The Establishment of Pangasinan as a Viable Political Subdivision in 1611

In the early history of the Philippines, the country was divided into several smaller kingdoms and territories. It was only during the Spanish colonial period that the country was organized into larger political subdivisions known as provinces. One of these provinces is Pangasinan, which was officially established in 1611 when its territorial limits were set by the superior government.

Pangasinan is located on the west-central coast of the island of Luzon and is now one of the country’s largest provinces. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and abundant natural resources.

The establishment of Pangasinan as a province was significant because it completed the requisites for a viable political subdivision. A viable political subdivision has three components: a defined territory, a set of administrators, and law-abiding subjects. With the establishment of the province, Pangasinan now had a defined territory that included all the coastal villages called “Pangasinan” and the inner areas called “Caboloan.”

The province’s boundaries were also clearly defined, from San Juan (now in La Union) in the north, to the foothills of the Cordillera and Caraballo mountains in the northeast and east, to Paniqui in the south, to the present area of Sual town in the west plus that area that is the present-day Zambales. This demarcation of boundaries was essential to ensure that the province’s administrators could effectively govern and manage the area.

The establishment of Pangasinan as a province also meant that it now had a set of administrators who were responsible for managing its affairs. These administrators were appointed by the Spanish colonial government and were tasked with maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and ensuring that the province’s residents were provided with essential services.

Finally, the establishment of Pangasinan as a province also meant that its residents were expected to be law-abiding subjects. This meant that they were required to pay their taxes, follow the laws and regulations set by the provincial government, and contribute to the overall development of the province.