Conquest and colonization of the archipelago was not an easy task for the ruling Spaniards as they have made not a few enemies who were intent of sabotaging their efforts. Not only are the enemies limited within the country but outside powers like other European colonizers were lusting to expand as well. To cite a few:

• hostile tribes who refused Spanish rule like the Caraga of Surigao and some mountain tribes in Cagayan have to be fought off or prevented from attacking the established settlements and towns
• with the rise to power of the Sulu Sultanate aided in part by the British and the flourishing of Batavia (Jakarta in Indonesia) as center of trade, and thus the need for more human capital led to the Muslim slave raids during the onset of the habagat (southwest monsoon) in the 17th and 18th centuries and thus affecting greatly the development of many coastal towns in Luzon and the Visayas and some parts of Mindanao
• the British, Dutch, Chinese and local pirate attacks (the latter was more of taking advantage of the fear brought out by the Muslim slave raids) were constant threats

Spanish interests and the gains made in Christianizing the inhabitants have to be protected and thus, a series of forts, fortified churches and convents and a string of watchtowers were erected across the country.

Of these structures, only those made of stone and mortar mostly survive today. Unfortunately, except for some major forts and a few watchtowers which are still in good condition, many have been demolished to give way to modern constructs. Several are crumbling, like the one from Daanlungsod in Oslob (pictured above) and rotting as these are overgrown with vegetation and further weakened. The Linapacan fort in Northern Palawan is an example. Subject to the elements, those found at the coasts are at the mercy of the advancing sea or in the case of a fort in Zambales, eventually covered with lahar. A few still are titled together with the land to foreigners and resort owners who convert it into rooms for paying clients.

There is a need to preserve what remains of these fortifications as these are a part of our rich colonial past.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph was published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

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