August 20

Born in Extremadura in 1502, Legazpi gained experience on voyages to the New World before being chosen by King Philip II to lead an expedition to Asia. In 1565, he made landfall in Cebu and established Spain’s first colonial foothold in the archipelago. He forged alliances with local rulers and laid the groundwork for Spanish governance. In 1571, Legazpi founded the city of Manila, which became the capital of the Philippines. As the first Governor-General, he organized the colonial administration, introduced European legal codes, and promoted the spread of Catholicism. Legazpi’s diplomatic skills and firm leadership secured Spain’s control over the islands. He died in Manila in 1572, leaving a lasting legacy as the architect of Spain’s Philippine colony.