Some people argue that our country doesnt have any achievement until colonizers came, but this

statement is unlikely to be correct and true for there were evidences found that would prove that Filipinos
already have their civilization during the pre-Hispanic period. There are lots of achievement that has been
found but this article will focus on the aspect of government. F. Landa Jocano has proven these
achievements in his work Filipino Prehistory.
Jocano (1998) mentioned that barangay existed in the earlier years, before colonization arose; this
barangay already attained the status of a state for it consists of territory, people, government and
sovereignty. He also mentioned
that a datu was known to be the
chief executive of a barangay state.
Leadership was traditionally
inherited; usually the position of
datu was succeeded by his
son although some became datu
due to the achievement in
terms of wealth and personalities.
As a datu, one must be
responsible for the welfare of his
followers. Datu was the one
responsible in acquiring taxes or
buwis in return of the protection they
are receiving. Although he has
power, he doesnt have the absolute right to rule or to decide; decision making still lies on persuasion,
consultation and consensus. The datu, along with the council of elders, exercised all functions of the
government. Compare to present day, the council of the elders serve as the cabinet secretaries of modern
day. However, inter-barangay relationships were varied, meaning some areas were peaceful and friendly
while others were competitive. This also gave root to alliances during warfare; thus marriage and blood
compact or sandugo emerged (Jocano, 1998). This ritual of sandugo meant to bind both parties in
accepting and protecting one another like brotherhood.
Such evidence just proves that colonizers werent the one responsible for the achievement and
progress we have attained. They might have contributed for our development, but they werent the
original one in introducing things like government, trade, writings, etc.

Government: A Pre-Hispanic Achievement


Reference:
Jocano, F. L. (1998). Filipino prehistory. Philippines: PUNLAD Research House, Inc.