Mariano Fernández de Folgueras facts for kids

Mariano Fernández de Folgueras (born 1766, died 1823) was an important Spanish leader. He served twice as the top ruler, called the Governor-General, of the Philippines. His first term was from 1806 to 1810, and his second was from 1816 to 1822.

During his time as Governor, some big changes happened. People in a region called Ilocos rebelled in 1807. Spain itself went through changes with a new government in 1808. Also, a large Spanish territory called the Viceroyalty of New Spain (which included Mexico) became independent in 1821.

Biography of Mariano Fernández de Folgueras

Mariano Fernández de Folgueras was born in Galicia, Spain. He became a high-ranking officer for the King of Spain in the Philippines.

First Term as Governor (1806-1810)

He first became Governor-General in 1806 after the previous leader, Rafael María de Aguilar y Ponce de León, passed away. In 1807, he saw the Basi Revolt in Ilocos. This was a rebellion that the Spanish forces successfully stopped after twelve days.

In 1809, Governor Folgueras allowed English traders to open the first trading companies in the Philippines. This helped to increase trade and business in the islands.

Second Term as Governor (1816-1822)

Mariano Fernández de Folgueras returned to his role as Governor-General in 1816. This happened after the previous governor, José Gardoqui Jaraveitia, died while in office. During his second term, the Spanish government became stricter with its rules in the Philippines.

He gave many important government jobs to people from Spain, known as peninsulares, and to other foreigners. This caused some local uprisings against foreigners living in Manila.

In 1818, a ship led by Captain Hipolito Bouchard arrived in Manila Bay. This ship belonged to the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, a new country in South America. Captain Bouchard blocked Manila Bay for two months, stopping ships from entering or leaving. Governor Folgueras wrote a detailed report about these events.

Key Events and Changes During His Rule

Governor Folgueras also made some important changes. On February 2, 1818, he created the province of Ilocos Norte. He also brought back the Sociedad Económica de los Amigos del País (Economic Society of Friends of the Country) in 1819. This group worked to improve the economy and education.

In 1820, the Escuela Nautica de Manila (Manila Nautical School) was opened. This school helped train sailors and improve sea travel.

In October 1820, there was a sad event where some foreigners were harmed. This happened because of fears and misunderstandings about a disease spreading in the islands.

In 1821, Mexico became an independent country after its Mexican War of Independence. This meant that the Philippines was no longer controlled through Mexico. Instead, it was directly managed by the Spanish government in Spain.

End of His Term and Death

On October 30, 1822, Governor Folgueras handed over his position to Juan Antonio Martínez. He then went back to being the lieutenant governor.

Mariano Fernández de Folgueras died on June 1, 1823. This happened during the Novales Revolt. In this revolt, local leaders, including creoles and mestizos, rebelled against the government of Governor Martínez. The rebels took over some government buildings in Intramuros, Manila.

See also

In Spanish: Mariano Fernández de Folgueras para niños