Advancing Vocational Education in Colonial Philippines: The Sociedad Económica de los Amigos del País and the Establishment of Escuela Profesional de Artes y Oficios

Abstract

Background: Philippine historiography has not given much attention to the history of engineering education in the country. This study considers vocational and technical education during the Spanish colonial period as a foundation of engineering education. It examines the role of the Sociedad Económica de los Amigos del País and, later, the Escuela Profesional de Artes y Oficios in promoting vocational and technical education. Methods: This study utilizes primary sources, such as laws related to the Sociedad, reports from former directors of the Escuela found in online archival repositories, and secondary sources for contextualization. Results: Findings reveal that the Escuela, institutionalized vocational and technical education by integrating theoretical and practical training in engineering and industrial skills. Most of the school's faculty were military engineers or officers who shaped students' competencies. Enrollment trends indicate a strong demand for vocational education, although completion rates remained low. Conclusion: The establishment of the Escuela reflects Spain’s economic motivations and its alignment with global trends in industrial education. It served as a foundational institution bridging traditional apprenticeship and formal technical training.