughout the video, I have observed how the Philippine local government went from an independent and decentralized structure to a somewhat more systematic one, which ultimately had its advantages and disadvantages. Before it was inhabited by colonizers, the Philippine population enjoyed the protection and peacemaking brought about by the Datus appointed to each territory. However, this same innate decentralization effectively influenced how Spanish and Americans shaped governance in the country, introducing a class-based system where foreign entities serve their best interests. It is important for us to understand the origin of how our local government works as it helps us, both as students and future public administrators, reflect on recent developments and lapses in how the local population is being managed and governed. This will help us make more educated decisions on how laws, policies, and ordinances are implemented and funneled from the national government down to our municipalities and barangays.
This fruitful discussion explores the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonization to the American period. It highlights the existence of indigenous governance structures, where local leaders held significant authority in decision-making and maintaining social order. However, Spanish colonization disrupted these traditional structures, marginalizing local leaders and altering power dynamics. The American period saw further transformation in governance, with the introduction of new administrative frameworks and educational reforms promoting democratic ideals. While some democratic elements were introduced, colonial control continued and power was centralized. Local populations had to adapt to these new governance structures, often blending indigenous practices with colonial frameworks. This demonstrates the adaptability of Filipino communities through changing political landscapes. The video highlights how these historical shifts in governance have shaped contemporary political systems in the Philippines, underscoring the ongoing challenges and legacies of colonialism in local governance today. For a PA students like us, it provides most important insight into contemporary political systems, complexities of power dynamics, and the interplay between local autonomy and centralized authority. It also helps us understand challenges in modern governance, such as decentralization and public service delivery. It also encourages a sense of continuity between past and present practices, preparing students for effective and culturally aware public servants.
In this discussion, I was already aware that there were local governance structures in place before the colonizers arrived. However, this presentation was incredibly helpful and informative, as it reminded me of the specific terms and titles used by the Spaniards for their officials, which I had forgotten and this discussion covered everything comprehensively and provided me with a lot of clarity.
The discussion provided me an overview regarding the history of our local government, in which it is astonishing to know that prior to colonization we have already established our own system. Nonetheless as time passes by, we have evolved into our new system primarily influenced by various periods. This video taught me a lot. Thank you sir!
This video enlightened me on the history of how our government was established during the pre-colonial up to the present. It is important that we know our history and what are the underlying factors that affect how our government are working right now. it also provides insights into the development of governance structures and the role of local and national institutions before. Since we are colonized mot just the spaniards but also the americans and japanese, by studying this concept, it gives me an overview how local governance systems evolved to address the unique needs of communities, adapting over time to social, political, and economic changes.
This video provides how our local government evolve during Pre-Colonial Period up until American Period. This lecture provides knowledge and freshen up our minds how local government started. Starting from Datu of each barangay during Pre-Colonial Period to Barrio Lieutenant of Barrios. This gave me information that I wasn't knowledgeable enough before, like during American Period where they adapt the Maura Law of Spain where named after the minister of Spain and how American Period Centralized the local government adapting the Maura Law of Spain. I've gain a lot of information with this lecture from Migration Theory to how ordinances ramained an "paper organization.
I learned about the evolution of governance and social structures in the Philippines from pre-colonial times through the American period. This historical journey highlights the transformation of the Philippines’ governance structures, reflecting the influences of different colonial powers and their lasting impacts on the country’s political and social landscape.
This video lecture provides more knowledge on how local governance in the Philippines started and evolved with the influence of Colonial Power. I gained a deeper appreciation for its crucial role in shaping our communities and delivering essential services. Looking back at its history helped me understand how governance has changed over time and why local autonomy matters so much. I found concepts like decentralization, citizen participation, and the balance between local and central authorities super interesting. It gave me a clearer picture of how today’s systems were built. Furthermore, I came to see that strengthening communities and increasing their responsiveness to people's actual needs requires fostering accountability and collaboration. Entering these frameworks made it clear to me how important it is for citizens to actively participate in order to strengthen democracy at all levels. This discussion has proven to me how much of an impact good governance can have on our daily lives.
This video lectures provide the very foundation of the local government of the Philippines. How it established itself and what changes it brought to the current system that we have. Sir Krippe’s presentation act as a refresher and reminder of the history that brought by the past and current government that we have and taught us that our history should be a reflection for every Filipinos that we deserve better.
The video lecture shows how Philippine governance evolved as time passed. It also shows how deeply history shaped our political system. When the colonizers came to our country, they quickly replaced traditional roles like the "Datu" with positions such as "Cabeza de Barangay," reflecting how colonialism reformed the Philippine's local leadership. It's interesting how political family influence still reflects historical power relations despite modern democratic systems. Watching the video deepened my understanding of the importance of checks and balances to prevent any person or group from gaining excessive power. Unlike in the past, where only the leaders such as the Datu held all the authority, in today's time, however, our government is now divided into different branches with different powers encouraging accountability. Based on the lecture, the changes in tax policies from colonial collection to funding public services emphasize the fact that the governance now is more drawn to the citizen's well-being. The insights in this video lecture helped me to notice the progress we've made and how necessary to fully understand the history to improve and strengthen leadership and accountability.
The video discussion provides an in-depth examination of the foundational elements involved in the formulation of the Philippine government. It explores the historical context that led to the establishment of the government, detailing key figures who played pivotal roles in its development, as well as significant events that influenced its structure and principles. This discussion sheds light on the complexities of the political landscape in the Philippines, including the impact of colonial rule, the struggle for independence, and the evolution of democratic institutions. By highlighting these crucial aspects, the video offers a comprehensive understanding of how the Philippine government was shaped and the ongoing relevance of its historical roots in contemporary governance.
As I watched this discussion, I realized how informative it was in refreshing my memory about what I learned in elementary school. Personally, I had missed or forgotten some details about the pre-colonial government, specifically about the alipin na namamahay. It refresh my mind that the namamahay had the right to own a property, unlike the alipin sa gigilid. This also deepened my understanding of how our government operates now compared to the past, and how these past periods impact our current government. The discussion covered the different hierarchies across periods, such as the datu in pre-colonial times and the prayle during the Spanish period. With this, I learned that to better understand how our government operates and organizes its units, we should look back at how it developed and evolved over time. It’s essential to understand the distribution of power so we can better exercise our rights and knowledge.
This discussion has helped me gain a deeper understanding on Local and Regional Governance. Exploring the history of local and regional governance reveals a constant need to evolve and adapt, finding new strategies to meet the changing needs of people and cities. It's fascinating to learn how governance began, where it came from, and what motivated people to strive for a well-functioning system for citizens. While significant progress has been made, it's clear that the journey isn't over. As time passes, people and their needs change. This highlights the importance of adapting and evolving our systems. The Philippines, like many nations, is still a work in progress, and we must continually strive for improvement to ensure our governance effectively serves the Filipino people.
This discussion provided an insightful and comprehensive overview of the evolution of Philippine local governance. I learned how the pre-colonial barangay system established strong communal ties and decentralized decision-making, which laid a solid foundation for local governance. The Catholic Church had a big impact on local governing systems during this time, and the entrance of Spanish colonists brought a more centralized approach by putting provinces and towns under their control. The American colonial period’s influence on democratic principles and the significant impact of the Local Government Code of 1991 in decentralizing power were particularly enlightening. With this historical evolution, we can appreciate the complex interplay of indigenous practices, colonial influences, and democratic ideals that have shaped the Philippine local governance system.
After watching the lecture, I found this video informative because it tackles the history and concepts of local and regional governance. This history makes it clear to me that government structures evolved from Pre-colonization to the present. During the Pre-Colonial Era, Datu was the leader. As time went on and our country was overrun, it evolved and changed. Being a Public Servant (as an SK Kagawad) and a Public Administration student, sometimes, it is confusing for me to absorb all of the information but because of this lecture, I learned how these systems improve administration and tackle the demands. Given the historical background of local administration, politics, and governance in our society today, it is important to understand the significance of the evolution of administration and community.
This lecture has deepened my understanding of the evolution of Philippine governance, from the decentralized, community-based leadership of the "Datu" in the pre-colonial era, to the centralized and religiously influenced Spanish colonial system, and finally to the democratic and educational reforms introduced during American rule. These historical shifts have shaped the Filipino's resilience and adaptability to external influences while forging a distinct political identity. The video also encouraged us to think critically about the standards of leadership inherited from the past. While centralized authority was common in pre-colonial governance, we must be cautious not to allow inefficiencies or over-centralized leadership to interfere with contemporary systems of governance, which ideally should be more inclusive and decentralized. This reflection pushes us to value participatory governance and to remain vigilant in maintaining the integrity of our political institutions today.
The Video discussion helps me understand the importance of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonization to the American period, focusing on the historical evolution of the barangay system. Sir Krippe outlines the social hierarchy within barangays, the authority of the datu (chief), and how local governance functions evolved through Spanish colonization and into the American period, Sir Krippe was very clear in highlighting changes in administration and law enforcement.
This lecture reminds me of the HeKaSi subject during my elementary era. Compared to what was taught back in the days, the discussion today about the history and evolution of local governance in the Philippines is much more detailed, obviously. The information is loaded with what we comprehend when we were still kids, yet it is very joyous at the same time to encounter things from our elementary teachings. As far as I remember back then, it mainly revolved around the ideas of balangays, datus and rajas, aliping namamahay at saguiguilid, only the foundational knowledge about our first governance development. Today, I was surprised to encounter these terms again with bonus learnings too. The history of local governance from the pre-colonial period up to the American occupation was discussed clearly. In order to establish a system within the community, heads such as Rajas and Datus are put in place to lead the entire community. It is the awakening of our breed, to build a hierarchical, political, and social structure across groups in the community. My main takeaway is how everything we use in the present time is rooted from the Spanish occupation. The ideas of pueblos (towns or municipalities), alcadia (provinces), and ayuntamientos (city government). These are divisions of the state made by the Spaniards to easily classify the parts of the country. Even the public positions were derived from that period such as the mayors, councilors, governors, police chief, secretaries, and judges. It made me realize that Spaniards do really contribute a lot in various aspects of our country. But all in all, from the beginning, where Rajas and Datus are the supreme leaders of the community, to the Spanish colonization where Filipinos partake in the Spanish government, down to American occupation where reforms took place, it is very crucial to know and understand how local government systems evolved through time, and for us Public Administration student to help us deepen our passion in serving the country with much desire for good governance starting from the local level.
Those vital points discussed in the video lecture provided as well as to all perceptions and learnings that was cascaded here in the comment section- are all indeed very informative. It has been said that the “Datu” held a highly influential role as the leaders of barangays-which is basically the basic unit of society in pre-colonial Philippines. And that these local “chief/s” exercised their power in making legal decisions, enforcing laws, and overseeing how their resources would be distributed or be disseminated in an equal manner; so, to create a well-organized structure of governance within their jurisdiction. But then reflecting on the fact that Datus often came from elite families- the system particularly of course favors the upper class. How does this new era of government structure which promotes check and balances differ from the structure back then, knowing the fact that today’s government representatives often come from “established” or well- connected families as well? How these structures promote social equality and ensure fair representation for all citizens?
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of governance in the Philippines, it becomes clear that understanding our pre-colonial structures is essential to comprehending the evolution and character of modern Philippine governance. Our pre-colonial governance, rooted in the barangay system and shaped by community-centric, locally led leadership, offers a stark contrast to the centralized, hierarchical governance models imposed by Spanish and American colonization. Acknowledging the strengths of this indigenous framework reminds us that governance in the Philippines has always been about self-determination, kinship, and a communal approach to leadership. These values are still relevant today, serving as a foundation for more inclusive and decentralized governance that recognizes the importance of local voices and cultures. However, colonialism left a lasting impact on Philippine governance. The Spanish introduced a system of tribute and forced labor, imposing a rigid class system that favored colonial elites while marginalizing indigenous voices. The American period, while promoting public education and introducing democratic structures, ultimately served U.S. strategic interests, prioritizing economic exploitation and political control over true autonomy for Filipinos. These periods of colonization not only shifted the Philippine governance system toward centralized, top-down control but also instilled a mentality that foreign systems and authorities held superior knowledge and governance structures. This mindset continues to persist in some aspects of our governance, resulting in a lack of full confidence in Filipino-led initiatives and a tendency to seek external validation. Critically examining the continued influence of these colonial structures, we see traces of neocolonialism in our political and economic systems today. International economic policies and trade relationships often echo the old colonial relationship, with foreign investment and multinational corporations wielding significant influence over local policies. Cultural influences, such as the prioritization of Western standards in education, business, and social status, reinforce the perceived “superiority” of former colonial powers. These neocolonial patterns inhibit genuine national progress, as they often limit our agency, perpetuate economic dependency, and dilute indigenous cultural identity. In understanding these colonial imprints, we are called to actively deconstruct them and reclaim the self-determining spirit of our pre-colonial governance. We can draw from the principles of pre-colonial systems to build an inclusive and progressive society that values local leadership and resists the imposition of external pressures. Moving forward, a critical examination of both colonial history and indigenous structures is imperative for a governance system that genuinely reflects Filipino values, identity, and aspirations, free from the shadow of colonial influence.
The entire lecture covered different topics like how local governance started and existed even before the colonizers came to our country, how social status were already present years ago, and the significance of a thorough study of the history of local governance. Also, how local governance evolved over years and time was also tackled-from how the barangay was the fundamental and smallest unit of our society plays a vital role in local governance to how the form of local governance before became the foundation of the existing local governance that each community in the country has. Second thing that was tackled was the types of alipin, the aliping namamahay and aliping saguiguilid. Even at present time, these type of alipin still exists and history shows that due to different factors that affects the Filipinos daily lives, there are still things that not everyone has. Lastly, the in-depth analysis of the past of local governance. The lecture showed that even before, officials and those in there local post already have a mandate and duties to fulfill. As we live in a society wherein majority of the Filipino depends on their local leaders, it is very important for us to compare and assess how the history contributed to kind of governance that we have, especially in these trying times where most areas in country were devasted due to the current tropical storm. As citizens, we must always remain vigilant in regards to our government, importantly in the local level because it will show if these politicians really do there duties and responsibilities and if they're not just politicizing everything. Moreso, it is also important for us to strengthen our communities in such a way that we just don't rely on each but helding the government, either local or national level accountable at everything.
This lesson helped me understand the history of the roles of our leaders and the impact of colonization on the issues of community change and local governance. As a public administration student, I understand that this information can be awareness that will enable people to participate effectively with local communities and government. I've realized over the years that our country has continued to encounter challenges in creating positive changes to improve our society and government. These issues include large-scale corruption, poverty, and slow economic growth, all of which have made it difficult for Filipinos to live fair lives. Therefore, in building our nation, good governance is its main foundation, promoting an environment in which we citizens can actively engage with our government, hold them accountable for their actions, and trust its commitment to deliver on their promises. As Filipinos and citizens, all we have to do is open our eyes and see what’s going on in our country. We must be devoted to our country rather than politicians.
The discussion provided valuable insights into the evolution of local and regional governance over time. From the pre-colonization era to the American period, it is evident that the Philippine governance system transformed by adapting earlier practices, and also learning from the lapses that occurred along the way. This highlights the importance for us who are studying public administration to recognize how historical influences shape contemporary policies and practices. As students, learning these historical eras gives us the critical thinking abilities needed to tackle today's governance issues and put creative answers into practice. Additionally, understanding this historical context enables us to appreciate the unique identity and resilience of the Filipino people, which reflects the cultural heritage that is crucial for building a strong foundation in governance today. This awareness ultimately empowers us to engage more effectively in the ongoing development of public administration in the Philippines.
This lecture provides me the overview of local and regional governance specifically the history of the Philippine governance and how it continuously affect the contemporary political system of our country. The influence made by Spain and the United States were crucial in understanding the current situation of our bureaucracy. It also highlights the distribution of power from centralized to decetralized granting provinces local and fiscal autonomy. In order to understand the current situation of our government, it is imperative to understand the past conditions so that we have the background to find solutions to reform the public sector. By looking at the lense of history, we can correct the system using the principles of good governance. Public administrators are constantly reminded to be transparent, accountable, and subservient to the rule of law so that Philippine governance have bright future ahead.
The discussion was informative and helped me understand the evolution and development of local and regional governance. It highlighted the main objectives and how these methods make it easier to administer and meet city needs. The lecture was totally beneficial for public administration students, as it provided insight into the changes in strategies and the responsibilities of officials in prioritizing general welfare. It also highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in localities, as the needs of individuals may change as well as the importance of having a strong foundation in governance, as it provided different perspectives on the governance we have experienced over the past years. For future public servants, this informative lecture will help them understand the constant need to adapt to changes and provide solutions for individual needs. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of having a strong foundation in governance.
The discussion offered a fascinating glimpse into the historical roots of local governance in the Philippines. It struck me how the Philippines transitioned from a system of self-governing barangays led by powerful Datus to a more centralized structure under colonial rule. This shift highlights the importance of historical context in understanding the current state of local governance. Throughout the discussion it left me with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the present system. It's clear that understanding the past is essential for informed discussions about the future of local government in the Philippines.
The discussion helps me in understanding the processes, procedures, and rules from past years and how they have evolved. I've come to see that pre-colonization has both benefits and drawbacks in shaping our governance, linking each year to our historical roots. This made me realize that, even in previous years, there has been a well-established system that people follow to fulfill their responsibilities in serving the public. Just like how the regions and capitals of the Philippines are interconnected on a map, everything is linked together. Overall, the foundational ideas of pre-colonial governance and foreign hierarchical influences explain the terminology of administration. For instance, terms like "datu," "sultan," and "pangulo" illustrate why we refer to leaders today. This concept remains relevant, particularly in the context of the separation of powers.
Appreciating the concept of Local and Regional Governance in the Pre-Colonization to the American Period is important in strengthening even the governance in our today's era. Because doing so helps look back and learn from how it is structured and modernizes overtime. This makes me realize that understanding this transition that is happening makes the governance in the present day more adaptable, with that path it answers the diverse needs of our communities.
After watching this video, I realized that governance isn’t just about rules and procedures; it’s more about the values and principles guiding public service. It made me appreciate how important it is for public servants to be transparent, accountable, and to use resources for the good of everyone. This really goes beyond just learning theories... it’s about us, as future public administrators, thinking about how we can genuinely help and uplift others, especially in a country like ours where poverty and inequality are big challenges.
Reflecting on these lessons about The evolutionary study of governance in the Philippines may prove how history affects today's systems. I learned about How the Philippine Governance start and How it really works . I figure out the idea that it's not just the structure itself , it has a deep meaning that will open our mind to the best explanation on what the Philippine Governance is . From indigenous practices to Spanish colonization and American reforms, governance is influenced by social and cultural factors. gives us knowledge to learn more about history for the effective and fair governance models and systems to be achieved. This is because looking back at the past successes and failures can be such an effective way to mold systems that essentially bring people together and help our government structure to improve . The positive impact that these past developments have on the present governance makes it interesting for me, as a student studying public administration, to take action toward promoting accountability and transparency, including. Learning from history can give us effective practices and areas of improvement. In this regard, such knowledge makes it possible to build governance frameworks that meet community needs and move toward building trust among citizens.
Watching this video lecture taught me that the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines highlights the adaptability and resilience of Filipino governance structures through cultural, social, and political changes across pre-colonial, Spanish, and American periods. This journey from community-based governance to colonial centralization, and eventually toward democratic participation, laid the foundation for modern local governance that values autonomy, community involvement, and cultural heritage. It also made me understand that this progression is crucial for Filipinos, as it reflects the deep-rooted principles of local leadership, collective decision-making, and community welfare, which remain relevant today. Recognizing the blend of indigenous and democratic governance helps reinforce the importance of local autonomy, civic participation, and the cultural identity that underpins modern governance in the Philippines.
The system of local and regional governance brings decision-making closer to the people, addressing particular community needs while promoting transparency and accountability. Governance arrangements have historically changed from old systems in which local leaders were chosen by blood or religion to democratic decentralization that gave local authorities more authority. These governance frameworks' primary pillars-autonomy, public accountability, and citizen engagement-ensure that local officials continue to respond to the people. The Philippines' historical evolution of local and regional government demonstrates how the roles of local leaders have changed over time and the difficulties in establishing a balance between local autonomy and centralized authority. This evolution also reflects core values and principles that shape the structure of the Philippine government today. I also learned about trivia and the reasons Manila became the Philippines' capital, aside from the fact that it was a center for trade at the time. Another explanation is that the colonizers believed Manila to be the center of the Philippines, which only included Luzon and the Visayas. They are unaware that the Philippines includes Mindanao.
The vessel of governance. What I learned from the video lecture is the root of the government system in the Philippines. It explains the history of Barangay and Province/City. How the power and authority was distributed from the national government to the smallest unit. This discussion has reviewed me regarding the leadership during the pre-colonization era; this was already discussed to us in Readings of Philippines History. And this lecture further enhanced my knowledge and mastery of the topic. For me it is vital for us, Public Administration students to gain knowledge of the history of the government system because it help us ascertain what was the reason for the present inadequacies and incompetency of officials and those who have the authority. In the hindsight, it also gives us a bigger picture of the progress that has been made to the Philippine government; how we slowly adapted to the system of governance from other countries. In conclusion, the video lecture taught me of the systems of how the history practiced local autonomy during pre-colonization and Spanish colonization.
I've learned that our local government system has gone through major shifts over the years, influenced by colonial powers. Before colonization, our barangays were small and independent communities led by datus. Comparing this to the present, the barangay remains our smallest local government unit, but now it’s part of a system along with the national government. Today, barangays have elected officials, such as barangay captains, who handle community-level issues. However, there's still a central authority which is the national government that handles overseeing them. We still see traces of the old hierarchical style, many local leaders hold significant influence within their areas, similar to the historical roles of datus and principales. But now, there’s more structure with laws that aim to support local governance, though the power can still get concentrated.
I always knew that history was indeed important to know and acknowl;edge. After watching the lesson, I realized that the concept of separation of power exist even before the Filipinos understood the idea of government. during the pre-colonization, the concept of "government" existed even before they understood it. separation of power already existed it's just that the power doesn't came from the people nor the public but to the powerful family and we don't have the centralization since people or community was scattered. During the Spanish colonization, they forced their own type of government that usually the religion mattered. the tax existence was also stablishd and forced that makes the public suffered more. Pueblos existed and with the position of Cabeza de barangay but still their power wasn't above the Spanish previledge. During tge American period, public accepted and practiced their type of government (even now we use it). People have more freedom and folipinos can exercise their power within the Philippines. Governemnt existence was more developed as well as their rules and responsibilities to the state. Government power was indeed powerful, it's he foundation of one's country; to serve and protect the state from other self gain and bad decsions.
This lecture provided me valuable information and great insights about the history of the governance systems in the Philippines. First, I realized how our governance system have come a long way and even after many years, we retained some aspects of it from the very beginning which is pre-colonization period, such as the concept and purpose of barangay. Second, this lesson reminded me of how powerful the religious orders are during the Spanish colonization, how they hold the highest power and also how the datus were used to uphold the interests of Spain, and how the Spaniards were the ones to establish local government units in order to push their ideas for the country. When it comes to social structure, their names/labels may have changed today but the existence and influence of elites and ruling class are still very prevalent in our society. Lastly, the American Period was a time were the Americans didn't believe that the Filipinos could sustain and govern themselves, and they asserted that we Filipinos needed them in order to thrive and develop which was a way for them to make the Filipinos dependent to them. In conclusion, this lesson showed how complex our history is and all throughout, there were various ways the people were governed and it changed depending on who held the highest power. We cannot deny the fact that our history shaped today's governance. It will always be important to reflect on the past, on our history, to understand why our government system is the way it is today. From the Datu, Cabeza de Barangay, Alcalde Mayor, and Gobernadorcillo to the now Governor, Mayor, and Barangay Captain, there are certain things that have changed about the governing positions but ultimately, their role has and will always be about ensuring the order, sustainability, and development of their respective localities. As a Public Administration student, it is now up to us to further develop our governance for the better, to improve the status quo in order to provide better services for the people.
From this video, colonial rule in the Philippines explain how Spanish and American colonization significantly transformed the country’s governance. The Spaniards centralized previously decentralized barangays, using local leaders like the datus while giving religious groups major influence. The Americans further developed a bureaucratic system that laid the foundation for current local government. These colonial structures persist today, as evidenced in the surviving political units such as barrios, even though they’ve evolved. Both periods left an enduring impact on governance, including a shift from religious and elite dominance to more democratic systems, with education and public administration playing key roles in modern governance. Understanding these shifts is essential for public administration students as it highlights how colonial policies shaped today's political landscape. The historical transition from decentralized barangays to centralized governance under Spanish rule, followed by American democratic reforms, demonstrates how governance has been continuously influenced by past events. These changes underscore the importance of establishing a more responsive and fair system for future generations, learning from the past to improve present governance.
The video lecture highlighted how deeply rooted the PHilippines’ governmental systems are, both in pre-colonial and colonial influences. It was surprising to learn that many of the words, terminologies, and structures we use today actually date backto earlier forms of governance, which shows how the essence of leadership and community organization has long been part of the Filipino society. Even before the colonial influences, Filipinos already had established systems with leaders known as datus or chiefs who played important roles in community decisions and peacekeeping. This early governance shows that even in simpler societies, there was a clear understanding of organization, responsibility, and collective decision making. However, the colonial era brought major changes, especially as Spain and later the USA introduced their own form of government systems, which became intertwined with Filipino traditions. These changes, although often imposed, left a lasting legacy that influenced how local and regional government functions today. Reflecting on this, it is clear that our current governance isn't just a result of what we see now, but a long journey of history, adaptation, resilience, and blending of different systems. This history gave me greater appreciation for the structures we have now, as it showed how they were shaped by both Filipino heritage and centuries of external influences, all playing a role in our present day government.
Understanding the changes in local governance in the Philippines made me realize how deeply colonial powers influenced and reshaped our system. Seeing how colonizers, first Spain and then the U.S., centralized power and redefined leadership roles hit me. It’s wild to think about how much authority Filipinos lost back then, and you can still see similar patterns today, with leaders getting perks that don’t always come with accountability. This history gives a lot of context to the struggles we’re still dealing with. One big takeaway is how every historical shift, even the ones driven by injustice, has shaped where we are now. Our struggles under colonial rule paved the way for ideals of democracy and bureaucracy, even if we’re still working on making those systems genuinely fair. For me, this reinforces that as future public administrators, our role isn’t just about maintaining systems-it’s about pushing for change and accountability so we don’t fall into those same power imbalances.
The video lecture provided valuable insights into the development and transformation of local and regional governance. Highlighting the duties, tasks, functions, and roles of leaders across different levels within local government from the pre-colonial era to the American period. As a public administration student and an aspiring public servant, I now recognize how crucial it is to understand the historical evolution of each local government unit and the significant changes that have shaped them over time. Knowing this background equips us to identify the practices that must be adapted, learned, unlearned, and relearned to refine our country's governance and improve public service. The Spanish colonial period, in particular, left a profound impact on our nation’s identity, culture, and governance. Through the introduction of a centralized government structure and organized local divisions, along with the considerable influence of religion over society, Spain's influence deeply shaped the framework of our governance. Understanding these influences helps us appreciate our past and encourages us to keep improving our current government to better serve people and be more transparent, and accountable
The discussion about the historical context of the Philippine government allows us to understand the foundation of the political institution of the country. In the sense of policy analysis, the devolution in the Philippines are rooted in the concept of political institution that the country have during the Spanish regime wherein during that period the alcalde mayors and corregidores, which serve as the executive officers of the local government, mainly focuses their roles as merely regulator of the public order and tax collector. Through the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991, it strengthen the political institution of the Philippines, particularly, the Local Government Units wherein it provides the organizational and operational structure and system. Thus, it promotes more localize approach to address the effective government in the locality comparing on the context during the colonization period. Through enhancing local autonomy, alcadia or the provinces have been vested with the legislative power through Sangguniang Bayan (for municipalities), Sangguniang Panlungsod (for cities), and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (for provinces), which enables nacting ordinances, approving local budgets, and formulating policies that address the needs of their constituents. Furthermore, ensuring the effective local good governance shall be strictly observe as it addresses the needs of their constituencies. Hence, active citizenship is vital in promoting good governance.
This video presentation on the basis of local and regional governance in the Philippines provided me with great insights on the historical development and evolution of our governance structures, as shaped by previous conquests. I learned how these colonial occupations, both Spanish and American, dictated not only our governmental framework but also the social dynamics that govern our local and regional community structures. The discussion has also allowed me to revisit core foundation taught in my elementary and high school education, confirming my understanding of how governance has transformed over time, particularly before and during the era of colonialism. Tracing the origins and changes in local administration gave me greater clarity on the relevance of these developments in developing the political and administrative structures we are currently using today. Furthermore, I found it particularly compelling to discover who rules each sector and how these leaders are selected. Understanding the administrative processes, as well as the roles that personal background and social status play in leadership selection, gave me a clear picture of how our governance system operates. Thus, it focused on how these variables interact to influence decision-making and representation in our communities and political spheres. Moreover, the passage of substantial legislation, such as the Maura Law, sparked my attention and motivated me to learn more about these provisions and their implications for governance and society. As a result, the discussion not only affirmed my fundamental knowledge but also sparked a desire within myself to learn more about the complexities of our local administrative frameworks.
After watching this lecture, I realized that local governance in the Philippines has evolved in decentralized, community-based system to a more participatory model that is influenced by colonial powers and a push for self-governance. The Pre-Colonial emphazied kinship and local leadership, while ths spanish colonization brought centralized authority. Also the American Period introduced democratic principles and local autonomy, but the journey towards self governance continues, highlighting the ongoing struggle for effective local representation. In overall, by examining the evolution of local and regional governance in our country provides valuable insights into how our history shapes current political realities, emphasizing the needs of governance frameworks that are adaptive and culturally aware.
From this video lecture titled Local and Regional Governance: Pre Colonization - American Period, a lot of very crucial topics including different concepts from the creation of Barangay/Balangay to the development of local government in American Period was discussed. It was a fruitful discussion since it imparted a lot of key information to my knowledge. Below are the insights I've came into a realization as I watched the lecture: - Discussing the roles of Datu, as well as the other members of the community including timawa and alipin in the Philippines is a key point for us to remember the power we used to hold in the government before the different countries have colonized us. It is very important for us, as public administration students to know about our history. We must remember that the Local Government is considered as one of the foundations of Philippine Democracy. - Before we talk about the complex concepts or a deeper topic in relation to the Local Governance, we must first have to know and master the basics by knowing the topics discussed by Sir Krippe in this video lecture so once we tackle hard topics, it is already easy for us as we already have knowledge on what we should be talking about. - This video lecture layed the grounds for us on the Local and Regional Governance in the Philippines which will help us to widen our knowledge before we tackle the significance of the Local Government Code of 1991, Devolution, and Decentralization. - We must recognize the importance of Local and Regional Governance, how their power can be exercised, and the history anchored by it. Including the different important roles and powers of officials under Spanish Period and American Period, with that we can evaluate properly how the Philippine Governance has evolved.
Throughout the discussed topic by Sir. Krippe, Maura Law piqued my interest since it served as a pivotal piece of legislation during the American colonial period in the Philippines. It aimed to establish a system of local governance that encouraged greater autonomy and citizen participation. I find it interesting how it introduced elected municipal councils and outlined the roles of local officials, promoting democratic governance at the community level and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. However, I also recognize that, despite its good intentions, the law faced challenges like corruption and inefficiencies, highlighting ongoing issues of representation and the balance of power between local and national authorities. Learning about the Maura Law has helped me appreciate how it laid the groundwork for future legislation and the current framework of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines, marking a significant step in the country’s transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
The government system of the Philippines in this generation deeply reflects the influence of countries that colonized the Philippines for years, on how the system that we have right now was built and conceptualized. A manifestation of their influence is our government structure from the top to bottom, national to local level. Most of the laws that we have right now are greatly influenced by external factors. How is this concerning and how is it related to the topic? Not all laws that produce improvement and development in other countries will produce the same effect on our country, the country was not able to develop its own system, a system that we can perhaps say is rooted in the Filipino way. Dependence on an already existing principle or concept adhering to the status quo affects its manner of governing and leading the people and its country towards development. That makes one party vulnerable as they have little understanding of what works for them better because they are used to having pre-existing policies that they can adopt and enforce, like the trial-and-error method or a hit/miss situation posing danger and risks not only to the country's development but also to its people. The evolution is commendable, but it is also nice to look further and think about what could have been if the colonization had not happened.
Watching this video lecture taught me about the progression of governance in the Philippines. In pre-colonial periods, local governance was decentralized and led by tribal chiefs or datus. During Spanish colonialism, power became more centralized, with systems like the encomienda and local officials such as gobernadorcillos overseeing towns. The American period brought about significant changes, promoting local democracy, education, and a structured government system that laid the foundation for modern governance. This period marked the transition from authoritarian rule to a more democratic system.
This lecture provided an insightful look into the governance and social structures of the Philippines from the pre-colonial era through the American period, with a particular focus on the concept of barangay. I learned that the term "barangay" originates from a group of boats that transported families, friends, and even slaves to the Philippines. Each boat formed a community, or barangay, led by a datu a leader with the power to establish laws and maintain order. This structure reveals a social hierarchy, where some lived with peace and prosperity, while others endured servitude. The lecture also covered the social hierarchy, featuring two main categories: the principalia and the illustrados. The principalia included officials like the gobernadorcillo, who held public office and voting rights, while the illustrados, meaning "the enlightened ones," represented the educated class. Additionally, the alcadia was introduced by the Spaniards as a local government unit to aid in the country’s administration. The pre-colonial era established rich cultural traditions and social systems, which were profoundly impacted by European colonization from the late 15th century onward. The knowledge systems, agricultural methods, and social frameworks developed during this time continue to shape Indigenous identities in the Americas today. To understand Philippine governance's evolution, it is essential to study the role of Local and Regional Governance, the exercise of their authority, and the historical roots underpinning these roles. By examining the powers and responsibilities of officials during the Spanish and American periods, we gain a clearer view of how governance in the Philippines has transformed over time.
From this video lecture, I've learned that the Philippines' governance system has undergone a significant transformation from the pre-colonial era to the American period. It's fascinating to see how different influences shaped the country's political landscape, from the traditional barangay system to the introduction of democratic principles. As a Public Administration student, this historical context provides a valuable framework for understanding the evolution of governance structures and their impact on contemporary challenges. The lesson taught me that understanding the past is crucial for navigating the present. The challenges and successes of our ancestors in establishing and maintaining governance provide valuable insights into our current political realities. It's like looking at a family photo album - each picture tells a story, and by understanding those stories, we can better understand our family's journey. This historical perspective allows me to analyze current policies and practices with a deeper understanding of their roots and potential consequences. The lecture helped me appreciate the complex interplay of history, culture, and governance. It's not just about dates and names; it's about understanding the values, beliefs, and aspirations that shaped the Philippines' journey. This knowledge empowers me to actively participate in shaping the future of our country, armed with a deeper understanding of its roots and the challenges faced by previous generations of public administrators.
Watching this video lecture taught me how different the leadership was then from the kind of leadership we have today, from the system of Barangay, where it is distinguished by self-sufficiency and a sense of community; since leadership was very personal, the data assumed the roles of both caretaker and ruler. The pre-colonial period shows how early Filipinos had already developed intricate systems of law, trade, governance, and culture, showcasing a rich legacy of self-sustaining communities before colonization, from having a decentralized government where the leader had the power to decide everything until when the Spaniards and the Americans came, the change in the way of leadership that the Filipinos were used to was gradually felt. During the Spaniards' rule, they introduced a centralized government with a strong religious influence on Filipinos, and they left a great impact on the religious beliefs of the Filipinos. While Americans introduced a more democratic government where that involved Filipinos, these periods shaped the way the Philippine government has.
In the lesson regarding the introduction, history, perspective, and basic concepts in local and regional governance course, I have learned that history plays an important role in our present time as it still influences some of our practices or ideas even in the current generation and can use it as the basis for governance as well. Indeed, learning history will always guide us in our future endeavors and help us make wise decisions as we use it as a lesson, not to be left behind and forgotten. We can also gain inspiration from it, like how Americans used or got inspired by the Maura Law. Learning the basic concepts will lead us to a deeper understanding of where it all starts, where we are leading, and also predict or foresee possible challenges. The lesson also emphasizes that we had our own government even before the Spanish or other conquerors came, meaning we can build our own, unlike what other Filipinos think that we cannot stand alone if it wasn't for them; maybe because that's what the conqueror implanted in our people. I have also learned how important local governance and national governance are because without them, our country would be chaotic and unorganized. But as important as governance, leadership is also relevant in guiding and leading a country to achieve the goal that the constituent or the whole society is eyeing, because without an effective leadership, a country may cannot still have peace and order.
Reflecting on these lessons, one key insight I learned is the idea that governance is not just about structures and laws, but about how those structures are adapted to the needs and realities of the people they govern. It makes me reflect on the need for leaders who are not only skilled in administration but also deeply connected to their communities. Whether in local governance or larger political institutions, leadership must be responsive, inclusive, and adaptive to societal changes. The failures of past systems, like the ineffective Rural Councils, serve as a reminder that governance is most effective when it is rooted in local contexts, not imposed from the outside. Learning about these historical shifts in governance has deepened my understanding of how complex and evolving political systems can be. It has made me more aware of the importance of historical context in shaping effective governance structures today. By looking back at the shortcomings and successes of previous systems, we can better understand how to build governance models that are not only functional but also more just, equitable, and in tune with the needs of the people they serve. This reflection also leads me to appreciate the importance of continuous reform and the pursuit of better governance frameworks for the future.
Studying the local and regional concept and its related governance is essential to us as students of public administration due to the fact that it discusses the cultural, historical, and ethnographic-based anthropology of our country, the Philippines. The discussion also deepens my appreciation of the local and regional governance systems within our country and brings me to focus on the necessity for a historical understanding as the best approach towards present, futuristic, and dynamic challenges. Now that our country has messy political dynasties, it is better to look at and study the colonial legacies of governance, which are rooted in the barangay system, which can be used as the basis for more embracing, participatory, and culturally relevant ways of leadership and community building. And also, one of the good points of the discussion was the Spanish colonisation of our country, which must be viewed within the context of existing structures of administration that were borrowed and adapted rather than imposed and dominated. For instance, the system of barangays was preserved during that period; however, the stature and power enjoyed by the datu were considerably eroded. Such a decrease in power not only speaks of an adaptive local governance layout but also depicts the struggles of the Filipinos against the tide of imperial rule. Understanding the importance of such an era in the history of administration and society is imperative as it relates to the historical context of the governance and the politics of local leadership found in our society today. With these underlying principles that i think, the present-day Filipinos may be emboldened by the appropriation of more socially relevant and practical lessons from the past, thus improving community building, leadership, and advocacy today. In such a manner, regard for the historical interaction between local governments and authorities adds depth to present views on government systems, particularly in our country, the Philippines, where cultural mechanisms and norms are dominant in determining citizen participation.
The lecture taught me the evolution of local governance in the Philippines - from autonomous and separate barangays in the pre-Spanish colonization period to the introduction of centralized governance in the American colonization period. Likewise notable was the transformation of revered datus into mere tax collectors. It showed how power was taken away from the Filipinos and instead fed compromises in the form of tax exemptions and other incentives to keep them subservient under Spain. Arguably some parallelism could be drawn to the current system where leaders enjoy much benefits once elected into power, albeit not codified (ie, taxes being corrupted through "SOP," enjoyment of some level of protection against the law and accountability, among others).
History is what shapes the governance of today. As Oogway said, the present is a gift which was brought upon by history, or as he could say, "yesterday." Looking back at the path that was taken by our ancestors provides a way for human evolution, in this case, societal evolution. The Philippines, as mentioned in the discussion, were governed by independent barangays which made the country susceptible to colonizers. The colonizers, looking at the bright side of the discussion, brought upon intricate structures and social practices which the following generations used as either a path or a lesson to learn from and evolve. The legacy brought by the Spanish colonizers were religion, language, and governance. Despite the oppression, they were able to unify the barangays through the Datus governed and controlled by Spanish law. The Spanish colonizers also brought social classes or structures, the principalia and the illustrator. The concept of devolution was somewhat present back then with the barangays, alcadias, and pueblos. The Spanish period was both a path and a lesson for the Filipino people to develop their own sense of governance. With the following period, the American colonizers brought upon education and a revised government structure. The American colonizers believed that Filipinos would learn autonomy by "pakikielam" with their political ways and practices. They also established the Centralized Politico Administrative Structure which went through some reconstruction throughout the 1970s. The events that happened during the precolonization, Spanish Era, and American Era were catalysts to the evolution of governance in the Philippines. Without them, we would not have achieved the democratic ideals, bureaucratic structure, and social practices we have today. The debatably immoral aspects of our history could still be seen as lessons for the following generations to develop a more efficient and effective way to govern the community. The discussion is a testament to the resilience and hardship that the Filipino had to go through to earn our identity today. As current public administrators, we must strive for progress, no matter how small the progress may be. We must tredge the path towards evolution and innovation so that we can govern ourselves and those around us.
This video lecture is fascinating because it reveals how history shaped the structure of local and regional governance in the Philippines. From the pre-colonial period up to the American period, the discussion shows the basis for why we have local and regional governance in the first place and the tremendous changes made to it. The first and the smallest local government unit we have today is the barangay, and its concept was determined way back in the pre-colonial period of Philippine history, wherein it was the basic and the only government structure at that time. As it was discussed, it is primarily composed of their own families, friends, and slaves, and it is similar to those barangays that currently exist in the provinces wherein most of the families residing in that area are their own relatives, and they really know each other. It is amusing to see that some features of the pre-colonial barangay can also be seen in our present barangay. During Spanish colonization, significant modifications were made to the country's governance structure. Even though they have retained the established barangays with their current heads as they aim to use the datus to implement their policy in the country, they have added various local and regional units with more extensive jurisdiction to oversee the people and the area to create a centralized government with autocratic character. In addition, in this period, many local and regional units and positions became the basis of our present-day government structure. Lastly, during the American period, the Americans shaped the local and regional government of our country, similar to the United States. They have supervised the administration of the local government units in the country as they believe that Filipinos need guidance to better manage themselves. With all that was discussed, I realized how these events affected how we manage ourselves. It also made me consider whether the way we govern ourselves today is genuinely suitable to the needs of our country, most especially because the way we govern ourselves was derived from the ideas of our colonizers who just enforced the way they regulated themselves to us. In addition, it helps me recognize the importance of local governance in our daily lives, as they are the part of the government that focuses and monitors the well-being of everyone in the locality.
After I watched the video lecture, I learned how local and regional governments are formed. Based on the video, a barangay was the smallest form of government during the pre-colonial period of the Philippines with different leaders; that is why colonizers easily got some provinces of the country. One of the things I learned is that as the years passed, our government structure was improving because of the colonizers of the country. Just like during the Spanish era, established centralized governance to manage, and the church was also the basis of the policies. When the Americans came, more democratic governance was introduced in the country, where there were local government units and voting for those in charge. These historical events have a big impact on how our country looks now. Comparing what has changed and what has remained is simple. Although the system of government has undergone numerous changes, some of these changes are contributing to our country's progress. As a public administration student, it is crucial for me to understand the history and formation of the country's government and also this will help us to seek for accountability, transparency, and good governance in our local barangay.
From this discussion, I’ve learned that the governance system of our country has undergone significant transformation that shaped the current government system being used in the Philippines. The transformation started from pre-colonial era up to the American period. The various influences that they have on the country molded the country’s political landscape, from being a decentralized barangay to introducing the centralized and administrative structures of the Spaniards and Americans. This historical background about our country’s governance system provides valuable information for a better understanding of how the governance structures evolve over the years and how it continues to impact the current system. The video highlighted the importance of being knowledgeable about the past to understand the present. The various successes and struggles that our ancestors have gone through just to establish a governance framework provide insights into the current political realities that help shape the governance that we have today. It also emphasizes that even before the country was colonized, we already had a government system that works for our country. Early Filipinos in the country already established self-sustaining communities and some system of law. This early government system was just transformed by the Spaniards by introducing centralization and Americans with administrative structure. Local governance before was heavily influenced by the Spaniards during their time. Many roles and powers administrating the government are given to the politician, leading for some of them to abuse this given power. During the American period on the other hand, they introduced administrative structures that changes the local governance through the creation of new rules, legal system and formal education. This reshaping that the colonizers did in our governance system laid the foundation for modern governance structures and political system. In conclusion, it can never be denied that the colonial influences in our country have helped us establish a more concrete and strong system of government. An understanding of such changes throughout history becomes a powerful ally for a student of public administration to realize how local governance had evolved through the decades along with its continuous contribution to the development of public administration systems in the Philippines.
After watching the video lecture on the Pre-colonial to American period of Philippine Governance, I observed the differences between the systems and mechanisms of our current government and those of the pre-colonial period. For example, in pre-colonial times, the legislative, executive, and judiciary powers were all vested in the Datu. In contrast, today we have the concept of checks and balances and the separation of powers among different branches of government. Additionally, leaders were chosen based on their wealth and royalty, rather than through democratic elections. During the Spanish period, I learned that the Church held more power than even the leaders of the barangay or the government. There was also a strict social hierarchy that determined a person's status. In contrast, during the American period, local autonomy was introduced at the municipal level, which eventually evolved into our current system. In conclusion, the history of local governance in the Philippines has played a significant role in shaping and transforming our present-day government systems. It is crucial for us to understand and appreciate our history to fully value the governance structures we have today.
After watching this lecture and looking back at our history, I can see how governance in the Philippines has changed over decades. In pre-colonial times, small communities called barangays were led by a datu, and decisions were made together as a community. Leadership was local, and people had a close connection with their leaders. This changed when the Spanish and later the Americans colonized us. The Spanish created a centralized government that took away local power and put control in the hands of a few. Then, the Americans introduced democratic elections, bringing a more formal, structured political system different from our earlier ways. Today, governance in the Philippines is a mix of these influences. We have democratic systems influenced by our colonial history, but there’s still a strong sense of community from our earlier traditions. This blend of old and new has shaped a unique style of governance in the Philippines, combining both community involvement and formal political structures.
The lecture video itself establishes a foundation of vital learnings a Public Administration student should be equipped it. Looking back to the history allows us to craft deeper knowledge and understanding on what shaped us to be what we are in the present time. The lecture highlighted series of points including the history and background of local government from the pre-colonial to the present time. It enable us to view the concept on how the term ‘barangay’ that we know in our current time was derived from balangay that means sailboat used by malays to migrate and how this community is being ruled by a datu. It shows the form or concept of a local governance that we are able to adopt. Looking back to this era where the power to rule in the community is highly delegated on the designated leaders could make us think of hoow important it is that us as a citizens of the community take part in the decision-making process to ensure fair and transparent governance in the current time and up to our future as well. It establishes the idea of which standards of ruling that may somehow resonate a centralized and inefficient leadership is a factor that we should ensure not to interfere in the current governance that we have.
Looking past the historical facts and particularities of the local and foreign hierarchical positions, I could gather from this discussion that the pre-colonial governance of each barangay back then is what should've been the perfect exhibit of the manner of administration that each island of the Philippines must have. Although the means were admittedly primitive and viewed as weak in the face of foreign usurpers, each pulo has its own Datu/Raja/Pinuno to govern their communities intimately and could constitute peace and order that complements their territory's geography and demographic landscape. Moreover, with power being institutionalized and concentrated, it had come bearing gifts and a poisonous curse. When power was first institutionalized by the will of the church, it became poisonous for our ancestors as the progress of our native means was significantly crippled for a hundred years. But then again, in modern times, governance practices being standardized with procedures and doctrines played a big part in establishing an entity that could handle the complexity of our modern world. It would be better for our country to harmonize the roots of our governing practices with a more democratic, competent, and flexible performance of duties. Or rather, that local autonomy could be better executed by people who could do their job.
The video lecture encompasses and give depth understanding with regards to the governance of the Philippines during pre-colonial period up to American period. In which, it highlights the barangay and local governance that we have, showcasing its significance to the Filipino society as a whole and in public administration. Since it reflects the history, resilience, and identity of the Filipino people, which influenced the public administration in the Philippines to be more responsive, inclusive, and reflective of its historical and cultural context. For instance, the relevance of the barangay during pre-colonial period demonstrate that the Philippines have a rich local governance. Since even before the colonization of the Spaniards, we already have our own system, which is the barangay, led by the Datu, which highlights indigenous practices of leadership, community participation, and local governance. Furthermore, the pre-colonial barangay system was incorporated into Spanish governance. Local leaders were co-opted to blending traditional authority with colonial oversight. This shows that the Philippines, influenced by the Spaniards, incorporated their system of centralized governance, emphasized a top-down approach, where local officials reported to higher authorities. As well as the Spanish laws and regulations which laid groundwork for the Philippines local governance structures. So too during the American period which introduced the decentralized form of governance and give further devolved powers to local governments. Overall, the lecture video demonstrates the impact of the pre-colonial period-American period to the Philippine public administration and local governance. By integrating these insights from the aforementioned periods, it can be concluded that the public administration in the Philippines become more holistic, culturally grounded, and capable of addressing the unique challenges faced by Filipino communities. Especially since this laid the foundation for a distinctive governing system that is still incorporating and developing in the Philippines today.
Through my studies of the pre-colonization and American periods in the Philippines, I've gained valuable insights into the evolution of governance and the dynamics of power that continue to influence contemporary public administration. I learned that before Spanish colonization, indigenous communities operated through decentralized systems, where leadership was rooted in local customs and communal welfare. This highlights the importance of grassroots participation and local governance-principles that resonate in modern public administration. The transformation during the Spanish colonial era introduced centralized authority, which disrupted traditional practices and set the stage for a struggle for autonomy that characterized the nationalist movements of the late 19th century. The establishment of the First Philippine Republic underscored the significance of local representation and civic engagement in governance. Understanding this historical context informs my approach to public administration, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that honor local voices and historical narratives. The American period introduced democratic ideals and institutional reforms, showcasing the potential of public education and local governance to empower citizens. This era’s emphasis on accountability and public service remains relevant today, as I strive to advocate for transparent and participatory governance. As a public administration student, I apply these lessons by prioritizing community engagement and advocating for policies that bridge historical legacies with contemporary needs. Recognizing the tension between centralized authority and local autonomy helps me appreciate the complexities of governance in the Philippines and inspires me to work toward solutions that foster collaboration, enhance local capacities, and respect cultural heritage within public administration.
This video lecture highlights Philippine local and regional governance during the pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, and American colonial periods. It emphasizes the logical reasons behind why the current system of local and regional governance in the Philippines has developed in this way. It also shows that the elements of today's Philippine governance system, including the roles of local officials and the structure of local government units, trace back to these historical periods, influencing how modern policies are formed and implemented. As future public administrators, it is crucial to understand every detail of this historical context to effectively respond to the needs of the nation and various contemporary issues. For instance, challenges such as decentralization, the role of political dynasties, or the balance between national and local power can be better addressed with a deep understanding of their historical roots. This knowledge allows us, as future public administrators, to approach problems with informed solutions grounded in the lessons of the past.
The lesson is familiar to me, especially the balangay, which means sailboat and later called the barangay, which initially referred to a group of boats and their passengers who migrated to the Philippines. I learned that in the pre-colonization, the barangay was ruled by datu and vested with various powers, while in the Spanish period, the powers of datu were restricted and nominal; they became tax collectors. I've also learned that there’s a big difference in governance between the Spanish and American periods, and this way and manner of governance shape our current government and type of governance. During the Spanish period, governance was centralized and connected with the Catholic church, and local government was governed by friars who implemented the encomienda system. Moreover, Filipinos are underrepresented, and it is seen that the church plays a vital role in governance. In contrast, in the American period, our country became democratic, and there was a separation between the church and the state. Following that, they allowed the Filipinos greater autonomy and introduced education as they established public schools, which I can say is a prominent move because until now, we can enjoy the benefit of education.
From this video lecture, It delves into the complex history of governance in the Philippines, particularly focusing on colonization, and their lasting impact on our modern political structures. This structure laid the foundation for enduring governance practices, such as the barangays being the basic unit of the government. These local governments were decentralized and organized into small communities known as barangays, which were the fundamental political units of the time. Despite not having a centralized government, each barangay functioned autonomously, creating local rules, managing resources and resolving issues in the community. This system may allow for community - based leadership and decision making, with a strong emphasis on local autonomy and traditions.
I've realized that even a little jurisdiction is significant since our beloved country began with the barangay, a small village wherein it blooms into a structured government, especially in the time of the Spaniards and American colonization. This demonstrates how those particular leaders governed their jurisdictions during that time, and it is crucial to comprehend the changes or improvements since during the 333 years of Spanish colonization, the government became more centralized. Then, during the American era, they implemented democracy and education, which are still in use today, and this is paramount to us, as we believe that education is the key to success and that everyone should have the opportunity to have an access. Thus, I'm grateful that we are employing this type of governance. With that, this only serves to highlight the ways in which the various eras-from pre-colonial times to American colonization-have shaped our current system of government, in which the barangay and/or local government unit continues to function and truthfully provides significance because they consistently cooperate with those within their jurisdiction. Furthermore, this lesson also discusses and highlights the importance of remembering that a nation can function independently as we actually were prior to colonization. The Philippines was able to stand alone because we had a government before they colonized us and introduced us to a different way of thinking about governance. But in this day and age, we must also acknowledge the importance of alliances. Although we are free to govern our nation, we are not independent since we still lack some vital aspects, like food security, health care, the ability to defend our territory, etc. Thus, we need support.
The lecture helped me further understand how the past shaped today's society. One of my key takeaways was the enduring belief that elders are always right, a value rooted in respect and hierarchy. I also learned how political dynasties trace back to early governance, with the position of Cabeza de Barangay being hereditary. It wasn't until 1789 that elections were introduced, shifting leadership from family lines to an electoral system-though dynasties continue to influence modern politics. Another important lesson was how taxation has changed over time. During the Spanish era, being exempted from paying taxes was considered a great privilege, as taxes were directed to the Spanish government without taxpayers benefiting. Although taxation remains a part of governance today and is made better for the common good, it is disappointing that much of the country’s funds are often misused, highlighting the importance of accountability in public administration.
I have learned more about the development of the Philippine government from the Pre-colonial period up to the American colonial period. Originally, the Barangay was led by a Datu with a council of elders, it was created as an organization whose function was to protect and support its people. Early local governance involved a social status order where Barangays are few, which sometimes formed a confederation based on the traditional form of a power system headed by a Datu where his decisions are in consultation with his counsel. When the Spaniards arrived, there was still the Barangay, but which was organized to suit Spanish requirements, with the Datu or leader as the cabeza de Barangay, whose main obligations were to make collection of taxes and to ensure compliance with legislation and orders from the Spanish government. This continued under the Americans where local governance was even more centralized through the Administrative Code of 1917. American supervision brought new councils but old structures were still preserved meaning that the Filipino administration was still a combination of colonial conventional administration as adapted up to now.
Watching the lecture, I realized that even before the Spanish arrived, we already had a form of government. Each barangay was led by a datu, who was responsible for the community’s welfare and acted as its leader. But a big challenge back then was the lack of a centralized government, making it tough for communities to unite and defend themselves. When the Spanish came, they introduced a more centralized system, mainly through the church, which ended up holding a lot of power over governance. The datu, who had once been a strong authority figure creating laws, settling disputes, and managing the community, still held his title. But his role had changed; his power became mostly symbolic. During this period, one of the datu’s main jobs was to help Spanish authorities collect taxes. In reality, though, the Spanish government wasn’t using the datus to protect the Philippines-they were mainly there to protect Spain’s interests. Spanish rule brought other big changes too. Traditional barangays were merged into larger towns, or pueblos. Later, when the Americans took over, they changed the government structure again, building on what the Spanish had left behind. They renamed the pueblos as municipalities and put new municipal and provincial codes in place, similar to the Maura Law. The barrio stayed as a smaller division within each town, led by a barrio lieutenant. This lecture showed me that although both the Spaniards and Americans used their authority to benefit themselves-like redirecting tax revenue away from Filipinos-we still kept parts of their systems in our modern government. Each colonization brought new ideas about governance, Filipinos learned more about centralized government. Today, we have a democratic system influenced by colonial periods, yet we’ve held onto that strong sense of community from our earlier traditions.
After watching this educational video, I learned that our country's governance system has undergone significant transformation, resulting in the current government system in the Philippines. The shift began before the colonial era and continued during the American period. It emphasized the significance of understanding the past to be able to understand the present. The evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the American period provides insight into the country's political and administrative developments. First, I learned that the pre-colonial Philippines had a decentralized system of government, with barangays serving as the fundamental social unit. A Datu was in charge of each barangay and had considerable influence over the community. Communities were close to one another with shared traditions and customs as well as strong connections with one another. Second, a centralized system of government was established during the Spanish colonial era, with the Spanish crown holding the majority of the power. Local government entities including provinces, municipalities, and barangays were created by the Spaniards. However, the Catholic Church had a significant influence on local government, frequently affecting political and social matters. Third, during the American colonial era, they established administrative structures that reshaped local governance by establishing new laws, regulations, and formal education. In conclusion, as a public administration student, understanding the historical evolution of Philippine local governance is crucial, it helps us to better understand the roots of modern challenges such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. Understanding the history of past governance structures helps us create policies and programs that are effective. We can learn best practices and avoid repeating mistakes by applying lessons gained from the past, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of transparency, accountability, and participation.
Based form the video discussion that I watched, I learned about: From the discussion on local and regional governance in the Philippines, you likely learned about: 1. The Historical Context - The evolution of governance structures from pre-colonial times to the present, including influences from Spanish, American, and post-colonial governance. 2. Decentralization: The importance of the Local Government Code of 1991, which aimed to empower local governments by granting them more autonomy and resources. 3. Governance Structures: An understanding of the various levels of local governance, including barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces, and their respective roles. 4. Citizen Participation: The significance of engaging citizens in governance processes to enhance accountability and transparency. 5. Challenges: Issues such as political dynasties, corruption, and resource disparities among regions that affect effective governance. 6. Regional Development: The role of regional governance in coordinating development efforts across multiple local jurisdictions.
The deeper the discussion goes into the various positions our country has held throughout its history, the more I come to understand that it may not be necessary. Holding multiple positions within a government does not inherently ensure efficiency. At times, it can lead to additional challenges and require further approval. The process takes an excessive amount of time, which hinders efficiency, rather than resolving the problem promptly with the necessary approvals in place.
The video lecture has taught me that before colonization occurred within the Philippines, we already have forms of local government even if it is not centralized. We already have systems of law that helped govern each barangay within the Philippines. I learned that if our government was centralized, then perhaps it would have been difficult to colonize the Philippines. But, even though Philippines was colonized, it does not mean that we lost our system of law through time. Even now, we still use the barangay as a the simplest unit of local government. I learned that being colonized by the Spaniards and Americans brought forth influences on the modern local government. And that as each colonization occur, we learn more about governance. Through colonization, the Filipinos slowly learned about centralized government and local autonomy. It is by looking at our past experiences with our colonizers and learning from them that brought forth the foundations of our LGU's. Though being colonized is not entirely good for the country, there are still certain factors that they contributed in building our modern local governance.
After I watched and learned the history, perspective, and basic concepts of the barangay from pre-colonialization to the American period, my perspective broadened and changed because you can study the past differently than what you just heard or are familiar with now. This topic informs us how important a leader's purpose is to his barangay. What was said in this lesson is true that yes, until now what was used before is still happening in our government today. It's one of those things that the rest of us have adopted is the arrogant or overpowering of someone who has a position in the government, that because you have a higher position than him, you just make him a servant or you just look down on him like a priest, that's the unequal treatment of others them. Also one of the things I realized during the Spanish period, the role of a data gradually changed, he used to be the leader or president of his barangay but when the Spanish period came, he was just another tool used by the Spaniards to implement what they wanted to happen and to protect their country. When it comes to taxes then, their salary should be lower than that they pay taxes that will only go to other countries. Overall, the lesson showed the evolution or development of a barangay up to the present. We can also see the huge difference between them then and now but there are still similarities. It would be better if the leader we choose is like that, not just for money but the leader who can protect us from the bad intentions of other countries. I was also impressed by the trivia about why Manila became the capital of the country, because the Spaniards thought that Luzon and Visayas were the whole of the Philippines and Mindanao was not included. So Manila became the capital because it is in the middle of Luzon and Visayas. All in all, the American and Spanish periods had a strong impact or changed a lot in our country that until now we have only adopted without realizing that it came from them. And here we noticed that we need centralization to make our own decisions. It is important to study the past where things came from because we can also realize that they originated here, not because of this, they are the reason why the government is in trouble and so on. Studying history is enjoyable, it's like going back in time.
Learning about history isn't new to me since it was one of things that I found interesting and everytime it will be discuss to me, I always learn something new. I have recall and learned a lot with the discussion. With what was taught in the video lecture my knowledge about the governance in the country enhance/widen. I also realize and recognize alot of things, there are similarities and difference with the previous and present time. First, the changes in local governance evolves as the years passes since it got influence by the Colonializers. The term we used to call the individual who leads or has the highest position, it was called "Datu" then it became "Cabeza de Barangay". Second thing I noticed was in terms of the taxes. During the Spanish era the Cabeza de Barangay don't pay taxes, they are exempted from paying while now in the present time everyone pays tax and everything we purchase either material thing or service includes tax. And before the taxes were submitted to the Spaniards but now in the present they said that the taxes that goes to the government were used to have funds so they could give better services to the people. In terms of having a power/authority/position, how an individual gain it is still somehow same as before for me. It used to be hereditary or it will be passed to the one next in line in the family, they are the most wealthy or the physically strongest among the people in their community, this how people attain the position or power before. And now I can say that it still somehow similar because even though there is a process of voting, we can choose a candidate who we wanted to lead us, some people still vote because of their surname or the family that they came from (political family/ political dynasty), their votes was already bought by someone, and also some individual votes someone because they are popular. People still don't get the value or importance of choosing who would lead the community. The next one still about the power or authority, before the "Datu" does it all or holds all the power, executive, legislative, and judicial, and because of this it may got abuse. We are somehow lucky that in our present administration, we already have the concept of seperation of power. There are three (3) branches of the government; legislative department, executive department, and judicial department, they hold specific power but they have a limit with what they can do so they can no longer abuse their authority. The colonialization that happened influence big time the governance of the country, there are things that remained the same, and there are things that changes over time.
From this session, I got some understanding of the development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, starting from pre-colonial period. The basic unit of government from where the Philippines derived its name is the barangay which means sailboat in Malay; it is a small community under a datu. This leadership structure was therefore in agreement with that of a hierarchy society more especially for the datu who enjoyed legislative, judicial as well as the executive power. They based their authority in leadership on wealth and heritages and physical power to protect the communities and bring them harmony. Also, the video also pointed out how the Spanish and the America colonizers influenced the current system of governance. When the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, the barangay became a part of a town called pueblo and the dato, now the cabeza de barangay, had close relationship with the Whites particularly in terms of taxation. In the American period, cities were introduced and the government structure was maintained in Manila. Local autonomy was also mentioned, and the long process of decentralization towards centralization and democracy in the Philippines was as well explained.
After watching this video I have learned that local and regional governance in the Philippines has undergone significant transformations over time, shaped by indigenous traditions and foreign colonizers. In the pre-colonial era, barangays were autonomous and governed by a datu, with leadership based on kinship, bravery, and wealth. This decentralized form of governance allowed local communities to maintain autonomy by consulting a council of elders on decisions. The Spanish colonial period saw a shift toward centralization, with the encomienda system and the incorporation of barangays into a larger colonial hierarchy. The Spanish co-opted local elites, forming the principalia class, and Catholicism played an important role in government. The American period saw a more democratic approach, with local elections, public education, and infrastructure reforms.The emphasis shifted to decentralizing governance and empowering local leaders while retaining national oversight via provincial governors. The interaction of these various systems over time has shaped the current Philippine governance structure. The integration of indigenous and colonial systems laid the groundwork for today's local autonomy, in which barangays remain the primary political unit, but within a framework of democratic representation established during the American period.
After watching the video lecture, I learned a lot about the Philippine barangay system's history. Barangays were small communities commanded by datus, who acted as the community's leader. Additionally, the datu enacted laws to ensure everyone's safety. The term "barangay" is derived from the word "balangay," which means boat, because those who migrated to the Philippines traveled by boat with their families. Moreover, the datu had assistance, like ancient wise men known as "maginoo." Each barangay was like its own small state, and they worked together to protect one another from intruders. One interesting thing I also learned is that each barangay was independent and didn’t really follow a big government. This made it easy for the Spaniards to take over because the barangays weren’t united. When the Spanish colonized the Philippines, they turned the barangays into parts of towns called pueblos, and the datu’s job changed to just collecting taxes for the Spanish. The Americans also kept the barangays but made small changes, like calling towns municipalities and giving them local leaders. Even though a lot of things changed during the Spanish and American times, the barangay has always been the smallest and most important part of the community in the Philippines. It was interesting to see how the concept of the barangay survived through all the changes in history.
The video lecture discusses the evolution of governance in the pre-colonial period of the Philippines, starting with the barangay system, where Datu independently exercised authority within his own barangay or jurisdiction and progressing to the more structured systems introduced during the Spanish and American periods. It can be seen that the persistence of certain traditional practices and functions continues to influence current governance. And I learned that understanding how governance operated in the Philippines from pre-colonization until the American period is essential for appreciating the development of governance in the country. The barangay, a self-sufficient political entity, illustrates that even in pre-colonial periods, there was a well-defined framework without centralized power. The establishment of a centralized government only occurred when Spaniards started to control the country and influence the structure of governance and the Philippines' political, social, and economic landscape. Moreover, one interesting thought haunted me. What if the Philippines developed a centralized governance system before colonization? This may change the history and alter the experiences of our ancestors who went through harsh experiences. Nevertheless, the colonization of Spaniards and Americans left an important lesson which is the importance of active citizen participation to address issues that affect the public welfare and upheld the power of collective action in shaping a more just and accountable government.
The lecture discusses the history of how our governments were formed as it tackles the period between pre-colonial up to the American occupation. It demonstrated that even before the influence of foreign powers that came to colonize the Philippines, we have long established our own form of government but it is inevitable for these countries to dominate the system and manipulate it into their favor. Hence the decrease in power of Filipinos during the Spanish colonization, treating our officials as mere tax collectors who worked under their rule and in accordance to the Catholic church. Although, the Spaniards creating local government units were a positive outcome as it decentralized power and allowed to create a system that has a more manageable volume for law and order. This was a short victory, however, as the American colonizers changed their minds on implementing local autonomy by restricting such practice and to have a government that is heavily supervised by the Americans under the notion of teaching Filipinos on how to operate the governmental systems. Overall, we must treat our history with much importance and it cannot be denied that even though we were occupied for many years, it has improved our system of government and that is evident even in the current times. We have continuously practiced what they have long instilled in our minds but we must also note that we should not stick to only what they have taught us, rather we must have the initiative to take what we know and expound it further for us to have better governance that will better serve the Filipino people and the Philippines.
Reflecting on the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from the pre-colonial period to the American era highlights a complex interaction between indigenous practices and external influences. Prior to Spanish colonization, the archipelago was distinguished by a variety of local governance systems, with barangays, led by datus, promoting kinship bonds and collective decision-making. However, the arrival of the Spanish colonial government established a centralized governance structure that frequently overlooked established traditions, reforming local authority through the pueblo system and integrating it with the influence of the Catholic Church. This shift aimed to manage and integrate local populations, substantially changing the dynamics of governance. The American period marked a turning point, as it introduced more democratic governance methods, highlighting local government units (LGUs) and enabling local elections. The implementation of the 1901 municipal code further organized local governance, facilitating enhanced community participation and representation. This historical progression underscores the adaptation of governance structures in the Philippines to evolving political contexts, demonstrating the significance of local governance in fostering community engagement and safeguarding cultural identity in the face of external pressures. Understanding these historical shifts enhances my grasp of current governance challenges and highlights the lasting importance of local governance in the Philippines today.
A barangay is a small community or village led by a chieftain called "datu." This video lecture comprehensively discussed the difference between the barangay we had before the colonization and the barangay we have in our present time, focusing on its social and political structures and its type of governance. It was evident that based on history, barangays' chieftains before colonization were self-sufficient and autonomous. They were able to exercise their powers and authority but they sometimes formed alliances for defense and trade. However, due to power and authority that was not streamlined or centralized, it was an easy target for colonization. With the existing political structure before, it made it easier for the colonizers to impose authority, forcing local leaders into submission, and exerting influence over these communities. With this tragic history, we are once again taught about the complexities of cultural exchange and power dynamics, highlighting how such structure can be manipulated for control, often leading to significant cultural shifts and loss of autonomy. It is, therefore, impossible for each community to exist consistently in the absence of centralized governance as it provides efficiency, uniformity, and a strong foundation of autonomy and power that could provide stability and support during a time of upheaval and foreign control. It is a tautology that decentralization and centralization should go hand in hand to ensure a dynamic governance landscape, balancing local needs with national priorities. This lesson is an eye-opener and a reminder that it will always be impossible for a country to exist autonomously if every local government in it has its own independence and does not have any support from a central government (national agencies) that could oversight them and potentially advocate their interests more effectively to colonial powers.
This lecture has taught me not just about the evolutions of governance-from indigenous systems to Spanish Centralization up until American reforms-that shaped Philippine governance. The pre-colonial period through the American period helped to build the resilience and adaptability of the Filipino. As indigenous governance under the leadership of "Datu," that promotes the local autonomy and is community-based. Meanwhile, in Spanish colonization, it was replaced with being centralized and religious authority for the whole nation. But suddenly American reforms, as democratic principles and educational reforms, aimed to modernize society while retaining control. These transitions have shaped a peculiar political identity and emphasize how important it is to have self-determination and adaptation from external forces. But as a future public administrator, we must possess the transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in the Philippine government. Especially in times of crisis and hard circumstances that we face, the officials must use their authority and power to help the utmost in need and provide each necessity.
After watching this video lesson, I learned a lot about the history of the smallest form of community, which I consider the first level of government known today as the "barangay." Way back then, we can say there was already an existing form of government, given the hierarchy within the barangay, which consisted of the datu, timawa, and alipin (namamahay and saguiguilid). However, the position of captain or village leader was only acquired through inheritance, which was confined to wealthy families. If we compare this to the present, the early barangay leader was indeed powerful, as all powers (executive, legislative, and judicial) were vested in them at the village level. What’s also fascinating about the history of the barangay is that, even though we were once a colony of Spain, the existence of the barangay wasn’t diminished. Furthermore, during the American period, there were reforms in local governance, particularly in granting municipalities and provinces more autonomy with minimal supervision from the U.S. government. The lesson clearly outlined the duties and powers of political figures, especially with the enactment of the Administrative Code of 1917. Finally, the lesson opened new doors of knowledge, particularly about how the barangay system managed to stand strong despite various adversities, including colonization and changes in policies. One thing is certain: while the barangay system has evolved and many programs have been implemented at the barangay level, we still face long-standing issues in our political system, such as the persistence of political dynasties, which often begin at the barangay level.
The video discussion taught me that before colonization, local governance in the Philippines was decentralized, with barangays led by datus who held authority over small communities. The American colonial period introduced a more centralized administrative structure, which drastically changed local governance through new legal systems and formal education. This historical shift shows how colonization reshaped indigenous governance practices and laid the foundation for modern political systems in the country.
The instructional video provides beneficial information about how colonial rule influenced the country's political systems. The Spanish and American periods exerted a considerable impact on government, changing the dispersed barangays of pre-colonial times into centralized entities. The Spaniards utilized local authorities, such as the datus, to impose their rule, while religious groups had a great deal of authority. Afterwards, the Americans conducted administrative adjustments, resulting in an organizational structure that stressed bureaucracy and legal processes, which keeps occurring impacting municipal administration presently. Considering the shifts that were caused by colonization, several components of pre-colonial government, such as the barrio, have survived, although in developed versions. The topic also focuses on the way the social structures that were formed during these instances persist, with elites continuing to take on an integral part in politics. Recognizing such changes provides insight into today's intricate governance structures and illustrates the way the legacy of colonialism remains to shape the making of local decisions. As a Public Administration student, such a historical viewpoint serves as essential for comprehension of the advancement of Philippine governance. Making the shift from decentralized, self-sustaining communities to colonizer-imposed centralized and bureaucratic structures developed the groundwork for today's political scene. Focusing on past events not solely broadens our understanding of present institutions, but it additionally emphasizes the urgency for establishing a more responsive and fair government in the generations to come.
This video lecture highlights the importance of being familiarized with the evolution of local governance in the Philippines from pre-colonial period to American period. It shows how different types of government powers (centralized or decentralized) affect the lives of the Filipino people. Starting from having the concept of a barangay, having the Datu as the leader, as well as performing the functions of a judge and a lawmaker, for there was no concept of separation of powers before, the Datu was considered as the most powerful individual during the pre-colonial period. During this time, one quotation remains remarkable up to the present, which is the saying that “the elders are always right”. That’s why before, during the pre-colonial period, even the Cabeza de Barangay listened to the elders. The evolution of the Spanish era brings birth to a powerful institution - the Catholic Church. This era of Spanish colonization highlights the presence of political dynasties, even before, through the Cabeza de Barangay being hereditary until the election was introduced in 1789. The Cabeza de Barangay being exempted from paying taxes and having no salary, is the one who collects the taxes that instead of being given to the people, it was benefited by the Spanish government. While the American Period highlights the importance of local autonomy and centralization, but believes that the Filipino aren't capable of achieving this without their help. In a nutshell, the progress from the pre-colonial period to the American period was all necessary in shaping today’s government. As a public administration student, this lesson is deemed necessary for all of us to learn since it opens our eyes more about the importance of having good governance, promoting accountability, transparency, and public participation in decision-making in every single community.
From this video lecture, I made many takeaway points. From the pre-colonial period to the American occupation, the local governance system of the Philippines underwent significant and relevant changes that can be seen existing today. Initially, the concept of the barangay was based on small, independent communities led by a datu, who served as leader, judge, and protector. The Spanish colonizers retained this structure but centralized power and diminished the role of the datu to tax collectors. The Maura Law aimed to provide local autonomy but was never fully implemented due to insurrections. Lastly, Under American rule, local governance structures were modified, limiting autonomy and subjecting decisions to central authority, laying the groundwork for modern municipal governance.
After watching the video lecture, I have learned that there are obvious gradual changes to the administration system from the Pre-colonial Period to the American Period and up until now from an unorganized system of election or appointment of leaders to reasonable qualifications that must be considered. I would say the principle of separation of power and checks and balances allows us to be more transparent, inclusive and fair if we compare before that a Datu solely being a lawmaker, judge and executive, acted on these duties simultaneously. Moreover, I have also learned about Board Members as I only hear about those politicians but with no idea of what they do or what are their duties. Another trivia that amazed me was the backstory of why Manila became the capital of the Philippines even though it is not located in the center. By this, it tingles the childish side of me as I simply want to laugh at the colonizers for their “stupid mistake” scenario before.
The lecture highlights the differences between how the government operated in the past and how it functions today. In the past, the datu held all the roles, and there was no system of checks and balances, unlike today, where the powers of the judicial, executive, and legislative branches are separate. Another observation I made is that political dynasties aren’t new in the game. Those who held power and wealth have always maintained control, with influence passed down through their family and kin. The tax system was disheartening, as taxes were meant to benefit the people but ended up in the hands of the Spaniards. This was one major difference during the time of Spanish colonization compared to today. However, I wouldn’t say things are far different, as corruption remains a significant social issue that continues to fly around the country. Different rulers, but the same corrupt practices. Local governance back then was different and heavily influenced by the Spanish. Politicians held many roles compared to today. When the Americans intervened, they established an administrative structure, creating new rules and defining the duties and powers of the council. While governance in the past was different. But sadly, some aspects of the past are still present today.
Breaking free from the clutches of our foreign invaders is not the end of their capacity to influence us. Accordingly, the pre-colonial, Hispanic, Japanese, even, and American occupation is a reflection of today’s political and governance system. Hence, there is no doubt the colonial history of the Philippines has left a mark on its own political history as mentioned thereof. While it proves resiliency on our part, it also showed its vulnerability to the conqueror's influence. Thus, the mark etched in its own political soil, through the manifestation of the country’s political structure, values, and norm, either strengthened the country’s political and administrative competence or a mere parasitism unbeknownst to its present citizens. Through these several colonial inputs, it led the country to absorb western political values such as democracy, constitution, value for human rights, and autonomy for smaller government units, and among others, to fix irregularities brought by other conquerors ;and, on the other spectrum, also absorb burdensome political values and norms that impede effective governance and the state’s ability for a just political rationale in policy making. Thus, it can be inferred that we have gained as much as we have lost; and we have lost as much as we have gained. Therefore, with all these historical complexities, can we say that we are really freed, when the wounds of the past still live in today’s political community, most especially, when it is deeply embedded in the minds of its own people that causes injustice, inhumanity, inequality? I guess not; not in the way we have hoped for, but what the majority of us have tolerated.
This video lecture is fascinating because it reveals how history shaped the structure of local and regional governance in the Philippines. From the pre-colonial period up to the American period, the discussion shows the basis for why we have local and regional governance in the first place and the tremendous changes made to it. The first and the smallest local government unit we have today is the barangay, and its concept was determined way back in the pre-colonial period of Philippine history, wherein it was the basic and the only government structure at that time. As it was discussed, it is primarily composed of their own families, friends, and slaves, and it is similar to those barangays that currently exist in the provinces wherein most of the families residing in that area are their own relatives, and they really know each other. It is amusing to see that some features of the pre-colonial barangay can also be seen in our present barangay. During Spanish colonization, significant modifications were made to the country's governance structure. Even though they have retained the established barangays with their current heads as they aim to use the datus to implement their policy in the country, they have added various local and regional units with more extensive jurisdiction to oversee the people and the area to create a centralized government with autocratic character. In addition, in this period, many local and regional units and positions became the basis of our present-day government structure. Lastly, during the American period, the Americans shaped the local and regional government of our country, similar to the United States. They have supervised the administration of the local government units in the country as they believe that Filipinos need guidance to better manage themselves. With all that was discussed, I realized how these events affected how we manage ourselves. It also made me consider whether the way we govern ourselves is genuinely suitable to the needs of our country, most especially because the way we govern ourselves came from the colonizers who just enforced the way they regulated themselves to us. In addition, it helps me recognize the importance of local governance in our daily lives, as the local government is truly focused on the well-being of everyone in the locality.
The video lesson taught me the system of governance, their rules and procedures of then and now. Spanish colonization centralized power, while the American era introduced democratic ideals and education. Several trivia's and new perspective in understanding of changes throughout history for a student of public administration like me to realize how local governance had evolved through the decades. This progress shows how colonization reshaped indigenous governance practices and serves as the foundation for modern political systems in the country. Reflecting on to the governance, rules, and procedure during pre-colonization to American period reminds me of how Good and well organized Governance should we push for once the student became a servant, serving its best for the betterment of the governance.
Watching this video gave me a better understanding of how local governance in the Philippines started and evolved over time, even before colonization. It was interesting to see how early communities, called barangays, were organized under leaders known as datus, who provided guidance and protection. This system became the basis for the way local governance works today, even after colonizers changed things.
I also found it thought-provoking to learn about the social classes back then, like the "aliping namamahay" and "aliping saguiguilid." These types of roles seem to have some influence on society today. Overall, this lecture showed how important it is to understand our history, especially so we can see how far we've come and keep our government accountable. It’s a good reminder that as citizens, we should pay attention to our leaders and make sure they’re really serving the community, not just focusing on politics.
This video gave me enough knowledge about what kind of governance the Philippines had and how it started. The lesson was all about the significance of local governance, starting with the barangay, which developed into a more structured system under Spanish and American rule. Spanish colonization centralized power, while the American era introduced democratic ideals and education. This legacy continues to shape our current government, where education remains crucial for individual and national progress. This lesson made me realize that it is important to be interested in our own history and to understand the background of every story for us to better understand our current situation.
I learned about the historical development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, with a focus on the changing roles of local leaders. The study highlighted the presence of indigenous governance structures and how they played a vital role in upholding social order.
The video discussion taught me the historical development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, when it comes in emphasizing the evolving roles of local leaders and the challenges faced in balancing central authority with local autonomy. It also provides valuable insights into the foundations of the current Philippine governance system.
As a public administration student, i possess a unique skill set that can significantly contribute to local and regional governance wherein i can make a positive impact in government system. Local and regional governance is essential for the effective functioning of any society. It is the level of government closest to the people, and it is responsible for providing essential services such as education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. Public administration students develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to local and regional governance.
Watching this video reminds me that the structures and system that we have now has its origin and purpose. I learned that we really started from scratch where our traditions greatly impact the way we are governed and also the influence of those that colonized our country.
This lecture encompassed the rich and dynamic history of local and regional governance in the Philippines which is still reflective in our government systems today. Throughout the video, I have observed how the Philippine local government went from an independent and decentralized structure to a somewhat more systematic one, which ultimately had its advantages and disadvantages. Before it was inhabited by colonizers, the Philippine population enjoyed the protection and peacemaking brought about by the Datus appointed to each territory. However, this same innate decentralization effectively influenced how Spanish and Americans shaped governance in the country, introducing a class-based system where foreign entities serve their best interests.
It is important for us to understand the origin of how our local government works as it helps us, both as students and future public administrators, reflect on recent developments and lapses in how the local population is being managed and governed. This will help us make more educated decisions on how laws, policies, and ordinances are implemented and funneled from the national government down to our municipalities and barangays.
This fruitful discussion explores the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonization to the American period. It highlights the existence of indigenous governance structures, where local leaders held significant authority in decision-making and maintaining social order. However, Spanish colonization disrupted these traditional structures, marginalizing local leaders and altering power dynamics. The American period saw further transformation in governance, with the introduction of new administrative frameworks and educational reforms promoting democratic ideals. While some democratic elements were introduced, colonial control continued and power was centralized. Local populations had to adapt to these new governance structures, often blending indigenous practices with colonial frameworks. This demonstrates the adaptability of Filipino communities through changing political landscapes. The video highlights how these historical shifts in governance have shaped contemporary political systems in the Philippines, underscoring the ongoing challenges and legacies of colonialism in local governance today.
For a PA students like us, it provides most important insight into contemporary political systems, complexities of power dynamics, and the interplay between local autonomy and centralized authority. It also helps us understand challenges in modern governance, such as decentralization and public service delivery. It also encourages a sense of continuity between past and present practices, preparing students for effective and culturally aware public servants.
In this discussion, I was already aware that there were local governance structures in place before the colonizers arrived. However, this presentation was incredibly helpful and informative, as it reminded me of the specific terms and titles used by the Spaniards for their officials, which I had forgotten and this discussion covered everything comprehensively and provided me with a lot of clarity.
The discussion provided me an overview regarding the history of our local government, in which it is astonishing to know that prior to colonization we have already established our own system. Nonetheless as time passes by, we have evolved into our new system primarily influenced by various periods. This video taught me a lot. Thank you sir!
This video enlightened me on the history of how our government was established during the pre-colonial up to the present. It is important that we know our history and what are the underlying factors that affect how our government are working right now.
it also provides insights into the development of governance structures and the role of local and national institutions before. Since we are colonized mot just the spaniards but also the americans and japanese, by studying this concept, it gives me an overview how local governance systems evolved to address the unique needs of communities, adapting over time to social, political, and economic changes.
This video provides how our local government evolve during Pre-Colonial Period up until American Period. This lecture provides knowledge and freshen up our minds how local government started. Starting from Datu of each barangay during Pre-Colonial Period to Barrio Lieutenant of Barrios.
This gave me information that I wasn't knowledgeable enough before, like during American Period where they adapt the Maura Law of Spain where named after the minister of Spain and how American Period Centralized the local government adapting the Maura Law of Spain.
I've gain a lot of information with this lecture from Migration Theory to how ordinances ramained an "paper organization.
I learned about the evolution of governance and social structures in the Philippines from pre-colonial times through the American period. This historical journey highlights the transformation of the Philippines’ governance structures, reflecting the influences of different colonial powers and their lasting impacts on the country’s political and social landscape.
This video lecture provides more knowledge on how local governance in the Philippines started and evolved with the influence of Colonial Power. I gained a deeper appreciation for its crucial role in shaping our communities and delivering essential services. Looking back at its history helped me understand how governance has changed over time and why local autonomy matters so much. I found concepts like decentralization, citizen participation, and the balance between local and central authorities super interesting. It gave me a clearer picture of how today’s systems were built.
Furthermore, I came to see that strengthening communities and increasing their responsiveness to people's actual needs requires fostering accountability and collaboration. Entering these frameworks made it clear to me how important it is for citizens to actively participate in order to strengthen democracy at all levels. This discussion has proven to me how much of an impact good governance can have on our daily lives.
This video lectures provide the very foundation of the local government of the Philippines. How it established itself and what changes it brought to the current system that we have.
Sir Krippe’s presentation act as a refresher and reminder of the history that brought by the past and current government that we have and taught us that our history should be a reflection for every Filipinos that we deserve better.
The video lecture shows how Philippine governance evolved as time passed. It also shows how deeply history shaped our political system. When the colonizers came to our country, they quickly replaced traditional roles like the "Datu" with positions such as "Cabeza de Barangay," reflecting how colonialism reformed the Philippine's local leadership. It's interesting how political family influence still reflects historical power relations despite modern democratic systems.
Watching the video deepened my understanding of the importance of checks and balances to prevent any person or group from gaining excessive power. Unlike in the past, where only the leaders such as the Datu held all the authority, in today's time, however, our government is now divided into different branches with different powers encouraging accountability. Based on the lecture, the changes in tax policies from colonial collection to funding public services emphasize the fact that the governance now is more drawn to the citizen's well-being. The insights in this video lecture helped me to notice the progress we've made and how necessary to fully understand the history to improve and strengthen leadership and accountability.
The video discussion provides an in-depth examination of the foundational elements involved in the formulation of the Philippine government. It explores the historical context that led to the establishment of the government, detailing key figures who played pivotal roles in its development, as well as significant events that influenced its structure and principles. This discussion sheds light on the complexities of the political landscape in the Philippines, including the impact of colonial rule, the struggle for independence, and the evolution of democratic institutions. By highlighting these crucial aspects, the video offers a comprehensive understanding of how the Philippine government was shaped and the ongoing relevance of its historical roots in contemporary governance.
As I watched this discussion, I realized how informative it was in refreshing my memory about what I learned in elementary school. Personally, I had missed or forgotten some details about the pre-colonial government, specifically about the alipin na namamahay. It refresh my mind that the namamahay had the right to own a property, unlike the alipin sa gigilid.
This also deepened my understanding of how our government operates now compared to the past, and how these past periods impact our current government. The discussion covered the different hierarchies across periods, such as the datu in pre-colonial times and the prayle during the Spanish period.
With this, I learned that to better understand how our government operates and organizes its units, we should look back at how it developed and evolved over time. It’s essential to understand the distribution of power so we can better exercise our rights and knowledge.
This discussion has helped me gain a deeper understanding on Local and Regional Governance. Exploring the history of local and regional governance reveals a constant need to evolve and adapt, finding new strategies to meet the changing needs of people and cities. It's fascinating to learn how governance began, where it came from, and what motivated people to strive for a well-functioning system for citizens.
While significant progress has been made, it's clear that the journey isn't over. As time passes, people and their needs change. This highlights the importance of adapting and evolving our systems. The Philippines, like many nations, is still a work in progress, and we must continually strive for improvement to ensure our governance effectively serves the Filipino people.
This discussion provided an insightful and comprehensive overview of the evolution of Philippine local governance. I learned how the pre-colonial barangay system established strong communal ties and decentralized decision-making, which laid a solid foundation for local governance. The Catholic Church had a big impact on local governing systems during this time, and the entrance of Spanish colonists brought a more centralized approach by putting provinces and towns under their control. The American colonial period’s influence on democratic principles and the significant impact of the Local Government Code of 1991 in decentralizing power were particularly enlightening.
With this historical evolution, we can appreciate the complex interplay of indigenous practices, colonial influences, and democratic ideals that have shaped the Philippine local governance system.
After watching the lecture, I found this video informative because it tackles the history and concepts of local and regional governance. This history makes it clear to me that government structures evolved from Pre-colonization to the present. During the Pre-Colonial Era, Datu was the leader. As time went on and our country was overrun, it evolved and changed.
Being a Public Servant (as an SK Kagawad) and a Public Administration student, sometimes, it is confusing for me to absorb all of the information but because of this lecture, I learned how these systems improve administration and tackle the demands. Given the historical background of local administration, politics, and governance in our society today, it is important to understand the significance of the evolution of administration and community.
This lecture has deepened my understanding of the evolution of Philippine governance, from the decentralized, community-based leadership of the "Datu" in the pre-colonial era, to the centralized and religiously influenced Spanish colonial system, and finally to the democratic and educational reforms introduced during American rule. These historical shifts have shaped the Filipino's resilience and adaptability to external influences while forging a distinct political identity. The video also encouraged us to think critically about the standards of leadership inherited from the past. While centralized authority was common in pre-colonial governance, we must be cautious not to allow inefficiencies or over-centralized leadership to interfere with contemporary systems of governance, which ideally should be more inclusive and decentralized. This reflection pushes us to value participatory governance and to remain vigilant in maintaining the integrity of our political institutions today.
The Video discussion helps me understand the importance of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonization to the American period, focusing on the historical evolution of the barangay system.
Sir Krippe outlines the social hierarchy within barangays, the authority of the datu (chief), and how local governance functions evolved through Spanish colonization and into the American period, Sir Krippe was very clear in highlighting changes in administration and law enforcement.
This lecture reminds me of the HeKaSi subject during my elementary era. Compared to what was taught back in the days, the discussion today about the history and evolution of local governance in the Philippines is much more detailed, obviously. The information is loaded with what we comprehend when we were still kids, yet it is very joyous at the same time to encounter things from our elementary teachings. As far as I remember back then, it mainly revolved around the ideas of balangays, datus and rajas, aliping namamahay at saguiguilid, only the foundational knowledge about our first governance development. Today, I was surprised to encounter these terms again with bonus learnings too.
The history of local governance from the pre-colonial period up to the American occupation was discussed clearly. In order to establish a system within the community, heads such as Rajas and Datus are put in place to lead the entire community. It is the awakening of our breed, to build a hierarchical, political, and social structure across groups in the community.
My main takeaway is how everything we use in the present time is rooted from the Spanish occupation. The ideas of pueblos (towns or municipalities), alcadia (provinces), and ayuntamientos (city government). These are divisions of the state made by the Spaniards to easily classify the parts of the country. Even the public positions were derived from that period such as the mayors, councilors, governors, police chief, secretaries, and judges.
It made me realize that Spaniards do really contribute a lot in various aspects of our country. But all in all, from the beginning, where Rajas and Datus are the supreme leaders of the community, to the Spanish colonization where Filipinos partake in the Spanish government, down to American occupation where reforms took place, it is very crucial to know and understand how local government systems evolved through time, and for us Public Administration student to help us deepen our passion in serving the country with much desire for good governance starting from the local level.
Those vital points discussed in the video lecture provided as well as to all perceptions and learnings that was cascaded here in the comment section- are all indeed very informative. It has been said that the “Datu” held a highly influential role as the leaders of barangays-which is basically the basic unit of society in pre-colonial Philippines. And that these local “chief/s” exercised their power in making legal decisions, enforcing laws, and overseeing how their resources would be distributed or be disseminated in an equal manner; so, to create a well-organized structure of governance within their jurisdiction. But then reflecting on the fact that Datus often came from elite families- the system particularly of course favors the upper class. How does this new era of government structure which promotes check and balances differ from the structure back then, knowing the fact that today’s government representatives often come from “established” or well- connected families as well? How these structures promote social equality and ensure fair representation for all citizens?
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of governance in the Philippines, it becomes clear that understanding our pre-colonial structures is essential to comprehending the evolution and character of modern Philippine governance. Our pre-colonial governance, rooted in the barangay system and shaped by community-centric, locally led leadership, offers a stark contrast to the centralized, hierarchical governance models imposed by Spanish and American colonization. Acknowledging the strengths of this indigenous framework reminds us that governance in the Philippines has always been about self-determination, kinship, and a communal approach to leadership. These values are still relevant today, serving as a foundation for more inclusive and decentralized governance that recognizes the importance of local voices and cultures.
However, colonialism left a lasting impact on Philippine governance. The Spanish introduced a system of tribute and forced labor, imposing a rigid class system that favored colonial elites while marginalizing indigenous voices. The American period, while promoting public education and introducing democratic structures, ultimately served U.S. strategic interests, prioritizing economic exploitation and political control over true autonomy for Filipinos. These periods of colonization not only shifted the Philippine governance system toward centralized, top-down control but also instilled a mentality that foreign systems and authorities held superior knowledge and governance structures. This mindset continues to persist in some aspects of our governance, resulting in a lack of full confidence in Filipino-led initiatives and a tendency to seek external validation.
Critically examining the continued influence of these colonial structures, we see traces of neocolonialism in our political and economic systems today. International economic policies and trade relationships often echo the old colonial relationship, with foreign investment and multinational corporations wielding significant influence over local policies. Cultural influences, such as the prioritization of Western standards in education, business, and social status, reinforce the perceived “superiority” of former colonial powers. These neocolonial patterns inhibit genuine national progress, as they often limit our agency, perpetuate economic dependency, and dilute indigenous cultural identity.
In understanding these colonial imprints, we are called to actively deconstruct them and reclaim the self-determining spirit of our pre-colonial governance. We can draw from the principles of pre-colonial systems to build an inclusive and progressive society that values local leadership and resists the imposition of external pressures. Moving forward, a critical examination of both colonial history and indigenous structures is imperative for a governance system that genuinely reflects Filipino values, identity, and aspirations, free from the shadow of colonial influence.
The entire lecture covered different topics like how local governance started and existed even before the colonizers came to our country, how social status were already present years ago, and the significance of a thorough study of the history of local governance. Also, how local governance evolved over years and time was also tackled-from how the barangay was the fundamental and smallest unit of our society plays a vital role in local governance to how the form of local governance before became the foundation of the existing local governance that each community in the country has.
Second thing that was tackled was the types of alipin, the aliping namamahay and aliping saguiguilid. Even at present time, these type of alipin still exists and history shows that due to different factors that affects the Filipinos daily lives, there are still things that not everyone has.
Lastly, the in-depth analysis of the past of local governance. The lecture showed that even before, officials and those in there local post already have a mandate and duties to fulfill. As we live in a society wherein majority of the Filipino depends on their local leaders, it is very important for us to compare and assess how the history contributed to kind of governance that we have, especially in these trying times where most areas in country were devasted due to the current tropical storm. As citizens, we must always remain vigilant in regards to our government, importantly in the local level because it will show if these politicians really do there duties and responsibilities and if they're not just politicizing everything. Moreso, it is also important for us to strengthen our communities in such a way that we just don't rely on each but helding the government, either local or national level accountable at everything.
This lesson helped me understand the history of the roles of our leaders and the impact of colonization on the issues of community change and local governance. As a public administration student, I understand that this information can be awareness that will enable people to participate effectively with local communities and government.
I've realized over the years that our country has continued to encounter challenges in creating positive changes to improve our society and government. These issues include large-scale corruption, poverty, and slow economic growth, all of which have made it difficult for Filipinos to live fair lives.
Therefore, in building our nation, good governance is its main foundation, promoting an environment in which we citizens can actively engage with our government, hold them accountable for their actions, and trust its commitment to deliver on their promises. As Filipinos and citizens, all we have to do is open our eyes and see what’s going on in our country. We must be devoted to our country rather than politicians.
The discussion provided valuable insights into the evolution of local and regional governance over time. From the pre-colonization era to the American period, it is evident that the Philippine governance system transformed by adapting earlier practices, and also learning from the lapses that occurred along the way. This highlights the importance for us who are studying public administration to recognize how historical influences shape contemporary policies and practices. As students, learning these historical eras gives us the critical thinking abilities needed to tackle today's governance issues and put creative answers into practice. Additionally, understanding this historical context enables us to appreciate the unique identity and resilience of the Filipino people, which reflects the cultural heritage that is crucial for building a strong foundation in governance today. This awareness ultimately empowers us to engage more effectively in the ongoing development of public administration in the Philippines.
This lecture provides me the overview of local and regional governance specifically the history of the Philippine governance and how it continuously affect the contemporary political system of our country. The influence made by Spain and the United States were crucial in understanding the current situation of our bureaucracy. It also highlights the distribution of power from centralized to decetralized granting provinces local and fiscal autonomy. In order to understand the current situation of our government, it is imperative to understand the past conditions so that we have the background to find solutions to reform the public sector. By looking at the lense of history, we can correct the system using the principles of good governance. Public administrators are constantly reminded to be transparent, accountable, and subservient to the rule of law so that Philippine governance have bright future ahead.
The discussion was informative and helped me understand the evolution and development of local and regional governance. It highlighted the main objectives and how these methods make it easier to administer and meet city needs. The lecture was totally beneficial for public administration students, as it provided insight into the changes in strategies and the responsibilities of officials in prioritizing general welfare. It also highlighted the importance of adapting to changes in localities, as the needs of individuals may change as well as the importance of having a strong foundation in governance, as it provided different perspectives on the governance we have experienced over the past years. For future public servants, this informative lecture will help them understand the constant need to adapt to changes and provide solutions for individual needs. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of having a strong foundation in governance.
The discussion offered a fascinating glimpse into the historical roots of local governance in the Philippines. It struck me how the Philippines transitioned from a system of self-governing barangays led by powerful Datus to a more centralized structure under colonial rule. This shift highlights the importance of historical context in understanding the current state of local governance.
Throughout the discussion it left me with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the present system. It's clear that understanding the past is essential for informed discussions about the future of local government in the Philippines.
The discussion helps me in understanding the processes, procedures, and rules from past years and how they have evolved. I've come to see that pre-colonization has both benefits and drawbacks in shaping our governance, linking each year to our historical roots. This made me realize that, even in previous years, there has been a well-established system that people follow to fulfill their responsibilities in serving the public. Just like how the regions and capitals of the Philippines are interconnected on a map, everything is linked together. Overall, the foundational ideas of pre-colonial governance and foreign hierarchical influences explain the terminology of administration. For instance, terms like "datu," "sultan," and "pangulo" illustrate why we refer to leaders today. This concept remains relevant, particularly in the context of the separation of powers.
Appreciating the concept of Local and Regional Governance in the Pre-Colonization to the American Period is important in strengthening even the governance in our today's era. Because doing so helps look back and learn from how it is structured and modernizes overtime. This makes me realize that understanding this transition that is happening makes the governance in the present day more adaptable, with that path it answers the diverse needs of our communities.
After watching this video, I realized that governance isn’t just about rules and procedures; it’s more about the values and principles guiding public service. It made me appreciate how important it is for public servants to be transparent, accountable, and to use resources for the good of everyone. This really goes beyond just learning theories... it’s about us, as future public administrators, thinking about how we can genuinely help and uplift others, especially in a country like ours where poverty and inequality are big challenges.
Reflecting on these lessons about The evolutionary study of governance in the Philippines may prove how history affects today's systems. I learned about How the Philippine Governance start and How it really works . I figure out the idea that it's not just the structure itself , it has a deep meaning that will open our mind to the best explanation on what the Philippine Governance is . From indigenous practices to Spanish colonization and American reforms, governance is influenced by social and cultural factors. gives us knowledge to learn more about history for the effective and fair governance models and systems to be achieved. This is because looking back at the past successes and failures can be such an effective way to mold systems that essentially bring people together and help our government structure to improve .
The positive impact that these past developments have on the present governance makes it interesting for me, as a student studying public administration, to take action toward promoting accountability and transparency, including. Learning from history can give us effective practices and areas of improvement. In this regard, such knowledge makes it possible to build governance frameworks that meet community needs and move toward building trust among citizens.
Watching this video lecture taught me
that the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines highlights the adaptability and resilience of Filipino governance structures through cultural, social, and political changes across pre-colonial, Spanish, and American periods. This journey from community-based governance to colonial centralization, and eventually toward democratic participation, laid the foundation for modern local governance that values autonomy, community involvement, and cultural heritage. It also made me understand that this progression is crucial for Filipinos, as it reflects the deep-rooted principles of local leadership, collective decision-making, and community welfare, which remain relevant today. Recognizing the blend of indigenous and democratic governance helps reinforce the importance of local autonomy, civic participation, and the cultural identity that underpins modern governance in the Philippines.
The system of local and regional governance brings decision-making closer to the people, addressing particular community needs while promoting transparency and accountability. Governance arrangements have historically changed from old systems in which local leaders were chosen by blood or religion to democratic decentralization that gave local authorities more authority. These governance frameworks' primary pillars-autonomy, public accountability, and citizen engagement-ensure that local officials continue to respond to the people.
The Philippines' historical evolution of local and regional government demonstrates how the roles of local leaders have changed over time and the difficulties in establishing a balance between local autonomy and centralized authority. This evolution also reflects core values and principles that shape the structure of the Philippine government today. I also learned about trivia and the reasons Manila became the Philippines' capital, aside from the fact that it was a center for trade at the time. Another explanation is that the colonizers believed Manila to be the center of the Philippines, which only included Luzon and the Visayas. They are unaware that the Philippines includes Mindanao.
The vessel of governance.
What I learned from the video lecture is the root of the government system in the Philippines. It explains the history of Barangay and Province/City. How the power and authority was distributed from the national government to the smallest unit. This discussion has reviewed me regarding the leadership during the pre-colonization era; this was already discussed to us in Readings of Philippines History. And this lecture further enhanced my knowledge and mastery of the topic.
For me it is vital for us, Public Administration students to gain knowledge of the history of the government system because it help us ascertain what was the reason for the present inadequacies and incompetency of officials and those who have the authority. In the hindsight, it also gives us a bigger picture of the progress that has been made to the Philippine government; how we slowly adapted to the system of governance from other countries.
In conclusion, the video lecture taught me of the systems of how the history practiced local autonomy during pre-colonization and Spanish colonization.
I've learned that our local government system has gone through major shifts over the years, influenced by colonial powers. Before colonization, our barangays were small and independent communities led by datus.
Comparing this to the present, the barangay remains our smallest local government unit, but now it’s part of a system along with the national government. Today, barangays have elected officials, such as barangay captains, who handle community-level issues. However, there's still a central authority which is the national government that handles overseeing them. We still see traces of the old hierarchical style, many local leaders hold significant influence within their areas, similar to the historical roles of datus and principales. But now, there’s more structure with laws that aim to support local governance, though the power can still get concentrated.
I always knew that history was indeed important to know and acknowl;edge. After watching the lesson, I realized that the concept of separation of power exist even before the Filipinos understood the idea of government.
during the pre-colonization, the concept of "government" existed even before they understood it. separation of power already existed it's just that the power doesn't came from the people nor the public but to the powerful family and we don't have the centralization since people or community was scattered.
During the Spanish colonization, they forced their own type of government that usually the religion mattered. the tax existence was also stablishd and forced that makes the public suffered more. Pueblos existed and with the position of Cabeza de barangay but still their power wasn't above the Spanish previledge.
During tge American period, public accepted and practiced their type of government (even now we use it). People have more freedom and folipinos can exercise their power within the Philippines. Governemnt existence was more developed as well as their rules and responsibilities to the state.
Government power was indeed powerful, it's he foundation of one's country; to serve and protect the state from other self gain and bad decsions.
This lecture provided me valuable information and great insights about the history of the governance systems in the Philippines.
First, I realized how our governance system have come a long way and even after many years, we retained some aspects of it from the very beginning which is pre-colonization period, such as the concept and purpose of barangay. Second, this lesson reminded me of how powerful the religious orders are during the Spanish colonization, how they hold the highest power and also how the datus were used to uphold the interests of Spain, and how the Spaniards were the ones to establish local government units in order to push their ideas for the country. When it comes to social structure, their names/labels may have changed today but the existence and influence of elites and ruling class are still very prevalent in our society. Lastly, the American Period was a time were the Americans didn't believe that the Filipinos could sustain and govern themselves, and they asserted that we Filipinos needed them in order to thrive and develop which was a way for them to make the Filipinos dependent to them.
In conclusion, this lesson showed how complex our history is and all throughout, there were various ways the people were governed and it changed depending on who held the highest power. We cannot deny the fact that our history shaped today's governance. It will always be important to reflect on the past, on our history, to understand why our government system is the way it is today. From the Datu, Cabeza de Barangay, Alcalde Mayor, and Gobernadorcillo to the now Governor, Mayor, and Barangay Captain, there are certain things that have changed about the governing positions but ultimately, their role has and will always be about ensuring the order, sustainability, and development of their respective localities. As a Public Administration student, it is now up to us to further develop our governance for the better, to improve the status quo in order to provide better services for the people.
From this video, colonial rule in the Philippines explain how Spanish and American colonization significantly transformed the country’s governance. The Spaniards centralized previously decentralized barangays, using local leaders like the datus while giving religious groups major influence. The Americans further developed a bureaucratic system that laid the foundation for current local government. These colonial structures persist today, as evidenced in the surviving political units such as barrios, even though they’ve evolved. Both periods left an enduring impact on governance, including a shift from religious and elite dominance to more democratic systems, with education and public administration playing key roles in modern governance.
Understanding these shifts is essential for public administration students as it highlights how colonial policies shaped today's political landscape. The historical transition from decentralized barangays to centralized governance under Spanish rule, followed by American democratic reforms, demonstrates how governance has been continuously influenced by past events. These changes underscore the importance of establishing a more responsive and fair system for future generations, learning from the past to improve present governance.
The video lecture highlighted how deeply rooted the PHilippines’ governmental systems are, both in pre-colonial and colonial influences. It was surprising to learn that many of the words, terminologies, and structures we use today actually date backto earlier forms of governance, which shows how the essence of leadership and community organization has long been part of the Filipino society. Even before the colonial influences, Filipinos already had established systems with leaders known as datus or chiefs who played important roles in community decisions and peacekeeping. This early governance shows that even in simpler societies, there was a clear understanding of organization, responsibility, and collective decision making.
However, the colonial era brought major changes, especially as Spain and later the USA introduced their own form of government systems, which became intertwined with Filipino traditions. These changes, although often imposed, left a lasting legacy that influenced how local and regional government functions today. Reflecting on this, it is clear that our current governance isn't just a result of what we see now, but a long journey of history, adaptation, resilience, and blending of different systems. This history gave me greater appreciation for the structures we have now, as it showed how they were shaped by both Filipino heritage and centuries of external influences, all playing a role in our present day government.
Understanding the changes in local governance in the Philippines made me realize how deeply colonial powers influenced and reshaped our system. Seeing how colonizers, first Spain and then the U.S., centralized power and redefined leadership roles hit me. It’s wild to think about how much authority Filipinos lost back then, and you can still see similar patterns today, with leaders getting perks that don’t always come with accountability. This history gives a lot of context to the struggles we’re still dealing with. One big takeaway is how every historical shift, even the ones driven by injustice, has shaped where we are now. Our struggles under colonial rule paved the way for ideals of democracy and bureaucracy, even if we’re still working on making those systems genuinely fair. For me, this reinforces that as future public administrators, our role isn’t just about maintaining systems-it’s about pushing for change and accountability so we don’t fall into those same power imbalances.
The video lecture provided valuable insights into the development and transformation of local and regional governance. Highlighting the duties, tasks, functions, and roles of leaders across different levels within local government from the pre-colonial era to the American period.
As a public administration student and an aspiring public servant, I now recognize how crucial it is to understand the historical evolution of each local government unit and the significant changes that have shaped them over time. Knowing this background equips us to identify the practices that must be adapted, learned, unlearned, and relearned to refine our country's governance and improve public service.
The Spanish colonial period, in particular, left a profound impact on our nation’s identity, culture, and governance. Through the introduction of a centralized government structure and organized local divisions, along with the considerable influence of religion over society, Spain's influence deeply shaped the framework of our governance.
Understanding these influences helps us appreciate our past and encourages us to keep improving our current government to better serve people and be more transparent, and accountable
The discussion about the historical context of the Philippine government allows us to understand the foundation of the political institution of the country. In the sense of policy analysis, the devolution in the Philippines are rooted in the concept of political institution that the country have during the Spanish regime wherein during that period the alcalde mayors and corregidores, which serve as the executive officers of the local government, mainly focuses their roles as merely regulator of the public order and tax collector. Through the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991, it strengthen the political institution of the Philippines, particularly, the Local Government Units wherein it provides the organizational and operational structure and system. Thus, it promotes more localize approach to address the effective government in the locality comparing on the context during the colonization period. Through enhancing local autonomy, alcadia or the provinces have been vested with the legislative power through Sangguniang Bayan (for municipalities), Sangguniang Panlungsod (for cities), and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (for provinces), which enables nacting ordinances, approving local budgets, and formulating policies that address the needs of their constituents. Furthermore, ensuring the effective local good governance shall be strictly observe as it addresses the needs of their constituencies. Hence, active citizenship is vital in promoting good governance.
This video presentation on the basis of local and regional governance in the Philippines provided me with great insights on the historical development and evolution of our governance structures, as shaped by previous conquests. I learned how these colonial occupations, both Spanish and American, dictated not only our governmental framework but also the social dynamics that govern our local and regional community structures. The discussion has also allowed me to revisit core foundation taught in my elementary and high school education, confirming my understanding of how governance has transformed over time, particularly before and during the era of colonialism. Tracing the origins and changes in local administration gave me greater clarity on the relevance of these developments in developing the political and administrative structures we are currently using today.
Furthermore, I found it particularly compelling to discover who rules each sector and how these leaders are selected. Understanding the administrative processes, as well as the roles that personal background and social status play in leadership selection, gave me a clear picture of how our governance system operates. Thus, it focused on how these variables interact to influence decision-making and representation in our communities and political spheres. Moreover, the passage of substantial legislation, such as the Maura Law, sparked my attention and motivated me to learn more about these provisions and their implications for governance and society. As a result, the discussion not only affirmed my fundamental knowledge but also sparked a desire within myself to learn more about the complexities of our local administrative frameworks.
After watching this lecture, I realized that local governance in the Philippines has evolved in decentralized, community-based system to a more participatory model that is influenced by colonial powers and a push for self-governance. The Pre-Colonial emphazied kinship and local leadership, while ths spanish colonization brought centralized authority. Also the American Period introduced democratic principles and local autonomy, but the journey towards self governance continues, highlighting the ongoing struggle for effective local representation. In overall, by examining the evolution of local and regional governance in our country provides valuable insights into how our history shapes current political realities, emphasizing the needs of governance frameworks that are adaptive and culturally aware.
From this video lecture titled Local and Regional Governance: Pre Colonization - American Period, a lot of very crucial topics including different concepts from the creation of Barangay/Balangay to the development of local government in American Period was discussed. It was a fruitful discussion since it imparted a lot of key information to my knowledge.
Below are the insights I've came into a realization as I watched the lecture:
- Discussing the roles of Datu, as well as the other members of the community including timawa and alipin in the Philippines is a key point for us to remember the power we used to hold in the government before the different countries have colonized us. It is very important for us, as public administration students to know about our history. We must remember that the Local Government is considered as one of the foundations of Philippine Democracy.
- Before we talk about the complex concepts or a deeper topic in relation to the Local Governance, we must first have to know and master the basics by knowing the topics discussed by Sir Krippe in this video lecture so once we tackle hard topics, it is already easy for us as we already have knowledge on what we should be talking about.
- This video lecture layed the grounds for us on the Local and Regional Governance in the Philippines which will help us to widen our knowledge before we tackle the significance of the Local Government Code of 1991, Devolution, and Decentralization.
- We must recognize the importance of Local and Regional Governance, how their power can be exercised, and the history anchored by it. Including the different important roles and powers of officials under Spanish Period and American Period, with that we can evaluate properly how the Philippine Governance has evolved.
Throughout the discussed topic by Sir. Krippe, Maura Law piqued my interest since it served as a pivotal piece of legislation during the American colonial period in the Philippines. It aimed to establish a system of local governance that encouraged greater autonomy and citizen participation. I find it interesting how it introduced elected municipal councils and outlined the roles of local officials, promoting democratic governance at the community level and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. However, I also recognize that, despite its good intentions, the law faced challenges like corruption and inefficiencies, highlighting ongoing issues of representation and the balance of power between local and national authorities. Learning about the Maura Law has helped me appreciate how it laid the groundwork for future legislation and the current framework of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines, marking a significant step in the country’s transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
The government system of the Philippines in this generation deeply reflects the influence of countries that colonized the Philippines for years, on how the system that we have right now was built and conceptualized. A manifestation of their influence is our government structure from the top to bottom, national to local level. Most of the laws that we have right now are greatly influenced by external factors. How is this concerning and how is it related to the topic? Not all laws that produce improvement and development in other countries will produce the same effect on our country, the country was not able to develop its own system, a system that we can perhaps say is rooted in the Filipino way. Dependence on an already existing principle or concept adhering to the status quo affects its manner of governing and leading the people and its country towards development. That makes one party vulnerable as they have little understanding of what works for them better because they are used to having pre-existing policies that they can adopt and enforce, like the trial-and-error method or a hit/miss situation posing danger and risks not only to the country's development but also to its people. The evolution is commendable, but it is also nice to look further and think about what could have been if the colonization had not happened.
Watching this video lecture taught me about the progression of governance in the Philippines. In pre-colonial periods, local governance was decentralized and led by tribal chiefs or datus. During Spanish colonialism, power became more centralized, with systems like the encomienda and local officials such as gobernadorcillos overseeing towns. The American period brought about significant changes, promoting local democracy, education, and a structured government system that laid the foundation for modern governance. This period marked the transition from authoritarian rule to a more democratic system.
This lecture provided an insightful look into the governance and social structures of the Philippines from the pre-colonial era through the American period, with a particular focus on the concept of barangay. I learned that the term "barangay" originates from a group of boats that transported families, friends, and even slaves to the Philippines. Each boat formed a community, or barangay, led by a datu a leader with the power to establish laws and maintain order. This structure reveals a social hierarchy, where some lived with peace and prosperity, while others endured servitude.
The lecture also covered the social hierarchy, featuring two main categories: the principalia and the illustrados. The principalia included officials like the gobernadorcillo, who held public office and voting rights, while the illustrados, meaning "the enlightened ones," represented the educated class. Additionally, the alcadia was introduced by the Spaniards as a local government unit to aid in the country’s administration. The pre-colonial era established rich cultural traditions and social systems, which were profoundly impacted by European colonization from the late 15th century onward. The knowledge systems, agricultural methods, and social frameworks developed during this time continue to shape Indigenous identities in the Americas today. To understand Philippine governance's evolution, it is essential to study the role of Local and Regional Governance, the exercise of their authority, and the historical roots underpinning these roles. By examining the powers and responsibilities of officials during the Spanish and American periods, we gain a clearer view of how governance in the Philippines has transformed over time.
From this video lecture, I've learned that the Philippines' governance system has undergone a significant transformation from the pre-colonial era to the American period. It's fascinating to see how different influences shaped the country's political landscape, from the traditional barangay system to the introduction of democratic principles. As a Public Administration student, this historical context provides a valuable framework for understanding the evolution of governance structures and their impact on contemporary challenges.
The lesson taught me that understanding the past is crucial for navigating the present. The challenges and successes of our ancestors in establishing and maintaining governance provide valuable insights into our current political realities. It's like looking at a family photo album - each picture tells a story, and by understanding those stories, we can better understand our family's journey. This historical perspective allows me to analyze current policies and practices with a deeper understanding of their roots and potential consequences.
The lecture helped me appreciate the complex interplay of history, culture, and governance. It's not just about dates and names; it's about understanding the values, beliefs, and aspirations that shaped the Philippines' journey. This knowledge empowers me to actively participate in shaping the future of our country, armed with a deeper understanding of its roots and the challenges faced by previous generations of public administrators.
Watching this video lecture taught me how different the leadership was then from the kind of leadership we have today, from the system of Barangay, where it is distinguished by self-sufficiency and a sense of community; since leadership was very personal, the data assumed the roles of both caretaker and ruler. The pre-colonial period shows how early Filipinos had already developed intricate systems of law, trade, governance, and culture, showcasing a rich legacy of self-sustaining communities before colonization, from having a decentralized government where the leader had the power to decide everything until when the Spaniards and the Americans came, the change in the way of leadership that the Filipinos were used to was gradually felt. During the Spaniards' rule, they introduced a centralized government with a strong religious influence on Filipinos, and they left a great impact on the religious beliefs of the Filipinos. While Americans introduced a more democratic government where that involved Filipinos, these periods shaped the way the Philippine government has.
In the lesson regarding the introduction, history, perspective, and basic concepts in local and regional governance course, I have learned that history plays an important role in our present time as it still influences some of our practices or ideas even in the current generation and can use it as the basis for governance as well. Indeed, learning history will always guide us in our future endeavors and help us make wise decisions as we use it as a lesson, not to be left behind and forgotten. We can also gain inspiration from it, like how Americans used or got inspired by the Maura Law. Learning the basic concepts will lead us to a deeper understanding of where it all starts, where we are leading, and also predict or foresee possible challenges. The lesson also emphasizes that we had our own government even before the Spanish or other conquerors came, meaning we can build our own, unlike what other Filipinos think that we cannot stand alone if it wasn't for them; maybe because that's what the conqueror implanted in our people. I have also learned how important local governance and national governance are because without them, our country would be chaotic and unorganized. But as important as governance, leadership is also relevant in guiding and leading a country to achieve the goal that the constituent or the whole society is eyeing, because without an effective leadership, a country may cannot still have peace and order.
Reflecting on these lessons, one key insight I learned is the idea that governance is not just about structures and laws, but about how those structures are adapted to the needs and realities of the people they govern. It makes me reflect on the need for leaders who are not only skilled in administration but also deeply connected to their communities. Whether in local governance or larger political institutions, leadership must be responsive, inclusive, and adaptive to societal changes. The failures of past systems, like the ineffective Rural Councils, serve as a reminder that governance is most effective when it is rooted in local contexts, not imposed from the outside.
Learning about these historical shifts in governance has deepened my understanding of how complex and evolving political systems can be. It has made me more aware of the importance of historical context in shaping effective governance structures today. By looking back at the shortcomings and successes of previous systems, we can better understand how to build governance models that are not only functional but also more just, equitable, and in tune with the needs of the people they serve. This reflection also leads me to appreciate the importance of continuous reform and the pursuit of better governance frameworks for the future.
Studying the local and regional concept and its related governance is essential to us as students of public administration due to the fact that it discusses the cultural, historical, and ethnographic-based anthropology of our country, the Philippines. The discussion also deepens my appreciation of the local and regional governance systems within our country and brings me to focus on the necessity for a historical understanding as the best approach towards present, futuristic, and dynamic challenges. Now that our country has messy political dynasties, it is better to look at and study the colonial legacies of governance, which are rooted in the barangay system, which can be used as the basis for more embracing, participatory, and culturally relevant ways of leadership and community building. And also, one of the good points of the discussion was the Spanish colonisation of our country, which must be viewed within the context of existing structures of administration that were borrowed and adapted rather than imposed and dominated. For instance, the system of barangays was preserved during that period; however, the stature and power enjoyed by the datu were considerably eroded. Such a decrease in power not only speaks of an adaptive local governance layout but also depicts the struggles of the Filipinos against the tide of imperial rule.
Understanding the importance of such an era in the history of administration and society is imperative as it relates to the historical context of the governance and the politics of local leadership found in our society today. With these underlying principles that i think, the present-day Filipinos may be emboldened by the appropriation of more socially relevant and practical lessons from the past, thus improving community building, leadership, and advocacy today. In such a manner, regard for the historical interaction between local governments and authorities adds depth to present views on government systems, particularly in our country, the Philippines, where cultural mechanisms and norms are dominant in determining citizen participation.
The lecture taught me the evolution of local governance in the Philippines - from autonomous and separate barangays in the pre-Spanish colonization period to the introduction of centralized governance in the American colonization period. Likewise notable was the transformation of revered datus into mere tax collectors. It showed how power was taken away from the Filipinos and instead fed compromises in the form of tax exemptions and other incentives to keep them subservient under Spain. Arguably some parallelism could be drawn to the current system where leaders enjoy much benefits once elected into power, albeit not codified (ie, taxes being corrupted through "SOP," enjoyment of some level of protection against the law and accountability, among others).
History is what shapes the governance of today. As Oogway said, the present is a gift which was brought upon by history, or as he could say, "yesterday." Looking back at the path that was taken by our ancestors provides a way for human evolution, in this case, societal evolution. The Philippines, as mentioned in the discussion, were governed by independent barangays which made the country susceptible to colonizers. The colonizers, looking at the bright side of the discussion, brought upon intricate structures and social practices which the following generations used as either a path or a lesson to learn from and evolve.
The legacy brought by the Spanish colonizers were religion, language, and governance. Despite the oppression, they were able to unify the barangays through the Datus governed and controlled by Spanish law. The Spanish colonizers also brought social classes or structures, the principalia and the illustrator. The concept of devolution was somewhat present back then with the barangays, alcadias, and pueblos. The Spanish period was both a path and a lesson for the Filipino people to develop their own sense of governance.
With the following period, the American colonizers brought upon education and a revised government structure. The American colonizers believed that Filipinos would learn autonomy by "pakikielam" with their political ways and practices. They also established the Centralized Politico Administrative Structure which went through some reconstruction throughout the 1970s.
The events that happened during the precolonization, Spanish Era, and American Era were catalysts to the evolution of governance in the Philippines. Without them, we would not have achieved the democratic ideals, bureaucratic structure, and social practices we have today. The debatably immoral aspects of our history could still be seen as lessons for the following generations to develop a more efficient and effective way to govern the community. The discussion is a testament to the resilience and hardship that the Filipino had to go through to earn our identity today. As current public administrators, we must strive for progress, no matter how small the progress may be. We must tredge the path towards evolution and innovation so that we can govern ourselves and those around us.
This video lecture is fascinating because it reveals how history shaped the structure of local and regional governance in the Philippines. From the pre-colonial period up to the American period, the discussion shows the basis for why we have local and regional governance in the first place and the tremendous changes made to it.
The first and the smallest local government unit we have today is the barangay, and its concept was determined way back in the pre-colonial period of Philippine history, wherein it was the basic and the only government structure at that time. As it was discussed, it is primarily composed of their own families, friends, and slaves, and it is similar to those barangays that currently exist in the provinces wherein most of the families residing in that area are their own relatives, and they really know each other. It is amusing to see that some features of the pre-colonial barangay can also be seen in our present barangay.
During Spanish colonization, significant modifications were made to the country's governance structure. Even though they have retained the established barangays with their current heads as they aim to use the datus to implement their policy in the country, they have added various local and regional units with more extensive jurisdiction to oversee the people and the area to create a centralized government with autocratic character. In addition, in this period, many local and regional units and positions became the basis of our present-day government structure.
Lastly, during the American period, the Americans shaped the local and regional government of our country, similar to the United States. They have supervised the administration of the local government units in the country as they believe that Filipinos need guidance to better manage themselves.
With all that was discussed, I realized how these events affected how we manage ourselves. It also made me consider whether the way we govern ourselves today is genuinely suitable to the needs of our country, most especially because the way we govern ourselves was derived from the ideas of our colonizers who just enforced the way they regulated themselves to us. In addition, it helps me recognize the importance of local governance in our daily lives, as they are the part of the government that focuses and monitors the well-being of everyone in the locality.
After I watched the video lecture, I learned how local and regional governments are formed. Based on the video, a barangay was the smallest form of government during the pre-colonial period of the Philippines with different leaders; that is why colonizers easily got some provinces of the country. One of the things I learned is that as the years passed, our government structure was improving because of the colonizers of the country. Just like during the Spanish era, established centralized governance to manage, and the church was also the basis of the policies. When the Americans came, more democratic governance was introduced in the country, where there were local government units and voting for those in charge.
These historical events have a big impact on how our country looks now. Comparing what has changed and what has remained is simple. Although the system of government has undergone numerous changes, some of these changes are contributing to our country's progress. As a public administration student, it is crucial for me to understand the history and formation of the country's government and also this will help us to seek for accountability, transparency, and good governance in our local barangay.
From this discussion, I’ve learned that the governance system of our country has undergone significant transformation that shaped the current government system being used in the Philippines. The transformation started from pre-colonial era up to the American period. The various influences that they have on the country molded the country’s political landscape, from being a decentralized barangay to introducing the centralized and administrative structures of the Spaniards and Americans. This historical background about our country’s governance system provides valuable information for a better understanding of how the governance structures evolve over the years and how it continues to impact the current system.
The video highlighted the importance of being knowledgeable about the past to understand the present. The various successes and struggles that our ancestors have gone through just to establish a governance framework provide insights into the current political realities that help shape the governance that we have today.
It also emphasizes that even before the country was colonized, we already had a government system that works for our country. Early Filipinos in the country already established self-sustaining communities and some system of law. This early government system was just transformed by the Spaniards by introducing centralization and Americans with administrative structure. Local governance before was heavily influenced by the Spaniards during their time. Many roles and powers administrating the government are given to the politician, leading for some of them to abuse this given power. During the American period on the other hand, they introduced administrative structures that changes the local governance through the creation of new rules, legal system and formal education. This reshaping that the colonizers did in our governance system laid the foundation for modern governance structures and political system.
In conclusion, it can never be denied that the colonial influences in our country have helped us establish a more concrete and strong system of government. An understanding of such changes throughout history becomes a powerful ally for a student of public administration to realize how local governance had evolved through the decades along with its continuous contribution to the development of public administration systems in the Philippines.
After watching the video lecture on the Pre-colonial to American period of Philippine Governance, I observed the differences between the systems and mechanisms of our current government and those of the pre-colonial period. For example, in pre-colonial times, the legislative, executive, and judiciary powers were all vested in the Datu. In contrast, today we have the concept of checks and balances and the separation of powers among different branches of government. Additionally, leaders were chosen based on their wealth and royalty, rather than through democratic elections.
During the Spanish period, I learned that the Church held more power than even the leaders of the barangay or the government. There was also a strict social hierarchy that determined a person's status. In contrast, during the American period, local autonomy was introduced at the municipal level, which eventually evolved into our current system.
In conclusion, the history of local governance in the Philippines has played a significant role in shaping and transforming our present-day government systems. It is crucial for us to understand and appreciate our history to fully value the governance structures we have today.
After watching this lecture and looking back at our history, I can see how governance in the Philippines has changed over decades. In pre-colonial times, small communities called barangays were led by a datu, and decisions were made together as a community. Leadership was local, and people had a close connection with their leaders.
This changed when the Spanish and later the Americans colonized us. The Spanish created a centralized government that took away local power and put control in the hands of a few. Then, the Americans introduced democratic elections, bringing a more formal, structured political system different from our earlier ways.
Today, governance in the Philippines is a mix of these influences. We have democratic systems influenced by our colonial history, but there’s still a strong sense of community from our earlier traditions. This blend of old and new has shaped a unique style of governance in the Philippines, combining both community involvement and formal political structures.
The lecture video itself establishes a foundation of vital learnings a Public Administration student should be equipped it. Looking back to the history allows us to craft deeper knowledge and understanding on what shaped us to be what we are in the present time. The lecture highlighted series of points including the history and background of local government from the pre-colonial to the present time. It enable us to view the concept on how the term ‘barangay’ that we know in our current time was derived from balangay that means sailboat used by malays to migrate and how this community is being ruled by a datu. It shows the form or concept of a local governance that we are able to adopt. Looking back to this era where the power to rule in the community is highly delegated on the designated leaders could make us think of hoow important it is that us as a citizens of the community take part in the decision-making process to ensure fair and transparent governance in the current time and up to our future as well. It establishes the idea of which standards of ruling that may somehow resonate a centralized and inefficient leadership is a factor that we should ensure not to interfere in the current governance that we have.
Looking past the historical facts and particularities of the local and foreign hierarchical positions, I could gather from this discussion that the pre-colonial governance of each barangay back then is what should've been the perfect exhibit of the manner of administration that each island of the Philippines must have. Although the means were admittedly primitive and viewed as weak in the face of foreign usurpers, each pulo has its own Datu/Raja/Pinuno to govern their communities intimately and could constitute peace and order that complements their territory's geography and demographic landscape.
Moreover, with power being institutionalized and concentrated, it had come bearing gifts and a poisonous curse. When power was first institutionalized by the will of the church, it became poisonous for our ancestors as the progress of our native means was significantly crippled for a hundred years. But then again, in modern times, governance practices being standardized with procedures and doctrines played a big part in establishing an entity that could handle the complexity of our modern world. It would be better for our country to harmonize the roots of our governing practices with a more democratic, competent, and flexible performance of duties. Or rather, that local autonomy could be better executed by people who could do their job.
The video lecture encompasses and give depth understanding with regards to the governance of the Philippines during pre-colonial period up to American period. In which, it highlights the barangay and local governance that we have, showcasing its significance to the Filipino society as a whole and in public administration. Since it reflects the history, resilience, and identity of the Filipino people, which influenced the public administration in the Philippines to be more responsive, inclusive, and reflective of its historical and cultural context. For instance, the relevance of the barangay during pre-colonial period demonstrate that the Philippines have a rich local governance. Since even before the colonization of the Spaniards, we already have our own system, which is the barangay, led by the Datu, which highlights indigenous practices of leadership, community participation, and local governance.
Furthermore, the pre-colonial barangay system was incorporated into Spanish governance. Local leaders were co-opted to blending traditional authority with colonial oversight. This shows that the Philippines, influenced by the Spaniards, incorporated their system of centralized governance, emphasized a top-down approach, where local officials reported to higher authorities. As well as the Spanish laws and regulations which laid groundwork for the Philippines local governance structures. So too during the American period which introduced the decentralized form of governance and give further devolved powers to local governments.
Overall, the lecture video demonstrates the impact of the pre-colonial period-American period to the Philippine public administration and local governance. By integrating these insights from the aforementioned periods, it can be concluded that the public administration in the Philippines become more holistic, culturally grounded, and capable of addressing the unique challenges faced by Filipino communities. Especially since this laid the foundation for a distinctive governing system that is still incorporating and developing in the Philippines today.
Through my studies of the pre-colonization and American periods in the Philippines, I've gained valuable insights into the evolution of governance and the dynamics of power that continue to influence contemporary public administration. I learned that before Spanish colonization, indigenous communities operated through decentralized systems, where leadership was rooted in local customs and communal welfare. This highlights the importance of grassroots participation and local governance-principles that resonate in modern public administration.
The transformation during the Spanish colonial era introduced centralized authority, which disrupted traditional practices and set the stage for a struggle for autonomy that characterized the nationalist movements of the late 19th century. The establishment of the First Philippine Republic underscored the significance of local representation and civic engagement in governance. Understanding this historical context informs my approach to public administration, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that honor local voices and historical narratives.
The American period introduced democratic ideals and institutional reforms, showcasing the potential of public education and local governance to empower citizens. This era’s emphasis on accountability and public service remains relevant today, as I strive to advocate for transparent and participatory governance.
As a public administration student, I apply these lessons by prioritizing community engagement and advocating for policies that bridge historical legacies with contemporary needs. Recognizing the tension between centralized authority and local autonomy helps me appreciate the complexities of governance in the Philippines and inspires me to work toward solutions that foster collaboration, enhance local capacities, and respect cultural heritage within public administration.
This video lecture highlights Philippine local and regional governance during the pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, and American colonial periods. It emphasizes the logical reasons behind why the current system of local and regional governance in the Philippines has developed in this way. It also shows that the elements of today's Philippine governance system, including the roles of local officials and the structure of local government units, trace back to these historical periods, influencing how modern policies are formed and implemented.
As future public administrators, it is crucial to understand every detail of this historical context to effectively respond to the needs of the nation and various contemporary issues. For instance, challenges such as decentralization, the role of political dynasties, or the balance between national and local power can be better addressed with a deep understanding of their historical roots. This knowledge allows us, as future public administrators, to approach problems with informed solutions grounded in the lessons of the past.
The lesson is familiar to me, especially the balangay, which means sailboat and later called the barangay, which initially referred to a group of boats and their passengers who migrated to the Philippines. I learned that in the pre-colonization, the barangay was ruled by datu and vested with various powers, while in the Spanish period, the powers of datu were restricted and nominal; they became tax collectors. I've also learned that there’s a big difference in governance between the Spanish and American periods, and this way and manner of governance shape our current government and type of governance.
During the Spanish period, governance was centralized and connected with the Catholic church, and local government was governed by friars who implemented the encomienda system. Moreover, Filipinos are underrepresented, and it is seen that the church plays a vital role in governance. In contrast, in the American period, our country became democratic, and there was a separation between the church and the state. Following that, they allowed the Filipinos greater autonomy and introduced education as they established public schools, which I can say is a prominent move because until now, we can enjoy the benefit of education.
From this video lecture, It delves into the complex history of governance in the Philippines, particularly focusing on colonization, and their lasting impact on our modern political structures. This structure laid the foundation for enduring governance practices, such as the barangays being the basic unit of the government. These local governments were decentralized and organized into small communities known as barangays, which were the fundamental political units of the time. Despite not having a centralized government, each barangay functioned autonomously, creating local rules, managing resources and resolving issues in the community. This system may allow for community - based leadership and decision making, with a strong emphasis on local autonomy and traditions.
I've realized that even a little jurisdiction is significant since our beloved country began with the barangay, a small village wherein it blooms into a structured government, especially in the time of the Spaniards and American colonization. This demonstrates how those particular leaders governed their jurisdictions during that time, and it is crucial to comprehend the changes or improvements since during the 333 years of Spanish colonization, the government became more centralized. Then, during the American era, they implemented democracy and education, which are still in use today, and this is paramount to us, as we believe that education is the key to success and that everyone should have the opportunity to have an access. Thus, I'm grateful that we are employing this type of governance. With that, this only serves to highlight the ways in which the various eras-from pre-colonial times to American colonization-have shaped our current system of government, in which the barangay and/or local government unit continues to function and truthfully provides significance because they consistently cooperate with those within their jurisdiction.
Furthermore, this lesson also discusses and highlights the importance of remembering that a nation can function independently as we actually were prior to colonization. The Philippines was able to stand alone because we had a government before they colonized us and introduced us to a different way of thinking about governance. But in this day and age, we must also acknowledge the importance of alliances. Although we are free to govern our nation, we are not independent since we still lack some vital aspects, like food security, health care, the ability to defend our territory, etc. Thus, we need support.
The lecture helped me further understand how the past shaped today's society. One of my key takeaways was the enduring belief that elders are always right, a value rooted in respect and hierarchy. I also learned how political dynasties trace back to early governance, with the position of Cabeza de Barangay being hereditary. It wasn't until 1789 that elections were introduced, shifting leadership from family lines to an electoral system-though dynasties continue to influence modern politics.
Another important lesson was how taxation has changed over time. During the Spanish era, being exempted from paying taxes was considered a great privilege, as taxes were directed to the Spanish government without taxpayers benefiting. Although taxation remains a part of governance today and is made better for the common good, it is disappointing that much of the country’s funds are often misused, highlighting the importance of accountability in public administration.
I have learned more about the development of the Philippine government from the Pre-colonial period up to the American colonial period. Originally, the Barangay was led by a Datu with a council of elders, it was created as an organization whose function was to protect and support its people. Early local governance involved a social status order where Barangays are few, which sometimes formed a confederation based on the traditional form of a power system headed by a Datu where his decisions are in consultation with his counsel.
When the Spaniards arrived, there was still the Barangay, but which was organized to suit Spanish requirements, with the Datu or leader as the cabeza de Barangay, whose main obligations were to make collection of taxes and to ensure compliance with legislation and orders from the Spanish government. This continued under the Americans where local governance was even more centralized through the Administrative Code of 1917. American supervision brought new councils but old structures were still preserved meaning that the Filipino administration was still a combination of colonial conventional administration as adapted up to now.
Watching the lecture, I realized that even before the Spanish arrived, we already had a form of government. Each barangay was led by a datu, who was responsible for the community’s welfare and acted as its leader. But a big challenge back then was the lack of a centralized government, making it tough for communities to unite and defend themselves.
When the Spanish came, they introduced a more centralized system, mainly through the church, which ended up holding a lot of power over governance. The datu, who had once been a strong authority figure creating laws, settling disputes, and managing the community, still held his title. But his role had changed; his power became mostly symbolic. During this period, one of the datu’s main jobs was to help Spanish authorities collect taxes. In reality, though, the Spanish government wasn’t using the datus to protect the Philippines-they were mainly there to protect Spain’s interests.
Spanish rule brought other big changes too. Traditional barangays were merged into larger towns, or pueblos. Later, when the Americans took over, they changed the government structure again, building on what the Spanish had left behind. They renamed the pueblos as municipalities and put new municipal and provincial codes in place, similar to the Maura Law. The barrio stayed as a smaller division within each town, led by a barrio lieutenant.
This lecture showed me that although both the Spaniards and Americans used their authority to benefit themselves-like redirecting tax revenue away from Filipinos-we still kept parts of their systems in our modern government. Each colonization brought new ideas about governance, Filipinos learned more about centralized government. Today, we have a democratic system influenced by colonial periods, yet we’ve held onto that strong sense of community from our earlier traditions.
After watching this educational video, I learned that our country's governance system has undergone significant transformation, resulting in the current government system in the Philippines. The shift began before the colonial era and continued during the American period. It emphasized the significance of understanding the past to be able to understand the present.
The evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from pre-colonial times to the American period provides insight into the country's political and administrative developments.
First, I learned that the pre-colonial Philippines had a decentralized system of government, with barangays serving as the fundamental social unit. A Datu was in charge of each barangay and had considerable influence over the community. Communities were close to one another with shared traditions and customs as well as strong connections with one another. Second, a centralized system of government was established during the Spanish colonial era, with the Spanish crown holding the majority of the power. Local government entities including provinces, municipalities, and barangays were created by the Spaniards. However, the Catholic Church had a significant influence on local government, frequently affecting political and social matters. Third, during the American colonial era, they established administrative structures that reshaped local governance by establishing new laws, regulations, and formal education.
In conclusion, as a public administration student, understanding the historical evolution of Philippine local governance is crucial, it helps us to better understand the roots of modern challenges such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. Understanding the history of past governance structures helps us create policies and programs that are effective. We can learn best practices and avoid repeating mistakes by applying lessons gained from the past, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of transparency, accountability, and participation.
Based form the video discussion that I watched, I learned about:
From the discussion on local and regional governance in the Philippines, you likely learned about:
1. The Historical Context - The evolution of governance structures from pre-colonial times to the present, including influences from Spanish, American, and post-colonial governance.
2. Decentralization: The importance of the Local Government Code of 1991, which aimed to empower local governments by granting them more autonomy and resources.
3. Governance Structures: An understanding of the various levels of local governance, including barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces, and their respective roles.
4. Citizen Participation: The significance of engaging citizens in governance processes to enhance accountability and transparency.
5. Challenges: Issues such as political dynasties, corruption, and resource disparities among regions that affect effective governance.
6. Regional Development: The role of regional governance in coordinating development efforts across multiple local jurisdictions.
The deeper the discussion goes into the various positions our country has held throughout its history, the more I come to understand that it may not be necessary. Holding multiple positions within a government does not inherently ensure efficiency. At times, it can lead to additional challenges and require further approval. The process takes an excessive amount of time, which hinders efficiency, rather than resolving the problem promptly with the necessary approvals in place.
The video lecture has taught me that before colonization occurred within the Philippines, we already have forms of local government even if it is not centralized. We already have systems of law that helped govern each barangay within the Philippines. I learned that if our government was centralized, then perhaps it would have been difficult to colonize the Philippines. But, even though Philippines was colonized, it does not mean that we lost our system of law through time. Even now, we still use the barangay as a the simplest unit of local government.
I learned that being colonized by the Spaniards and Americans brought forth influences on the modern local government. And that as each colonization occur, we learn more about governance. Through colonization, the Filipinos slowly learned about centralized government and local autonomy. It is by looking at our past experiences with our colonizers and learning from them that brought forth the foundations of our LGU's. Though being colonized is not entirely good for the country, there are still certain factors that they contributed in building our modern local governance.
After I watched and learned the history, perspective, and basic concepts of the barangay from pre-colonialization to the American period, my perspective broadened and changed because you can study the past differently than what you just heard or are familiar with now. This topic informs us how important a leader's purpose is to his barangay. What was said in this lesson is true that yes, until now what was used before is still happening in our government today. It's one of those things that the rest of us have adopted is the arrogant or overpowering of someone who has a position in the government, that because you have a higher position than him, you just make him a servant or you just look down on him like a priest, that's the unequal treatment of others them. Also one of the things I realized during the Spanish period, the role of a data gradually changed, he used to be the leader or president of his barangay but when the Spanish period came, he was just another tool used by the Spaniards to implement what they wanted to happen and to protect their country. When it comes to taxes then, their salary should be lower than that they pay taxes that will only go to other countries. Overall, the lesson showed the evolution or development of a barangay up to the present. We can also see the huge difference between them then and now but there are still similarities. It would be better if the leader we choose is like that, not just for money but the leader who can protect us from the bad intentions of other countries. I was also impressed by the trivia about why Manila became the capital of the country, because the Spaniards thought that Luzon and Visayas were the whole of the Philippines and Mindanao was not included. So Manila became the capital because it is in the middle of Luzon and Visayas. All in all, the American and Spanish periods had a strong impact or changed a lot in our country that until now we have only adopted without realizing that it came from them. And here we noticed that we need centralization to make our own decisions. It is important to study the past where things came from because we can also realize that they originated here, not because of this, they are the reason why the government is in trouble and so on. Studying history is enjoyable, it's like going back in time.
Learning about history isn't new to me since it was one of things that I found interesting and everytime it will be discuss to me, I always learn something new. I have recall and learned a lot with the discussion. With what was taught in the video lecture my knowledge about the governance in the country enhance/widen. I also realize and recognize alot of things, there are similarities and difference with the previous and present time.
First, the changes in local governance evolves as the years passes since it got influence by the Colonializers. The term we used to call the individual who leads or has the highest position, it was called "Datu" then it became "Cabeza de Barangay".
Second thing I noticed was in terms of the taxes. During the Spanish era the Cabeza de Barangay don't pay taxes, they are exempted from paying while now in the present time everyone pays tax and everything we purchase either material thing or service includes tax. And before the taxes were submitted to the Spaniards but now in the present they said that the taxes that goes to the government were used to have funds so they could give better services to the people.
In terms of having a power/authority/position, how an individual gain it is still somehow same as before for me. It used to be hereditary or it will be passed to the one next in line in the family, they are the most wealthy or the physically strongest among the people in their community, this how people attain the position or power before. And now I can say that it still somehow similar because even though there is a process of voting, we can choose a candidate who we wanted to lead us, some people still vote because of their surname or the family that they came from (political family/ political dynasty), their votes was already bought by someone, and also some individual votes someone because they are popular. People still don't get the value or importance of choosing who would lead the community.
The next one still about the power or authority, before the "Datu" does it all or holds all the power, executive, legislative, and judicial, and because of this it may got abuse. We are somehow lucky that in our present administration, we already have the concept of seperation of power. There are three (3) branches of the government; legislative department, executive department, and judicial department, they hold specific power but they have a limit with what they can do so they can no longer abuse their authority.
The colonialization that happened influence big time the governance of the country, there are things that remained the same, and there are things that changes over time.
From this session, I got some understanding of the development of local and regional governance in the Philippines, starting from pre-colonial period. The basic unit of government from where the Philippines derived its name is the barangay which means sailboat in Malay; it is a small community under a datu. This leadership structure was therefore in agreement with that of a hierarchy society more especially for the datu who enjoyed legislative, judicial as well as the executive power. They based their authority in leadership on wealth and heritages and physical power to protect the communities and bring them harmony.
Also, the video also pointed out how the Spanish and the America colonizers influenced the current system of governance. When the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, the barangay became a part of a town called pueblo and the dato, now the cabeza de barangay, had close relationship with the Whites particularly in terms of taxation. In the American period, cities were introduced and the government structure was maintained in Manila. Local autonomy was also mentioned, and the long process of decentralization towards centralization and democracy in the Philippines was as well explained.
After watching this video I have learned that local and regional governance in the Philippines has undergone significant transformations over time, shaped by indigenous traditions and foreign colonizers. In the pre-colonial era, barangays were autonomous and governed by a datu, with leadership based on kinship, bravery, and wealth. This decentralized form of governance allowed local communities to maintain autonomy by consulting a council of elders on decisions.
The Spanish colonial period saw a shift toward centralization, with the encomienda system and the incorporation of barangays into a larger colonial hierarchy. The Spanish co-opted local elites, forming the principalia class, and Catholicism played an important role in government. The American period saw a more democratic approach, with local elections, public education, and infrastructure reforms.The emphasis shifted to decentralizing governance and empowering local leaders while retaining national oversight via provincial governors.
The interaction of these various systems over time has shaped the current Philippine governance structure. The integration of indigenous and colonial systems laid the groundwork for today's local autonomy, in which barangays remain the primary political unit, but within a framework of democratic representation established during the American period.
After watching the video lecture, I learned a lot about the Philippine barangay system's history. Barangays were small communities commanded by datus, who acted as the community's leader. Additionally, the datu enacted laws to ensure everyone's safety. The term "barangay" is derived from the word "balangay," which means boat, because those who migrated to the Philippines traveled by boat with their families. Moreover, the datu had assistance, like ancient wise men known as "maginoo." Each barangay was like its own small state, and they worked together to protect one another from intruders.
One interesting thing I also learned is that each barangay was independent and didn’t really follow a big government. This made it easy for the Spaniards to take over because the barangays weren’t united. When the Spanish colonized the Philippines, they turned the barangays into parts of towns called pueblos, and the datu’s job changed to just collecting taxes for the Spanish. The Americans also kept the barangays but made small changes, like calling towns municipalities and giving them local leaders.
Even though a lot of things changed during the Spanish and American times, the barangay has always been the smallest and most important part of the community in the Philippines. It was interesting to see how the concept of the barangay survived through all the changes in history.
The video lecture discusses the evolution of governance in the pre-colonial period of the Philippines, starting with the barangay system, where Datu independently exercised authority within his own barangay or jurisdiction and progressing to the more structured systems introduced during the Spanish and American periods. It can be seen that the persistence of certain traditional practices and functions continues to influence current governance.
And I learned that understanding how governance operated in the Philippines from pre-colonization until the American period is essential for appreciating the development of governance in the country. The barangay, a self-sufficient political entity, illustrates that even in pre-colonial periods, there was a well-defined framework without centralized power. The establishment of a centralized government only occurred when Spaniards started to control the country and influence the structure of governance and the Philippines' political, social, and economic landscape.
Moreover, one interesting thought haunted me. What if the Philippines developed a centralized governance system before colonization? This may change the history and alter the experiences of our ancestors who went through harsh experiences. Nevertheless, the colonization of Spaniards and Americans left an important lesson which is the importance of active citizen participation to address issues that affect the public welfare and upheld the power of collective action in shaping a more just and accountable government.
The lecture discusses the history of how our governments were formed as it tackles the period between pre-colonial up to the American occupation. It demonstrated that even before the influence of foreign powers that came to colonize the Philippines, we have long established our own form of government but it is inevitable for these countries to dominate the system and manipulate it into their favor.
Hence the decrease in power of Filipinos during the Spanish colonization, treating our officials as mere tax collectors who worked under their rule and in accordance to the Catholic church. Although, the Spaniards creating local government units were a positive outcome as it decentralized power and allowed to create a system that has a more manageable volume for law and order. This was a short victory, however, as the American colonizers changed their minds on implementing local autonomy by restricting such practice and to have a government that is heavily supervised by the Americans under the notion of teaching Filipinos on how to operate the governmental systems.
Overall, we must treat our history with much importance and it cannot be denied that even though we were occupied for many years, it has improved our system of government and that is evident even in the current times. We have continuously practiced what they have long instilled in our minds but we must also note that we should not stick to only what they have taught us, rather we must have the initiative to take what we know and expound it further for us to have better governance that will better serve the Filipino people and the Philippines.
Reflecting on the evolution of local and regional governance in the Philippines from the pre-colonial period to the American era highlights a complex interaction between indigenous practices and external influences. Prior to Spanish colonization, the archipelago was distinguished by a variety of local governance systems, with barangays, led by datus, promoting kinship bonds and collective decision-making. However, the arrival of the Spanish colonial government established a centralized governance structure that frequently overlooked established traditions, reforming local authority through the pueblo system and integrating it with the influence of the Catholic Church. This shift aimed to manage and integrate local populations, substantially changing the dynamics of governance. The American period marked a turning point, as it introduced more democratic governance methods, highlighting local government units (LGUs) and enabling local elections. The implementation of the 1901 municipal code further organized local governance, facilitating enhanced community participation and representation. This historical progression underscores the adaptation of governance structures in the Philippines to evolving political contexts, demonstrating the significance of local governance in fostering community engagement and safeguarding cultural identity in the face of external pressures. Understanding these historical shifts enhances my grasp of current governance challenges and highlights the lasting importance of local governance in the Philippines today.
A barangay is a small community or village led by a chieftain called "datu." This video lecture comprehensively discussed the difference between the barangay we had before the colonization and the barangay we have in our present time, focusing on its social and political structures and its type of governance.
It was evident that based on history, barangays' chieftains before colonization were self-sufficient and autonomous. They were able to exercise their powers and authority but they sometimes formed alliances for defense and trade. However, due to power and authority that was not streamlined or centralized, it was an easy target for colonization. With the existing political structure before, it made it easier for the colonizers to impose authority, forcing local leaders into submission, and exerting influence over these communities. With this tragic history, we are once again taught about the complexities of cultural exchange and power dynamics, highlighting how such structure can be manipulated for control, often leading to significant cultural shifts and loss of autonomy. It is, therefore, impossible for each community to exist consistently in the absence of centralized governance as it provides efficiency, uniformity, and a strong foundation of autonomy and power that could provide stability and support during a time of upheaval and foreign control.
It is a tautology that decentralization and centralization should go hand in hand to ensure a dynamic governance landscape, balancing local needs with national priorities. This lesson is an eye-opener and a reminder that it will always be impossible for a country to exist autonomously if every local government in it has its own independence and does not have any support from a central government (national agencies) that could oversight them and potentially advocate their interests more effectively to colonial powers.
This lecture has taught me not just about the evolutions of governance-from indigenous systems to Spanish Centralization up until American reforms-that shaped Philippine governance. The pre-colonial period through the American period helped to build the resilience and adaptability of the Filipino. As indigenous governance under the leadership of "Datu," that promotes the local autonomy and is community-based. Meanwhile, in Spanish colonization, it was replaced with being centralized and religious authority for the whole nation. But suddenly American reforms, as democratic principles and educational reforms, aimed to modernize society while retaining control. These transitions have shaped a peculiar political identity and emphasize how important it is to have self-determination and adaptation from external forces.
But as a future public administrator, we must possess the transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in the Philippine government. Especially in times of crisis and hard circumstances that we face, the officials must use their authority and power to help the utmost in need and provide each necessity.
After watching this video lesson, I learned a lot about the history of the smallest form of community, which I consider the first level of government known today as the "barangay." Way back then, we can say there was already an existing form of government, given the hierarchy within the barangay, which consisted of the datu, timawa, and alipin (namamahay and saguiguilid). However, the position of captain or village leader was only acquired through inheritance, which was confined to wealthy families. If we compare this to the present, the early barangay leader was indeed powerful, as all powers (executive, legislative, and judicial) were vested in them at the village level.
What’s also fascinating about the history of the barangay is that, even though we were once a colony of Spain, the existence of the barangay wasn’t diminished. Furthermore, during the American period, there were reforms in local governance, particularly in granting municipalities and provinces more autonomy with minimal supervision from the U.S. government.
The lesson clearly outlined the duties and powers of political figures, especially with the enactment of the Administrative Code of 1917.
Finally, the lesson opened new doors of knowledge, particularly about how the barangay system managed to stand strong despite various adversities, including colonization and changes in policies. One thing is certain: while the barangay system has evolved and many programs have been implemented at the barangay level, we still face long-standing issues in our political system, such as the persistence of political dynasties, which often begin at the barangay level.
The video discussion taught me that before colonization, local governance in the Philippines was decentralized, with barangays led by datus who held authority over small communities. The American colonial period introduced a more centralized administrative structure, which drastically changed local governance through new legal systems and formal education. This historical shift shows how colonization reshaped indigenous governance practices and laid the foundation for modern political systems in the country.
The instructional video provides beneficial information about how colonial rule influenced the country's political systems. The Spanish and American periods exerted a considerable impact on government, changing the dispersed barangays of pre-colonial times into centralized entities. The Spaniards utilized local authorities, such as the datus, to impose their rule, while religious groups had a great deal of authority. Afterwards, the Americans conducted administrative adjustments, resulting in an organizational structure that stressed bureaucracy and legal processes, which keeps occurring impacting municipal administration presently.
Considering the shifts that were caused by colonization, several components of pre-colonial government, such as the barrio, have survived, although in developed versions. The topic also focuses on the way the social structures that were formed during these instances persist, with elites continuing to take on an integral part in politics. Recognizing such changes provides insight into today's intricate governance structures and illustrates the way the legacy of colonialism remains to shape the making of local decisions.
As a Public Administration student, such a historical viewpoint serves as essential for comprehension of the advancement of Philippine governance. Making the shift from decentralized, self-sustaining communities to colonizer-imposed centralized and bureaucratic structures developed the groundwork for today's political scene. Focusing on past events not solely broadens our understanding of present institutions, but it additionally emphasizes the urgency for establishing a more responsive and fair government in the generations to come.
This video lecture highlights the importance of being familiarized with the evolution of local governance in the Philippines from pre-colonial period to American period. It shows how different types of government powers (centralized or decentralized) affect the lives of the Filipino people.
Starting from having the concept of a barangay, having the Datu as the leader, as well as performing the functions of a judge and a lawmaker, for there was no concept of separation of powers before, the Datu was considered as the most powerful individual during the pre-colonial period. During this time, one quotation remains remarkable up to the present, which is the saying that “the elders are always right”. That’s why before, during the pre-colonial period, even the Cabeza de Barangay listened to the elders.
The evolution of the Spanish era brings birth to a powerful institution - the Catholic Church. This era of Spanish colonization highlights the presence of political dynasties, even before, through the Cabeza de Barangay being hereditary until the election was introduced in 1789. The Cabeza de Barangay being exempted from paying taxes and having no salary, is the one who collects the taxes that instead of being given to the people, it was benefited by the Spanish government. While the American Period highlights the importance of local autonomy and centralization, but believes that the Filipino aren't capable of achieving this without their help.
In a nutshell, the progress from the pre-colonial period to the American period was all necessary in shaping today’s government. As a public administration student, this lesson is deemed necessary for all of us to learn since it opens our eyes more about the importance of having good governance, promoting accountability, transparency, and public participation in decision-making in every single community.
From this video lecture, I made many takeaway points. From the pre-colonial period to the American occupation, the local governance system of the Philippines underwent significant and relevant changes that can be seen existing today. Initially, the concept of the barangay was based on small, independent communities led by a datu, who served as leader, judge, and protector. The Spanish colonizers retained this structure but centralized power and diminished the role of the datu to tax collectors. The Maura Law aimed to provide local autonomy but was never fully implemented due to insurrections. Lastly, Under American rule, local governance structures were modified, limiting autonomy and subjecting decisions to central authority, laying the groundwork for modern municipal governance.
After watching the video lecture, I have learned that there are obvious gradual changes to the administration system from the Pre-colonial Period to the American Period and up until now from an unorganized system of election or appointment of leaders to reasonable qualifications that must be considered. I would say the principle of separation of power and checks and balances allows us to be more transparent, inclusive and fair if we compare before that a Datu solely being a lawmaker, judge and executive, acted on these duties simultaneously. Moreover, I have also learned about Board Members as I only hear about those politicians but with no idea of what they do or what are their duties. Another trivia that amazed me was the backstory of why Manila became the capital of the Philippines even though it is not located in the center. By this, it tingles the childish side of me as I simply want to laugh at the colonizers for their “stupid mistake” scenario before.
The lecture highlights the differences between how the government operated in the past and how it functions today. In the past, the datu held all the roles, and there was no system of checks and balances, unlike today, where the powers of the judicial, executive, and legislative branches are separate. Another observation I made is that political dynasties aren’t new in the game. Those who held power and wealth have always maintained control, with influence passed down through their family and kin.
The tax system was disheartening, as taxes were meant to benefit the people but ended up in the hands of the Spaniards. This was one major difference during the time of Spanish colonization compared to today. However, I wouldn’t say things are far different, as corruption remains a significant social issue that continues to fly around the country. Different rulers, but the same corrupt practices.
Local governance back then was different and heavily influenced by the Spanish. Politicians held many roles compared to today. When the Americans intervened, they established an administrative structure, creating new rules and defining the duties and powers of the council.
While governance in the past was different. But sadly, some aspects of the past are still present today.
Breaking free from the clutches of our foreign invaders is not the end of their capacity to influence us. Accordingly, the pre-colonial, Hispanic, Japanese, even, and American occupation is a reflection of today’s political and governance system. Hence, there is no doubt the colonial history of the Philippines has left a mark on its own political history as mentioned thereof. While it proves resiliency on our part, it also showed its vulnerability to the conqueror's influence. Thus, the mark etched in its own political soil, through the manifestation of the country’s political structure, values, and norm, either strengthened the country’s political and administrative competence or a mere parasitism unbeknownst to its present citizens. Through these several colonial inputs, it led the country to absorb western political values such as democracy, constitution, value for human rights, and autonomy for smaller government units, and among others, to fix irregularities brought by other conquerors ;and, on the other spectrum, also absorb burdensome political values and norms that impede effective governance and the state’s ability for a just political rationale in policy making. Thus, it can be inferred that we have gained as much as we have lost; and we have lost as much as we have gained.
Therefore, with all these historical complexities, can we say that we are really freed, when the wounds of the past still live in today’s political community, most especially, when it is deeply embedded in the minds of its own people that causes injustice, inhumanity, inequality?
I guess not; not in the way we have hoped for, but what the majority of us have tolerated.
This video lecture is fascinating because it reveals how history shaped the structure of local and regional governance in the Philippines. From the pre-colonial period up to the American period, the discussion shows the basis for why we have local and regional governance in the first place and the tremendous changes made to it.
The first and the smallest local government unit we have today is the barangay, and its concept was determined way back in the pre-colonial period of Philippine history, wherein it was the basic and the only government structure at that time. As it was discussed, it is primarily composed of their own families, friends, and slaves, and it is similar to those barangays that currently exist in the provinces wherein most of the families residing in that area are their own relatives, and they really know each other. It is amusing to see that some features of the pre-colonial barangay can also be seen in our present barangay.
During Spanish colonization, significant modifications were made to the country's governance structure. Even though they have retained the established barangays with their current heads as they aim to use the datus to implement their policy in the country, they have added various local and regional units with more extensive jurisdiction to oversee the people and the area to create a centralized government with autocratic character. In addition, in this period, many local and regional units and positions became the basis of our present-day government structure.
Lastly, during the American period, the Americans shaped the local and regional government of our country, similar to the United States. They have supervised the administration of the local government units in the country as they believe that Filipinos need guidance to better manage themselves.
With all that was discussed, I realized how these events affected how we manage ourselves. It also made me consider whether the way we govern ourselves is genuinely suitable to the needs of our country, most especially because the way we govern ourselves came from the colonizers who just enforced the way they regulated themselves to us. In addition, it helps me recognize the importance of local governance in our daily lives, as the local government is truly focused on the well-being of everyone in the locality.