Francisco de Sande facts for kids

Francisco de Sande Picón (born in 1540 – died September 12, 1602) was an important Spanish leader. He served as the third Spanish governor and captain-general of the Philippines. His time in charge was from August 25, 1575, to April 1580. During his leadership, he founded the Royal City of Nueva Cáceres, which is now known as Naga City.

Early Life and Career

Francisco de Sande was born in Cáceres, a city in Spain. He was related to another famous person, Álvaro de Sande. Before becoming governor, he worked as a lawyer, a judge for legal cases, and an auditor (someone who checks financial records) in Mexico.

In 1575, the King of Spain, Philip II, chose him for a very important job. He was appointed as the governor-general of the Philippines. He took over from the previous governor, Guido de Lavezaris, on August 25, 1575.

Time as Governor

Changes to Land Ownership

One of Governor Sande's first big actions was to change how land was owned. In the Philippines, some wealthy Spaniards had very large land grants called encomiendas. These lands were meant to support the local Filipino communities.

In 1576, Governor Sande made a rule. This rule said that officials appointed by the King of Spain could not own these large land grants. He wanted to make sure these lands benefited the local people as intended.

Founding Nueva Cáceres

Governor Sande also played a key role in establishing a new city. He founded the city of Nueva Cáceres. This city is located in the province of Camarines Sur, within the Bicol region on the island of Luzon. Luzon is the largest island in the Philippine Islands.

Arrival of Religious Orders

During his time as governor, more religious groups arrived in the Philippines.

• On July 1, 1577, the first Augustinian priests came to Manila from Acapulco, Mexico.
• Also in 1577, the Church of San Agustin was built in Manila. This church is still standing today.
• Later, a Spanish religious leader named Domingo de Salazar asked to build monasteries for the Dominican priests. Governor Sande approved this request, with the King's permission.

Expeditions and Explorations

Governor Sande was also interested in expanding Spanish influence.

• In 1578, he sent an expedition to Borneo. The leader of Jolo (a group of islands in the Philippines) agreed to become a supporter of Spain. They signed a peace treaty near the Mindanao River.
• That same year, Spanish forces attacked Borneo (which is now Brunei). The ruler of Borneo then agreed to cooperate with the Spanish officials in Manila.
• Governor Sande also wanted to take control of the Moluccas (spice islands) from the Portuguese. He even showed interest in exploring and possibly conquering parts of China.

In 1579, he sent another expedition led by Captain Gabriel de Ribera. This group went to Mindanao and Jolo. Their goal was to make sure the Moro people accepted Spanish rule. When they arrived, they found many villages empty. Captain Ribera built a fort and then traveled north to calm down some groups who were rebelling.

Decision on China Mission

In the same year, some Franciscan priests wanted to travel to China to spread Catholicism. They had traveled a very long distance (about 19,000 kilometers). However, Governor Sande did not allow them to go. Some priests disobeyed and arrived in the Portuguese trade city of Macao. The Chinese were surprised because the priests did not carry weapons, money, or goods to trade. They only had religious items and Catholic books.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco de Sande para niños

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