CUSTOMS-AND-TRADITIONS-OF-THE-TAGALOGS-WR.doc - Cajarop...

Cajarop, Lance C.
Cardines, Ryan
Navarra, Ryka Elaine D.
Obando, Elaine Lorenze S.
BSED SOCIAL STUDIES 2-1
Written Report in Philippine History
Customs and Traditions of Tagalogs
by: Fray Juan de Placencia
I. Background of the Author
Fr. Juan de Plasencia
Fray Juan was born to the illustrious family of the Portocarreros in Plasencia in
the region of Extremadura, Spain in the early 16th century. His father, Don Pedro
Portocarrero, was a captain of a Spanish schooner, who died in Naples, Italy in
1574Juan de Plasencia died in Liliw, Laguna in 1590.
He is believed to have arrived to the Philippines in 1578, after a stopover in
Mexico. As soon as he arrived, he joined forces with another missionary, Fray Diego de
Oropesa, and they both started preaching around Laguna de Bay and Tayabas, Quezon,
in Quezon Province, where he founded several towns.
During the following years they are also credited with the foundation of a large
number of towns in the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal, such as Tayabas,
Caliraya, Lucban, Mahjayjay, Nagcarlan, Lilio(Liliw), Pila, Santa Cruz, Lumban, Pangil,
Siniloan, Morong, Antipolo, Taytay, and Meycauayan.
As a friar, Juan de Plasencia lived up to his pledge, leading a lifestyle devoid of
any luxury and in constant contact with the people he was trying to convert to
Christianity. He was also known to be a defender of the native population, looking after
the poor, ill, or neglected, and standing up for their rights on numerous occasions.
He was also very keen on creating primary schools, and requested official
sanction for the creation of educational centers where "Filipinos could not only learn

Christian doctrine, but also reading and writing, and some arts and crafts, so they would
become after, not only good Christians but also useful citizens", an initiative that was
approved by Domingo de Salazar, the first Bishop of the See of Manila (1512–1594).
 Converted natives, taught catechisms, and organized towns and barangays in
the Philippines.
 Promoted the understanding of both the Spanish language among the natives,
and the local languages among the missionaries, to facilitate the task of
spreading Christianity.
 Initiated the Reduccion Policy - Policy to reduce or resettle natives in central
locations
 Some of his works aimed to put an end to some injustices being committed
against the natives by certain government officials.
 Born in the 16th century to the illustrious family of the Portocarreros in Plasencia
in the region of Extremadura, Spain.
 His real name is Joan de Puerto Carrero, del convento de Villanueva de la
Serena
 He was a Spanish Friar of the Franciscan order.
II. Historical Context of the Document
It was written on the year 1589 during the Spanish Colonial Period. After
receiving the Lordship’s letter, Plasencia wished to reply immediately; but he postponed
his answer in order that he might first thoroughly inform himself in regard to People’s
request, and to avoid discussing the conflicting reports of the Indians.