DATOS ACERCA DE LOS ESTUDIOS GEOLOGICOS REALIZADOS EN FILIPINAS EN LA EPOCA COLONIAL

A general overview about the development of the geological studies made in Philippines during the period of Spanish dominion of the country is shown in this article. The main contributions to the understanding of the geology of the Archipelago are reviewed, ranging from the isolated 17th and 18th century references to the scientific research carried out by Spanish and foreign authors in the 19th century. The works made by the mining engineers Jose Centeno and Enrique Abella are especially emphasized. The late introduction of this type of studies is essentially explained on the basis of the peculiar characteristics of the Archipelago and of political and economical factors.