Bridging the Gap
Early traits of the Ilonggo-Bisaya
Among the traits of the Ilonggo-Bisaya that the Spaniards had high regards was their being "mapisan" or industrious. Casimiro Diaz, for example, in a detailed account on ecclesiastical and Augustinian affairs, 1630-1640, described the people of Panay as "naturally docile than any other of the pintados, very industrious in their rice farms" (Diaz 1890). A French traveler, Jean Mallat, also praised the inhabitants as "the most industrious" (Mallat 1846).
It is precisely because of the industry of the inhabitants of Panay that the island, according to Miguel de Loarca, Antonio de Morga and Juan Medina, was abundant in rice (Blair & Robertson 1903-1909 and De Morga 1962). This was the reason why Panay, particularly Iloilo, became of interest to the Spanish conquistadores from the very start of their colonization of the archipelago. Aside from rice, Iloilo, according to De Loarca, also "abounded in swine, fowls, wax and honey" (Blair & Robertson 1903-1909) and, as observed by De Morga, was "abundant in wine-producing palm-trees and all kinds of food supplies" (De Morga 1962). Moreover, there is strong evidence that Iloilo was producing a great quantity of cotton and other textile fabrics (Blair & Robertson 1903-1909).
The Ilonggos were also noted by the Spanish colonizers as "maisog" or fearless and courageous. Life prior to the coming of the Spaniards had sufficient warfare and provided opportunities for men to prove their courage and boldness and win for themselves accolades and the tattoos which caused the Spaniards to call them Pintados. The chieftains' ability to procure iron or prestigious goods from foreign traders depended on control of the manpower to exploit resources. Wars were therefore fought to control people and resources, not territory. Raids upon other communities were intended to seize slaves outright, to initiate or enforce alliances for trading networks, to take booty that included young women, and to punish those who had done wrong on the aggrieved party. Wars were fought not by standing armies or navies but by loyal warriors owing personal allegiance to leaders who were also physically present and active in these bloody encounters (Scott 1995). It must be understood that valor in battle was a basic requisite to becoming a "datu."
Realizing the tactical value of the Ilonggo fighting men, the Spanish rulers employed the Christian converts in their campaigns against the Moros or Mindanao and Sulu. They also depended on this people to defend their positions against the Dutch enemies who also prowled Philippine waters in the early 16th century. The Moros, on their part, did not overlook the alliance between the Ilonggos and the Spaniards—and led to the development of a well-founded enmity between the "Bisaya" and the "Moro".
The struggle against the Spaniards in Western Visayas during the closing decade of the Spanish rule, further attested to the "kaisog" of the Ilonggos. It must be recalled that the Ilonggos were among the first to rise up in arms against the Spanish colonizers outside of Luzon. Very significant is the fact that the last Spanish governor-general surrendered to the Ilonggos in Plaza Libertad (formerly Plaza Alfonso XII) in Iloilo City in December 1898. When the Americans took over, it took some time for them to deal with the determined Ilonggo resistance before they were able to settle down in the task of colonization.
It can be said, therefore, that the Ilonggo-Bisaya are "mapisan" because Panay Island was the site of early centers of population in the Philippines. Thus, the people had to work hard to support the increasing number of inhabitants and the flourishing trade with other islands, as well as with the Chinese and other Asians. Due to its strategic and importance, Iloilo especially became the administrative and ecclesiastical capital Western Visayas during the Spanish period. Consequently, there were more economic and political activities in the Province and some Ilonggos were appointed to serve in the colonial government early in time.
Their being "maisog", on the other hand, can be attributed to their historical experiences. In early times, they were engaged in their inter-baranganic warfare and were also constantly harassed by the Moros from the south. Because of their courage and bravery, they were utilized by the Spanish colonizers as warriors and sailors. Yet, they also staged uprisings led by their datus and babaylans against the Spaniards from the very start. Their being "maisog" can also be explained by their being a proud and freedom-loving people.