Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):
September 24, 1669
Don Manuel de Leon y Sarabia arrived in Manila on September 24, 1669, and took over as the new governor-general of the Philippines. He was appointed by royal provision on June 24, 1668.
He was a military officer who was born in Paredes de Nava, Palencia, Castile and León, Spain.
The troublesome times experienced in the islands during the rule of most of the governors from Corcuera to Salcedo, became that of peace and prosperity during the term of De Leon.
He made commerce with China, India, Java, the coast of Malabar and Santo Tomé, called the Coromandel coast; and those of Suratte, Macán and Batavia. Cacao seeds were brought to the Philippines and planted in Carigara, Leyte.
In April 1671, in the convent of San Pablo at Manila, an election for provincial was held. He interfered and prevented the election of Fray Francisco de Medina Basco, who is desired by the chapter as provincial. At one time in 1673, he had a conflict with the archbishop.
Governor de Leon endeavored to take all precautions after hearing that a Chinese named Kinsie or Sipoan, son of Kuesing, plans to attack Manila. He warned the Pampangan and Cagayan peoples (who are the most warlike ones) to be ready. He regulated the Manila garrison and appointed experienced leaders. He commanded the armed fleets of the Pintados to be made ready; those of Panay and Ogton were taken by Captain Don Jose de San Miguel to be united with those of Cebu and Caraga, together they formed a fleet of more than a hundred joangas. This armada arrived in Manila. However, the attack did not happen.
His term as governor-general ended on April 11, 1677 when he died due to excessive obesity. Governor-general Manuel de Leon left all his property for charitable purposes.
Immediately after his death, the Audiencia took charge of political affairs until September 21, 1678.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
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