The International Face of the Philippine Sugar Industry: 1836-1920

Abstract

The role of international trade in the development of the sugar industry in the Philippines is explored here. It is established that the formation of the Philippine sugar industry during the crucial 84-year period from 1836 to 1920 presents an example where outside forces supplied both the initial impulse for change and the guiding force of development. Moreover, Filipino entrepreneurship was essential for the creation of new sugar estates, and native labor transformed the Philippine jungle into prime agricultural land. These actions led to the creation of a sugar society decidedly colonial Filipino in structure, culture and outlook.