THE MASCUÑANA FAMILY: A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

by Prof. Rolando V. Mascuñana

History has it that the famous Galleon Trade gave exclusive rights only to Spaniards to engage in trade and industry in the Philippines. The termination of the Galleon Trade by Royal Decree of March 6, 1834 made the Philippines free to trade with other foreign countries and its ports open to alien shipping and international trade. The three Spanish Mascuñana brothers, Ramon, Ricardo, and Francisco along with a sister, Carmen saw ahead the bright future such decree offered for trade and commerce in the Philippines for it would open for them the possibility of partnerships with other nationals who had the right capital to make economic investments in the country.