The Philippines in the Pre-Colonial Era

Conversations about the Philippines’ history often start with the Spanish arrival, but few
acknowledge the nation’s pre-colonial governance and prosperity. The land had a rich culture
with people who had established themselves in rather unbelievable ways. The pre-colonial
Philippines has been quoted by some historians and other rather influential people as being one
of the most progressive societies to ever exist to this moment (PhilLife, 2018). Pre-colonial
Philippine history is rich and varied, reflecting the diversity of indigenous cultures, civilizations,
and customs that once called the archipelago home. The Philippines’ pre-colonial period was
filled with indigenous peoples engaged in healthy trade with various cultures and economies in
the region and foreign traders (Freelancer, 2021). The islands had a diverse range of
communities, each with its own customs, dialects, and social systems, even before European
colonists arrived.
The structure of society in the pre-colonial Philippines was one of its main
characteristics. Governance was typically decentralized, and the communities, called barangays,
were headed by chieftains or leaders known as "datus" or "rajahs." These leaders oversaw their
villages with the advice of revered elders and communal assemblies. Because authority was
distributed among different social classes, a feeling of group decision-making was encouraged.
In the early history of the Philippines, scholars used the term "barangay" to refer to the intricate
social and political units that served as the primary organizational structure among the diverse
communities of the Philippine islands before the European colonizers' arrival. As the units of
government, a barangay consisted of 30-100 families and was headed by a datu who was
independent from the group. Usually, several barangays settled each other to help one another in
case of war and emergency. In addition, any member of the barangay could be a chieftain based
on their skills, ability and talent such as responsibilities of leading and protecting the members of
his barangay (Demetria J. 2012)
For the pre-colonial economy, agriculture was the main industry. Sugar, coconuts, and
rice were among the many crops that could be grown because of the fertile ground. The Filipino
people were proficient in metalworking, weaving, and ceramics, and they maintained a thriving
trading network with nearby Asian countries as well as inside the islands. The Middle East,
India, China, and surrounding Southeast Asian nations all left their mark on the island's rich
cultural variety as a result of this frequent commerce.
In terms of religion, polytheism and animism were widespread throughout the pre-
colonial period, with a focus on rituals and spirits. Still, even before to the arrival of the Spanish,
Islam had gained ground, especially in the southern islands. This array of religious perspectives
demonstrates how various people are accepting of one another's differing worldviews. During the
pre-colonial era, the predominant religions were polytheism and animism, emphasizing rites and
spirits. However, Islam had already begun to spread before the Spanish arrived, particularly in
the southern islands (Smith, 2003). This diversity of religious viewpoints shows how different
individuals may accept one another's different worldviews. Some indigenous groups also
engaged in magical practices, which allowed them to establish strong connections with ancestral
spirits and the natural world (Garcia, 1999). The coexistence of many faiths was made possible
by this rich tapestry of beliefs, which created a diversified cultural landscape where tolerance
and syncretism were important (Lopez, 2011).
Although social structures differed by area, most cultures had hierarchical structures, and
some even had slavery and serfdom. Even though there were hierarchical ranks, every barangay
was ruled by its own set of customs, laws, and way of life.
Trade was a big part of the Philippine economy before it was colonized. Filipinos traded
goods by sea with China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries that were close by. It made
the country rich and made it easier for people from different cultures to meet and share their
ideas. Another notable feature was the Filipinos' ability at sea. They were skilled navigators and
used "balangay" boats for inter-island transit, fishing, and trading. These boats made it easier to
connect the many islands, allowing for networks of trade and cultural interaction.
Pre-colonial Philippines was a colorful patchwork of civilizations that emphasized
different lifestyles and traditions. The diverse tapestry of languages, customs, and social systems
that defined the archipelago demonstrates the depth of this era's legacy. This era established the
groundwork for the contemporary Filipino identity, which is characterized by a long history of
flexibility, resiliency, and a strong bond with the land and the sea. Before the colonial period
started, the Philippines had a diverse civilization that emphasized various and unique ways of
living, cultures, and traditions of the Filipinos. Both men and women had equal rights and
privileges. They also had different languages, customs, and social structures that shaped the
Philippine archipelago and this reflects a profound impact of this historical period. Pre-colonial
era set a strong foundation for the present Filipino identity known for its enduring ability to adapt
and ability to withstand adversity. Filipinos were intimately linked with land and sea where they
draw their life, livelihood, and more importantly their identity (Javier, 2018).

Submitted by: 3 BSABE B