On This Day - July 16, 1844 - Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, a native of Gerona of Biscayan origin, became Governor-general of the Philippines

On July 16, 1844 Narciso Claveria y Zaldua, a native of Gerona of Biscayan origin, became Governor-general. His term was marked with several reforms and accomplishments.

He corrected the calendar of the Philippine in 1844, established military library in February 15, 1846, the first steam war vessels was brought to the Philippines from London in 1848. It was also during his term when the Manila paper La Esperanza ( December 1, 1846) and Diario de Manila (1848) were printed. Claveria also founded a casino called Sociedad de Recreo in October 31, 1844.

Regular clergy were forbidden to alienate property on November 11, 1849. Most notably, surnames were given to native Filipinos on November 21, 1849 (some accounts say November 11, 1849) during his term.

Claveria returned to Spain and was succeeded by Antonio Maria Blanco who served on a temporary capacity.

Reference:
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803, Volume 1, number 17, Blair, Emma Helen, ed. d.1911.