Pasqual Enrile y Alcedo
Encyclopedia
Pasqual Enrile y Alcedo a native of Cadiz
, Spain
, was the Spanish
governor-general
of the Philippines
from December 23, 1830 to March 1, 1835. He was among the most illustrious rulers of the archipelago, on account of his ability, uprightness, and zeal for the public welfare. Enrile was especially active in building highways and providing other means of communication to bring the inland and the maritime provinces into communication with each other.
In 1826, he was appointed segundo cabo (commander of the army or lieutenant-commander) of the Philippine Islands in July 1829. On December 23, 1830, he became the governor-general of the islands.
, Capiz
, Cebu
, and Pangasinan
.
s between 1831-1832. Afterwards, he made journeys and surveys in a large part of the rest of the island resuslting in carefully prepared itineraries, plans, and maps, which were utilized in the construction of highways and bridges, and the establishment of postal routes, which opened up communication between regions before destitute of such facilities, and sometimes in places heretofore deemed impassable. The navigable rivers and bayous of Pangasinan
provinces
were explored and mapped. A highway was made in Pampanga
province which was safe from the overflow of Lake Canarem, Victoria
, Tarlac
province. Explorations were made from east to west in Luzon for the sake of bringing the shores of the island into communication with the fertile plains of the interior. Enrile created the Guia de Forasteros or "Guide for Strangers" to the Philippines, which first appeared in 1834.
The treasury officials, by a decree of July 3, 1833, accepted the proposal of group of persons to establish a lottery
, at their own account and risk, offering to pay to the treasury forty per cent of the receipts, besides twenty-five per cent of the value of the tickets which composed each drawing, after furnishing adequate security as a guarantee for the fulfillment of their promise. The exclusive privilege of this lottery was granted to these group for a period of five years.
Many useful laws were passed and the islands prospered during this term. The royal tribunal of commerce was created in Manila, January I, 1834 while the Real Compania de Filipinas was dissolved by royal order of September 6, 1834. The establishment of the Real Compania de Filipinas (Royal Company of the Philippines), though unsuccessful financially, stimulated considerably the development of Philippine agriculture between 1790 and 1820, after which it did little until its dissolution.
Enrile increased the area planted in tobacco, enforced just weights and measures, endeavored to correct the evils resulting from the debased money of the islands. The Economic Society of Friends of the Country contributed to the development of agriculture, in the time of Enrile, by its reports, memoirs, and material support. However, in 1833 this Society, in an opinion requested from it by the home government, opposed the establishment of a mint at Manila, and informed Enrile that such institution was at that time unnecessary. A decree of May 9, 1831, established a custom-house in Zamboanga
province, to prevent the frauds committed by foreigners in the port of Jolo
, and to facilitate and promote expeditions to that point."
He proposed the establishment of a lighthouse
on Corregidor Island at the entrance to Manila Bay
where the main trading port of the country, Manila
, is situated. It was approved by Royal Order of July 4, 1835 but was not completed until 1853. Enrile strengthened the naval forces sent against the pirates and was able to drive them away from the coasts of Visayas.
On February 2, 1835, the official dispatches arrived from Spain which decreed the restoration of the constitutional regime and the convocation of the Cortes
. Enrile resigned his post on March 1, 1835, and returned to Spain right after. He died in Madrid on January 6, 1836 at the age of 60 years and nine months.
, which have facilitated the intercourse between the provinces, bringing them into postal communication, one after another, by means of the mail-routes established by him. The administration of the country is indebted to him for regulations and procedures that are scientific and orderly, in all the branches that have contributed to the development of the general welfare, making considerable increase in the public wealth. Agriculture, commerce, and navigation likewise experienced the beneficial results of this illustrious governor's judicious management. His term of office was the source of the rapid progress which has been made from that time by these most important factors of the general welfare, thanks to the impulse received from the measures, dictated by him, which conduced to the natural development of those industries.
This governor sailed for Spain and like all the governor-generals of the Spanish overseas possessions, he had been elevated as a hero of Spain. The municipality
of Enrile, Cagayan
in the Philippines
was named after him in his honor.
Cádiz
Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. It is the capital of the homonymous province, one of eight which make up the autonomous community of Andalusia....
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, was the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
governor-general
Governor-General of the Philippines
The Governor-General of the Philippines was the title of the government executive during the colonial period of the Philippines, governed mainly by Spain and the United States, and briefly by Great Britain, from 1565 to 1935....
of the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
from December 23, 1830 to March 1, 1835. He was among the most illustrious rulers of the archipelago, on account of his ability, uprightness, and zeal for the public welfare. Enrile was especially active in building highways and providing other means of communication to bring the inland and the maritime provinces into communication with each other.
Early life
Born on Cadiz on April 13, 1772. He enlisted as a Marine Guard in the department in Ferrol, Galicia on June 10, 1788, continuing his service in the Navy for 23 years, having gone through all the successive levels to become a captain of the frigate which he obtained on February 23, 1809.In 1826, he was appointed segundo cabo (commander of the army or lieutenant-commander) of the Philippine Islands in July 1829. On December 23, 1830, he became the governor-general of the islands.
Segundo Cabo
In 1826, the Spanish government reestablished the naval bureau at Manila which is independent to the governor-general, and Pasqual Enrile was appointed as its chief. He proceeded to reorganize all branches of the service, including that intended to serve against the pirates, whom he was able to restrain to a great extent. Under his command, he constructed several cruisers and other vessels, one of which remained in active service for forty years. He also established the jurisdiction of the bureau throughout the archipelago, creating port captains for IloiloIloilo
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province,...
, Capiz
Capiz
Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north...
, Cebu
Cebu
Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands...
, and Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
.
As Governor-General of the Philippines
A most zealous and able governor, he personally visited the northern provinces of Luzon, accompanied by his relative and adjutant, Jose Maria Peñaranda, a military engineer, with expeditions to the mountain people of the country, especially the IgorotIgorot
Cordillerans are the people of the Cordillera region, in the Philippines island of Luzon. The word, Igorot is a misnomer term invented by the Spaniards in mockery against the Nortnern Luzon tribes. The word ‘Igorot’ also as coined and applied by the Spaniards means a savage, head-hunting and...
s between 1831-1832. Afterwards, he made journeys and surveys in a large part of the rest of the island resuslting in carefully prepared itineraries, plans, and maps, which were utilized in the construction of highways and bridges, and the establishment of postal routes, which opened up communication between regions before destitute of such facilities, and sometimes in places heretofore deemed impassable. The navigable rivers and bayous of Pangasinan
Pangasinan
Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Lingayen. Pangasinan is located on the west central and peripheral area of the island of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf, with the total land area being 5,368.82 square kilometers . According to the latest census,...
provinces
Provinces of the Philippines
The Provinces of the Philippines are the primary political and administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces at present, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region, as well as independent cities, are autonomous from any provincial...
were explored and mapped. A highway was made in Pampanga
Pampanga
Pampanga is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Its capital is the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Pampanga is bordered by the provinces of Bataan and Zambales to the west, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija to the north, and Bulacan to the southeast...
province which was safe from the overflow of Lake Canarem, Victoria
Victoria, Tarlac
Victoria is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Tarlac, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 57,085 people in 10,535 households....
, Tarlac
Tarlac
Tarlac is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Luzon Island. Its capital is Tarlac City. Tarlac borders Pampanga to the south, Nueva Ecija to the east, Pangasinan to the north, and Zambales to the west...
province. Explorations were made from east to west in Luzon for the sake of bringing the shores of the island into communication with the fertile plains of the interior. Enrile created the Guia de Forasteros or "Guide for Strangers" to the Philippines, which first appeared in 1834.
The treasury officials, by a decree of July 3, 1833, accepted the proposal of group of persons to establish a lottery
Lottery
A lottery is a form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize.Lottery is outlawed by some governments, while others endorse it to the extent of organizing a national or state lottery. It is common to find some degree of regulation of lottery by governments...
, at their own account and risk, offering to pay to the treasury forty per cent of the receipts, besides twenty-five per cent of the value of the tickets which composed each drawing, after furnishing adequate security as a guarantee for the fulfillment of their promise. The exclusive privilege of this lottery was granted to these group for a period of five years.
Many useful laws were passed and the islands prospered during this term. The royal tribunal of commerce was created in Manila, January I, 1834 while the Real Compania de Filipinas was dissolved by royal order of September 6, 1834. The establishment of the Real Compania de Filipinas (Royal Company of the Philippines), though unsuccessful financially, stimulated considerably the development of Philippine agriculture between 1790 and 1820, after which it did little until its dissolution.
Enrile increased the area planted in tobacco, enforced just weights and measures, endeavored to correct the evils resulting from the debased money of the islands. The Economic Society of Friends of the Country contributed to the development of agriculture, in the time of Enrile, by its reports, memoirs, and material support. However, in 1833 this Society, in an opinion requested from it by the home government, opposed the establishment of a mint at Manila, and informed Enrile that such institution was at that time unnecessary. A decree of May 9, 1831, established a custom-house in Zamboanga
Zamboanga (province)
Zamboanga is a former province of the Philippines located in the western region of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.-Creation:During the time of the United States' purchase of the Philippines of 1898, the Republic of Zamboanga had its own independence and jurisdiction on what is now...
province, to prevent the frauds committed by foreigners in the port of Jolo
Jolo
Jolo may refer to:* Jolo Island* Jolo, Sulu* Jolo, West Virginia* Jolo is also the nickname of Swedish author Jan Olof Olsson....
, and to facilitate and promote expeditions to that point."
He proposed the establishment of a lighthouse
Corregidor Island Lighthouse
The first Corregidor Island Lighthouse was a historic lighthouse located on the island of Corregidor, in the province of Cavite, Philippines. The light station was one of the most important lights in the archipelago. It was established in 1853 to guide ships to the entrance of Manila Bay on their...
on Corregidor Island at the entrance to Manila Bay
Manila Bay
Manila Bay is a natural harbor which serves the Port of Manila , in the Philippines.The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbors in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world...
where the main trading port of the country, Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
, is situated. It was approved by Royal Order of July 4, 1835 but was not completed until 1853. Enrile strengthened the naval forces sent against the pirates and was able to drive them away from the coasts of Visayas.
On February 2, 1835, the official dispatches arrived from Spain which decreed the restoration of the constitutional regime and the convocation of the Cortes
Cortes Generales
The Cortes Generales is the legislature of Spain. It is a bicameral parliament, composed of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate . The Cortes has power to enact any law and to amend the constitution...
. Enrile resigned his post on March 1, 1835, and returned to Spain right after. He died in Madrid on January 6, 1836 at the age of 60 years and nine months.
Legacy
As assessed by Jose Montero y Vidal, a Spanish historian who wrote much about the history of the islands, Pasqual Enrile was one of the most intelligent and industrious who have ever ruled the Philippines. To him, the country owes material improvements of the utmost value, of so much importance as the great highways of LuzonLuzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
, which have facilitated the intercourse between the provinces, bringing them into postal communication, one after another, by means of the mail-routes established by him. The administration of the country is indebted to him for regulations and procedures that are scientific and orderly, in all the branches that have contributed to the development of the general welfare, making considerable increase in the public wealth. Agriculture, commerce, and navigation likewise experienced the beneficial results of this illustrious governor's judicious management. His term of office was the source of the rapid progress which has been made from that time by these most important factors of the general welfare, thanks to the impulse received from the measures, dictated by him, which conduced to the natural development of those industries.
This governor sailed for Spain and like all the governor-generals of the Spanish overseas possessions, he had been elevated as a hero of Spain. The municipality
Municipalities of the Philippines
A municipality is a local government unit in the Philippines. Municipalities are also called towns . They are distinct from cities, which are a different category of local government unit...
of Enrile, Cagayan
Enrile, Cagayan
Enrile is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 29,719 people in 5,223 households...
in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
was named after him in his honor.