The Claveria Decree

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 21, 1849

Narciso Claveria y Zuldua, the 71st Spanish governor-general issued a decree that standardized the names and surnames of Filipinos. 

The Claveria decree listed family names in alphabetical  order based on Spanish surnames. The list was given to the heads of the provinces, who sent some to the parish priests, who in turn gave a part of the list to the head of the barangay, who assisted the oldest family member to choose a surname. 

The decree also stated that those who changed or did not use the name recorded in the new register would be imprisoned.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: fil-gen-pro.blogspot.com