The history of the Spanish Colonization of the Philippines is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of exploration, military might, political maneuvering, and, perhaps most significantly, religious fervor. Among the pivotal figures who shaped the early decades of this colonial enterprise were men of the cloth, specifically members of the Augustinian Order. While countless missionaries would follow in their footsteps, two figures stand out for their distinct yet intertwined contributions to the foundational period: Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera.
Their stories are integral to understanding not just the arrival of Spain in the archipelago, but also the establishment of the first permanent Spanish settlements and the initial efforts towards the Evangelization of the Philippines. While Urdaneta is primarily remembered for his navigational genius and crucial discovery of the return route across the Pacific, the tornaviaje, Herrera played a leading role in the demanding, often perilous, work of establishing the Church’s presence on the ground, interacting directly with local communities, and advocating for the nascent colony. Their presence on the same historic Legazpi Expedition underscores the dual nature of the Spanish endeavor: securing territory for the Crown and souls for the Church. This article will delve into the lives and critical roles of these two friars, exploring their backgrounds, their contributions to the expedition and the early colony, and their lasting impact on Early Philippine History and the enduring Philippine-Spanish Relations.
The Dawn of Spanish Arrival in the Philippines
Spain’s interest in the East Indies was sparked by Christopher Columbus’s voyages, which, though intended for Asia, led to the discovery of the Americas. The subsequent race for control of lucrative spice trade routes dominated the early 16th century, particularly between Spain and Portugal. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) attempted to divide the newly discovered world between the two powers, drawing a line west of the Cape Verde Islands. Later, the Treaty of Zaragoza (1529) extended this line to the East, aiming to resolve disputes over the Moluccas (Spice Islands). Although the Philippines lay technically within Portugal’s designated sphere according to this treaty, Spain maintained its claim, driven by the lure of spices and the zeal for spreading Christianity.
Early Expeditions
Several Spanish expeditions attempted to reach Asia by sailing west across the Pacific after Ferdinand Magellan’s ill-fated but historically significant circumnavigation (1519-1522), which included his arrival and death in the Philippines. Subsequent voyages, such as those led by Loaísa (1525-1526), Saavedra Cerón (1527-1529), and Villalobos (1542-1543), all faced the same insurmountable challenge: finding a viable return route against the prevailing winds and currents of the vast Pacific. While Villalobos did reach the islands and named them “Las Islas Filipinas” after Prince Philip (later Philip II of Spain), his expedition, like its predecessors, failed to establish a permanent settlement or, crucially, solve the puzzle of the return voyage to the Americas (specifically, the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Mexico), the staging ground for these expeditions). The inability to establish regular communication and supply lines across the Pacific was a major hurdle to sustained colonization.
The Legazpi-Urdaneta Expedition
It was against this backdrop of repeated failures that the expedition led by Miguel López de Legazpi was conceived. Ordered by Philip II of Spain, this was to be the definitive attempt to establish a permanent Spanish foothold in the East Indies, primarily in the Philippines, and to finally discover the eastbound return route. The expedition assembled in Navidad, Mexico, and departed on November 21, 1564. Unlike previous ventures, this expedition included a significant contingent of Missionaries in the Philippines, recognizing the importance of the religious dimension from the outset. Among the five Augustinian friars on board were the two central figures of this article: Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera.
Legazpi, an experienced administrator, was tasked with leading the military and civil aspects of the expedition, while Fray Andrés de Urdaneta, due to his extensive knowledge of navigation, cosmography, and previous experience in the Pacific (having sailed with the Loaísa expedition decades earlier), was appointed as the chief navigator and advisor, particularly for the crucial return voyage. Fray Diego de Herrera, a younger but evidently capable friar, was part of the initial missionary group charged with initiating the Evangelization of the Philippines upon arrival.
Fray Andrés de Urdaneta: Navigator, Cosmographer, Friar
The life of Fray Andrés de Urdaneta is remarkable for its transition from seasoned explorer and soldier to devout Augustinian friar and intellectual. Born in 1508 in Villafranca de Ordizia, Spain, Urdaneta possessed a deep understanding of navigation, astronomy, and geography acquired through years at sea.
Early Life and Voyages
Urdaneta’s early career was far from the monastic life. He participated in the ill-fated Loaísa expedition (1525-1526) as a young man. This voyage aimed to sail west to the Moluccas and establish a Spanish presence. The expedition faced immense hardship, loss of leadership, and conflict with the Portuguese. Urdaneta survived and spent eight years in the East Indies, gaining invaluable firsthand experience of the region, its peoples, and its difficult ocean currents and winds. He eventually returned to Europe in 1536, not across the Pacific, but by sailing west around Africa – a testament to the difficulty of the eastbound Pacific crossing at the time.
Joining the Augustinians and the Legazpi Expedition
Upon his return to New Spain (Mexico), Urdaneta served in administrative roles. However, after years of worldly endeavors, he decided to enter the priesthood, joining the Order of Saint Augustine (the Augustinian Order Philippines) in Mexico in 1552. His reputation as an expert navigator and cosmographer, combined with his knowledge of the East Indies gained from the Loaísa expedition, made him an indispensable asset. When Philip II of Spain planned the new expedition to the Philippines, he specifically sought out Urdaneta’s expertise, despite the friar’s advanced age and monastic vows. Urdaneta was initially hesitant but eventually agreed to join the expedition, provided its primary goal was the Christianization of the islands and not solely the pursuit of the spice trade, which he knew lay within Portugal’s sphere according to the treaty.
The Quest for the Tornaviaje
The most pressing strategic challenge for the Spanish Crown in establishing a colony in the Philippines was the lack of a reliable return route to the Americas. Voyages from Mexico westward to the Philippines were relatively straightforward, riding the trade winds. However, the eastbound journey, the tornaviaje or “return voyage,” was fraught with difficulty. Prevailing winds and currents made sailing directly back along the same latitude nearly impossible. Previous attempts had failed, resulting in lost ships, crews, and resources. Finding a successful route was essential for establishing sustained communication, governance, and trade between the new colony and New Spain. Without it, the Philippine enterprise was unsustainable.
The Discovery of the Return Route
Understanding the global wind patterns was key. Urdaneta, drawing on his previous experience in the East Indies and his knowledge of Pacific geography and winds, theorized that by sailing much further north from the Philippines before turning east, a ship could catch favorable westerly winds (the Westerlies) that would carry it across the Pacific to the coast of North America, specifically Alta California or Mexico. This was a counterintuitive approach at the time, as it involved sailing thousands of extra miles into unknown northern waters.
After the Legazpi Expedition successfully reached the Philippines and established the first Spanish settlement in San Miguel (Cebu) in April 1565, Legazpi tasked Urdaneta with the crucial mission of finding this return route. On June 1, 1565, the ship San Pablo, with Urdaneta and Esteban Rodríguez as pilots, departed from Cebu. They followed Urdaneta’s theory, sailing northeast. After months at sea, enduring storms and hardships, they successfully caught the Westerlies and finally reached the coast of California in September 1565, eventually sailing south to arrive in Acapulco, Mexico, on October 8, 1565.
Urdaneta’s calculation and successful execution of this route, often referred to as “Urdaneta’s Route,” was a monumental achievement in the history of navigation. It solved the riddle of the tornaviaje and paved the way for regular maritime traffic between Asia and the Americas. This established the route that would be followed for over 250 years by the Manila Galleon trade.
Fray Diego de Herrera: Pioneer Augustinian Missionary
While Urdaneta was solving the navigational puzzle of the Pacific, Fray Diego de Herrera was engaged in the equally challenging work of establishing the physical and spiritual presence of the Church in the newly claimed territories. Born in 1527 in Spain, Herrera joined the Augustinian Order and was one of the original five friars who accompanied Legazpi.
Arrival with Legazpi and Early Mission in Cebu
Herrera arrived with Legazpi in the Philippines in 1565. Their initial landing place and the site of the first Spanish settlement was Cebu, which Legazpi named San Miguel. The Augustinians immediately began their missionary work, building a temporary church and ministering to the Spanish soldiers and the local Cebuano population. Herrera, as part of this pioneering group, was at the forefront of these initial interactions.
Establishment of the First Settlements and Churches
The Augustinians were the first religious order to establish a permanent presence in the Philippines, and their early efforts were crucial in laying the groundwork for the extensive Christianization that would follow. In Cebu, they founded the Convento del Santo Niño de Cebu, centered around the discovery of the image of the Santo Niño (believed to be the same image Magellan had given to the Queen of Cebu decades earlier). This became the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines.
As the Spanish expanded their control from Cebu to neighboring islands, including Panay, Herrera and other Augustinians moved with them. They established missions and built churches in these new areas, initiating the process of Reduccion, the controversial policy of resettling scattered indigenous populations into centralized communities around churches and colonial administrations to facilitate both governance and evangelization. This strategy profoundly reshaped the social and spatial organization of Filipino communities.
Relocation to Luzon and the Founding of Manila
Legazpi’s forces eventually moved northward to Luzon, drawn by reports of fertile lands and a prosperous trading kingdom centered in Manila. In 1571, after skirmishes with the local rulers, Legazpi claimed Manila for Spain and established it as the capital of the new colony. The Augustinian Order Philippines played a significant role in this new capital. Fray Diego de Herrera was among the first Augustinians to arrive in Manila, actively participating in the founding of the city and the establishment of its first church and monastery. The Augustinian convent in Manila would become a major center of the order’s activities and influence throughout the colonial period. The area claimed by the Spanish in Manila would eventually become Intramuros, the walled city, the administrative and ecclesiastical heart of the Spanish colony.
Missionary Work and Interaction with Filipinos
Herrera’s missionary work involved learning local languages, preaching the Gospel, administering sacraments, and attempting to understand and adapt to Filipino customs while simultaneously seeking to replace them with Christian practices. He, like other early missionaries, faced significant challenges, including language barriers, resistance from local leaders and populations, disease, and the complexities of navigating relationships with the Spanish military and civil authorities, sometimes advocating for the rights of Filipinos against abusive colonial officials.
Herrera’s Advocacy and Voyages to Spain
Fray Diego de Herrera distinguished himself not only as a missionary but also as an advocate for the rights of the native Filipinos and for the needs of the nascent Church in the colony. He made several difficult voyages back to Spain (often via Mexico) to report on the conditions in the Philippines, seek more missionaries, and intercede with Philip II of Spain and the Council of the Indies on matters concerning the treatment of Filipinos by Spanish soldiers and encomenderos. His voyages were crucial for keeping the Crown informed about the state of the distant colony and highlighting abuses that were occurring. These journeys, though undertaken for different reasons than Urdaneta’s tornaviaje, were no less perilous and demonstrated Herrera’s dedication to the welfare of the colony and its inhabitants as he saw it. He died at sea during one such voyage in 1576.
The Augustinian Order’s Foundation in the Philippines
The Augustinian Order arrived in the Philippines with the explicit mission of spreading Christianity. Their role was central to the Spanish colonial project, going hand-in-hand with military conquest and civil administration.
Initial Presence and Expansion
The five Augustinians who came with Legazpi (Andrés de Urdaneta, Diego de Herrera, Martín de Rada, Andrés de Aguirre, and Pedro de Gamboa) were the vanguard. They were quickly followed by more Augustinians and, in later decades, members of other religious orders like the Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinian Recollects. The Augustinians, being the first to arrive and establish themselves, gained a prominent position, particularly in the early period and in certain regions, including parts of the Visayas and Central and Southern Luzon.
Role in Colonization and Christianization
The friars served not only as spiritual leaders but also as de facto administrators, educators, and cultural intermediaries in many areas, especially in places where Spanish civil presence was limited. They learned local languages, compiled dictionaries and grammars, and documented Filipino customs. They built churches, convents, schools, and hospitals, often serving as the center of community life under the Reduccion system. Their efforts facilitated the integration of Filipinos into the Spanish colonial system and culture, although this process was often accompanied by the suppression of indigenous beliefs and practices. The friars’ influence extended beyond purely religious matters, often placing them in positions of considerable power within local communities and in relation to colonial authorities.
Relationship with the Crown and Secular Authorities
The Augustinian Order Philippines maintained a complex relationship with the Spanish Crown and the secular colonial government. While the Crown supported the missionary effort as a justification for its colonial claims (the Patronato Real system), there were often tensions over jurisdiction, resources, and the friars’ perceived excessive power or interference in civil matters. Figures like Fray Diego de Herrera often navigated this delicate balance, advocating for the Church’s mission while also raising concerns about colonial practices.
Interactions and Influence of Urdaneta and Herrera
While both men were Augustinian friars on the same groundbreaking expedition, their primary contributions diverged significantly, reflecting their distinct skills and backgrounds.
Shared Purpose on the Expedition
Both Urdaneta and Herrera were driven by a shared purpose: to serve God and King by participating in this major Spanish undertaking. They sailed together from Mexico, shared the initial challenges of arrival in the Philippines, and were part of the same religious community tasked with the spiritual goals of the mission. Their presence together symbolized the interwoven secular and religious motivations of the Legazpi Expedition.
Different Paths, Unified Goal
Urdaneta’s primary focus, as requested by Philip II of Spain, was the logistical and strategic challenge of the Trans-Pacific Trade route. His contribution was intellectual and technical – the application of geographical and meteorological knowledge to achieve a navigational breakthrough that would connect Asia and the Americas for centuries. His work concluded, in large part, with the successful tornaviaje in 1565, after which he returned to Mexico.
Herrera, on the other hand, embodied the direct missionary effort. His work began in earnest upon arrival in the Philippines, focusing on establishing the Church, interacting with local populations, and building the foundation for evangelization in places like San Miguel (Cebu) and later Manila within Intramuros. His role was hands-on, involving the daily challenges of cross-cultural communication, conversion, and the establishment of new social structures under Spanish rule. His later voyages to Spain further solidified his role as a key figure connecting the Philippine mission with the Crown.
Their Combined Legacy
Together, Urdaneta and Herrera represent two essential pillars of the early Spanish colonial project in the Philippines. Urdaneta provided the vital link that made sustained colonization possible, establishing the route that enabled the Manila Galleon trade and regular communication. Herrera, through his direct missionary work and advocacy, was instrumental in initiating the process of Christianization and embedding the Church within the fabric of early colonial society. Their combined efforts facilitated the transformation of the Philippine islands from a collection of independent polities into a Spanish colony deeply influenced by Catholicism.
The Lasting Impact
The work of Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera had profound and lasting consequences for the Philippines and global history.
The Tornaviaje and the Manila Galleon Trade
Urdaneta’s discovery of the tornaviaje was a geographical and logistical game-changer. It enabled the establishment of the Manila Galleon trade route, which operated between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico for over 250 years (1565-1815). This trade linked Asia with the Americas and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, people, and cultures on an unprecedented scale. Chinese silks, spices, and porcelain flowed eastward to the Americas and Europe, while silver from the mines of Mexico and Peru flowed westward to Asia. The Galleon trade made Manila a bustling entrepôt, a cosmopolitan city long before many others in the region, and was the economic lifeline of the Spanish colony in the Philippines.
The Foundation of the Church in the Philippines
Herrera’s pioneering missionary work, along with that of the other early Augustinians, laid the foundation for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which today is the largest Catholic nation in Asia. The establishment of churches, convents, and the policy of Reduccion fundamentally altered the social, political, and religious landscape of the islands. While the process of Christianization was complex and sometimes met with resistance, it eventually became a defining element of Filipino identity and culture. The Augustinian Order Philippines continued to play a significant role throughout the colonial period, establishing parishes, schools, and becoming major landowners and influential figures in colonial society.
Shaping Early Philippine-Spanish Relations
The arrival of the Spanish, spearheaded by the Legazpi Expedition and its prominent members like Legazpi himself, Urdaneta, and Herrera, marked the beginning of over 300 years of Spanish rule. The interactions between the Spanish friars, soldiers, and administrators and the diverse Filipino communities shaped the initial dynamics of Philippine-Spanish Relations. The friars, including Herrera, often found themselves in the difficult position of being agents of colonial power while sometimes also acting as protectors or advocates for the native population against the worst excesses of that power. This early period set the stage for the unique blend of indigenous, Asian, and Hispanic influences that characterize Filipino culture.
Key Takeaways:
- Fray Andrés de Urdaneta was the key figure behind the discovery of the tornaviaje, the crucial eastbound return route across the Pacific.
- Urdaneta’s tornaviaje enabled the sustained connection between the Philippines and the Americas (Viceroyalty of New Spain), making the Manila Galleon trade possible.
- Fray Diego de Herrera was a pioneer Augustinian missionary who played a leading role in establishing the Church in the first Spanish settlements in Cebu (San Miguel) and Manila (Intramuros).
- Herrera was an important advocate for the native Filipinos, undertaking perilous voyages to Spain to report on colonial conditions and abuses.
- The Legazpi Expedition included both Urdaneta and Herrera, symbolizing the dual goals of the Spanish mission: securing territory for the Crown and evangelizing the population.
- The Augustinian Order Philippines was the first religious order to establish a permanent presence, laying the foundation for the widespread Evangelization of the Philippines.
- The work of Urdaneta and Herrera profoundly impacted Early Philippine History, shaping its economic ties (Trans-Pacific Trade) and its religious and social landscape (Christianization, Reduccion).
Conclusion
The stories of Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera offer a compelling look into the foundational years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Urdaneta, the former soldier turned friar and brilliant navigator, provided the essential logistical solution that made the colony viable, forever linking Asia and the Americas through his discovery of the tornaviaje. This route not only sustained the Spanish presence but also birthed the globally significant Manila Galleon trade.
Simultaneously, Herrera, the dedicated missionary and advocate, was on the ground, navigating the complex realities of initiating the Evangelization of the Philippines. He, along with his fellow Augustinians, laid the cornerstone for the Catholic Church’s enduring presence, establishing missions and churches in key locations like San Miguel (Cebu) and Manila within Intramuros. His willingness to journey back to Spain to speak on behalf of the Filipino people highlights the sometimes contradictory nature of the missionary role within the colonial structure.
Together, these two friars, arriving with Miguel López de Legazpi on the critical 1564 expedition, represent the strategic and spiritual prongs of the early Spanish enterprise. Their individual contributions were indispensable, and their combined impact shaped the trajectory of Early Philippine History, influencing everything from Philippine-Spanish Relations to the demographic and cultural landscape of the archipelago. Their legacies are woven into the very fabric of modern Philippines, a nation whose history and identity were profoundly molded by the events set in motion by the Legazpi Expedition and the pioneering work of figures like Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera. Their roles underscore the fact that the Spanish Colonization of the Philippines was not solely a military or political act, but one deeply intertwined with the mission of the Augustinian Order Philippines and other religious groups who sought to bring the islands under the spiritual domain of Philip II of Spain. The consequences of their actions continue to be explored and debated in the study of Philippine history, particularly in understanding the Reduccion and the enduring influence of the Church. The Trans-Pacific Trade they facilitated also speaks to their global historical significance, connecting the economies and peoples of the Eastern and Western hemispheres for centuries via the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Mexico).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- What was the primary contribution of Fray Andrés de Urdaneta? Fray Andrés de Urdaneta’s most significant contribution was discovering the tornaviaje, the successful eastbound return route across the Pacific Ocean from the Philippines to Mexico. This route was essential for establishing and maintaining the Spanish colony in the Philippines.
- Why was finding the tornaviaje so important? Finding the tornaviaje was crucial because without a reliable way to sail back across the Pacific, communication, supply, and governance between the Spanish colony in the Philippines and the Spanish base in Mexico (Viceroyalty of New Spain) would have been impossible, making sustained colonization unviable.
- What was Fray Diego de Herrera’s main role in the Philippines? Fray Diego de Herrera was a pioneer Augustinian missionary who was instrumental in the early Evangelization of the Philippines. He helped establish the first Spanish settlements and churches in places like Cebu (San Miguel) and Manila (Intramuros) and actively engaged in missionary work.
- Did Fray Diego de Herrera advocate for the Filipinos? Yes, Fray Diego de Herrera is known for advocating for the rights and welfare of the native Filipinos, often speaking out against abuses committed by Spanish soldiers and officials. He traveled back to Spain multiple times to report on conditions and seek redress.
- What religious order did Urdaneta and Herrera belong to? Both Fray Andrés de Urdaneta and Fray Diego de Herrera were members of the Augustinian Order, the first religious order to establish a permanent presence in the Philippines.
- How did their work relate to the Manila Galleon trade? Urdaneta’s discovery of the tornaviaje directly enabled the Manila Galleon trade, the famous shipping route between Manila and Acapulco that operated for over 250 years, facilitating the Trans-Pacific Trade and serving as the economic backbone of the Spanish colony.
- What was the Legazpi Expedition? The Legazpi Expedition (1564-1565), led by Miguel López de Legazpi, was the Spanish expedition that successfully reached the Philippines from Mexico, established the first permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu (San Miguel), and discovered the tornaviaje, marking the beginning of the sustained Spanish Colonization of the Philippines.
Sources:
- Blair, E. H., & Robertson, J. A. (Eds.). (1903–1909). The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898. Arthur H. Clark Company. (Specifically volumes related to the Legazpi expedition and early Spanish period).
- Cushner, N. P. (1971). Spain in the Philippines: From Conquest to Revolution. Institute of Philippine Culture, Ateneo de Manila University.
- Galleon Trade (Accessed through various historical resources on the topic).
- San Agustín, G. (1975). Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas, 1565-1615. (Translated and annotated).
- Schurz, W. L. (1939). The Manila Galleon. E. P. Dutton & Co. (Provides context on the tornaviaje and the trade route).
- Santiago, L. (2005). Lay Catholics in the Phiippines. Ayala Foundation. (Discusses the role of the Church).
- Historical accounts and biographies of Miguel López de Legazpi, Andrés de Urdaneta, and Diego de Herrera from reputable historical texts and academic databases.
- Accounts related to the Augustinian Order Philippines and the early period of Evangelization of the Philippines.
- Documents and historical analyses pertaining to the Treaty of Tordesillas, Reduccion, and the establishment of Intramuros.