The First Published Book In The Philippines

In the early days of colonial rule in the Philippines, written language began to take a new form under the influence of Spanish missionaries. These missionaries were not only focused on converting the local population to Christianity but also on spreading literacy using the Roman alphabet. It was during this period of cultural and religious transformation that the first published book in the Philippines made its appearance, marking a significant moment in the archipelago’s literary and historical development.

Historical Background

The first published book in the Philippines emerged in the 16th century during the early years of Spanish colonization. The Spaniards arrived in the country in 1565, led by Miguel López de Legazpi. Alongside the military conquest came missionaries, particularly from the Dominican and Franciscan orders, whose mission was to evangelize the Filipino people. They realized the importance of creating written materials in the local languages to effectively communicate religious teachings.

The Printing Press in the Philippines

Before the publication of any books, the printing press had to be introduced to the islands. This happened around 1590 when a printing press was set up in Manila. It was operated by the Spanish friars, who also trained local Filipinos in the art of printing. This early press was relatively simple but became a powerful tool for the dissemination of religious and educational material in the local context.

The Doctrina Christiana: The First Published Book

TheDoctrina Christianais widely regarded as the first published book in the Philippines. It was printed in 1593 in Manila using woodblock printing techniques. The book was written in three languages: Spanish, Tagalog using the Baybayin script, and Latin. Its full title in Spanish isDoctrina Christiana en lengua española y tagala, which translates to ‘Christian Doctrine in the Spanish and Tagalog Languages.’

Purpose and Content

The primary purpose of theDoctrina Christianawas to serve as a religious instructional manual. It was designed to teach basic Catholic doctrines, prayers, and the catechism to the native population. The book includes:

• The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
• The Hail Mary
• The Apostles’ Creed
• The Ten Commandments
• The Sacraments of the Church

By providing content in both Spanish and Tagalog, the book bridged the linguistic gap between the missionaries and the Filipinos. The inclusion of the ancient Baybayin script also demonstrated respect for local tradition while slowly transitioning toward the Roman alphabet.

Printing Method and Materials

TheDoctrina Christianawas produced using xylography, a form of woodblock printing. Each page was carved into a wooden block in reverse, then inked and pressed onto paper made from rice or mulberry pulp. While this method was labor-intensive and slow, it allowed for the production of the first Filipino printed book. Later on, movable type printing would be adopted, making book production more efficient.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The publication of theDoctrina Christianawas not merely a religious milestone; it also signified the birth of Filipino print culture. It symbolized the start of Filipino literature written and disseminated through modern means. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of multilingual communication and cultural adaptation in the colonial setting.

Influence on Education and Literacy

By producing books in native languages, Spanish missionaries contributed to the spread of literacy among Filipinos. This early effort laid the foundation for the development of formal education systems. Religious texts became educational tools, and reading became more widespread among the local population, especially in mission areas.

Preservation and Legacy

Only a few copies of the originalDoctrina Christianasurvive today. One of the most well-preserved copies is housed in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Despite the book’s age, it continues to be a valuable resource for scholars studying early Philippine literature, linguistics, and history. It offers insights into how religion, language, and colonial policy intertwined in the formative years of the Philippine colonial period.

Transition to Other Publications

Following the success of theDoctrina Christiana, other religious texts and grammars were printed in the Philippines. These included:

• Libro de Nuestra Señora del Rosario– a prayer book also printed in the 1600s.
• Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala– a grammar book written by Francisco Blancas de San Jose.
• Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala– a dictionary that helped Spanish missionaries learn Tagalog.

These publications continued the legacy started by the first book, and they contributed to the Philippines’ early intellectual and linguistic development under colonial influence.

A Symbol of Literary Beginnings

TheDoctrina Christianastands as a historical landmark in the literary history of the Philippines. As the first published book in the Philippines, it serves as a testament to the early collaboration albeit under colonial rule between local culture and foreign influence. It paved the way for future literature, education, and language preservation efforts in the country. The significance of this book continues to resonate, reminding modern Filipinos of the deep roots of their written heritage.