Summary of Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay - Working Women of Manila in the 19th Century

Main Ideas and Concepts

The presentation by Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay focuses on the roles and occupations of women in Manila during the 19th century, particularly highlighting their contributions to the economy and society. The discussion is framed within the context of Women's Month, emphasizing the historical significance of women's work in the urban landscape of Manila.

Key Objectives

To explore the principal occupations of women in the suburbs of Manila during the 19th century.
To analyze data from the "vicindarios," which are historical records listing inhabitants and their occupations.

Methodology

Data Collection: The study utilized "vicindarios" from 1886-1887 to extract information on women's occupations.
Categorization: Women were categorized based on their age, marital status, and occupation.
Collaboration: The research involved assistance from research assistants who helped organize and analyze the data.

Leading Occupations of Women

Cigarrera (Cigar Rollers)
- Women rolled cigars, a job that became prominent after the establishment of the tobacco monopoly in 1781.
- They were preferred over men due to their perceived honesty and skill.
- The industry was significant for exports to Europe and India.
Custurera (Seamstresses)
- Essential for producing clothing and textiles, working in homes and for various clients.
- Their wages varied based on clientele, with foreigners often paying more.
Lavandera (Laundry Workers)
- Collected and laundered clothes, often working in proximity to the Pasig River.
- Paid approximately 10 pesos monthly.
Indera (Vendors)
- Included various types of street vendors, such as those selling milk (lecheras) and fish (tinderas).

Unique Occupations by Region

Plateras: Women engaged in silver crafting, particularly in specific areas like Campo.
Bordeadoras: Embroiderers found mainly in Hermita and Malate, known for their intricate work.

Conclusion

Dr. Camagay concludes that the presence and significance of women in the workforce were greater than previously recognized. The cigarreras, in particular, were seen as the first factory workers in Manila, contributing to both local and international markets. Their roles, alongside those of seamstresses and laundry workers, provided essential services to the community, highlighting the economic and social contributions of women in 19th-century Manila.

Featured Speakers/Sources

Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay: Primary speaker and researcher.
Dave Lazada: Invited Dr. Camagay to speak.
Miss Alfaro: Moderated the presentation.
Brielle: Assisted Dr. Camagay with the presentation.
Dennis Santiago and Maria Cleofe Marpa: Research assistants who helped analyze the vicindarios.

Notable Quotes

— 02:08 — « The cigarettes were the first factory workers of Manila. »

— 03:57 — « For me, the cigarettes were the first factory workers of Manila. They were known for their skill in growing cigars. »

— 04:00 — « I realized this because there's a book written by Otto Mussingberg who said that some of the Dutch recruited cigarettes in the Philippines and were sent to Surabaya in Indonesia to teach the women there to roll cigars. »