AGRARIAN DISPUTES

Sema, Shaira Leen

Soreta, Alyssa Mae
Learning Objectives:
• Examine Rizal’s life in the Philippines within
the wider context of the developments in the
19th century;
• Explain how the Hacienda de Calamba Issue
serves as exemplary illustration of agrarian
conflicts in the late 19th century; and
• Describe the interplay of several factors that
contribute to the changing landscape of the
Philippine Society and Economy.
 Friar Estates in the Philippines
(16th and 17th century)
• Spaniards have granted large tract of land known as sitio
de ganado mayor (1,742 hectares) and smaller tracts of
land known as caballerias (42.5 hectares).

• The estates primarily served as cattle ranches as well as

farms of subsistence crops.

• The social structure was primarily composed of lay

brother administrators at the top and cultivating tenants
below.
 Friar Estates in the Philippines
(mid 18th and 19th century)
• In the late 19th century, religious estates in the
Tagalog region continued to grow.

• Rice and sugar served as main commodities

and became the primary source of income.

• INQUILINATO SYSTEM (Landlords, Inquilinos,

Sharecroppers)
 Hacienda de Calamba Conflict
• During 1759, a destitute Spanish layman, Don
Manuel Jauregui, donated the lands to the
Jesuits
• During 1767, Jesuits were expelled by King
Charles III in the Philippines.
• In 1803, the government sold the property to
Don Clemente de Azansa and was later on sold
to the Dominicans.
 Hacienda de Calamba Conflict
• In 1883, Paciano Rizal wrote that the friars
were collecting rents without issuing the usual
receipts.
• In 1887, problems have continued to escalate,
government demanded report on the income
and production of estate.
• In 1891, the friars began to evict tenants who
refused to pay rent. Among those who were
exiled were Rizal’s parents, brothers and
sisters.