In regard to this work I certify, in so far as I may, as to its necessity and justice, for the welfare and amendment of all this country and community; and that it is a work worthy the royal heart of his Majesty, that it needs his royal and generous protection and favor, and that God our Lord through His poor, will be greatly served in it.

Luis Perez Dasmarinas

Therefore I affixed my seal in testimony of accuracy.

Gaspar de Azebo

[Endorsed:  “Inquiry in regard to the great advantage derived from the royal hospital of Manila, and in regard to the affirmation that the poor cannot be supported with its income.”]

Report Concerning the Filipinas Islands, and other Papers

A Report Concerning the Filipinas Islands, which it is Advisable to Settle and Pacify; and other Matters

Most potent Sire: 

Fray Francisco de Ortega [18] of the order of St. Augustine, visitor-general of the province of the Philipinas, and prior of the convent of the city of Manila, with desire and zeal for the service of God our Lord, and of your Highness, in order to inform you concerning the nature of the Philipinas Islands, which have rendered obedience to your Highness, and of what is advisable for their welfare and increase, and for the relief of your Highness’s royal conscience, makes the following declaration.

1.  That it will be of much import for your Highness to order the island of Mindanao, which is four hundred leguas in circuit, to be pacified and settled.  It is said that there are many people there who, when pacified, will need, according to the report made, at least eighty ministers for the conversion of those natives.  This said island lies to the south.  It produces a great quantity of cinnamon, which, if cultivated, will prove a source of great profit to the royal exchequer of your Highness.  This island is quite near those of Maluco, and the occupation of it will be very advantageous, because of what is said of the trade and commerce of the said Malucas Islands, of which we would thus gain practical knowledge.

2.  The island of Leyte lies in the same southern region.  It is sixty leguas in circumference.  It is apportioned to eight encomenderos, who have about five thousand Indians as tributarios.  The latter have up to this day never seen ministers of the gospel, and they have been paying tribute for over twenty years.  It is advisable, for the relief of the conscience of those encomenderos and the royal conscience of your Highness, that ministers be furnished.  For the conversion of those natives, ten ministers will be needed, counting one minister to each five hundred tributarios.  These latter will amount to ten thousand souls, but more rather than less, counting the women and children.