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Published: December 12, 2010

As the conquest and settlement of the country went on, the Spanish government in the Philippines founded cities. Several big towns were created into cities governed under special charters. The first city to be established was Cebu. It was founded by Legaspi in 1569.

The second city to be set up was Manila. It was founded on June 24, 1571. Other cities founded early in the Spanish regime were Nueva Segovia (in Cagayan Province), Nueva Caceres (now Naga), Arevalo (now a part of Iloilo City), and Villa Fernandina (now Vigan). These cities were the centers of social, cultural, and religious life in each region. Each had a government different from those of the neighboring towns.

The city government was called ayuntamiento, the equivalent of the present city hall. The city officials were two alcaldes ordinarios (the mayor and vice-mayor), eight regidores (councilors), a secretary, and two alguaciles (sheriffs).