Pila Historical Society Foundation Inc.
Title and Privilege
A Spanish villa is an honorary title, which carries with it certain privileges. The appellation comes with a coat of arms, a standard part of which originally depicted a territory fortified with a wall. In the 19th century, this medieval feature was discarded. In all his decrees, the king formally addressed the cities and the villas collectively as major divisions of the empire – “where the sun does not set.” ii
The villa is midway in importance and population between a city and a town. The first villas in Spain were organized in part to attract more residents to a selected place from the surrounding as well as distant areas. Like a city, they were entitled to an ayuntamiento or autonomous council though a city council is addressed as “Excelentísimo” (Most Excellent) whereas that of a villa, merely as “Ilustre” or “Muy Ilustre” (Very illustrious). In the Philippines, this privilege was dispensed with evidently due to financial constraints in the colony. In secular and religious functions, the villa’s representatives occupy a place of honor, which is towards the end of the line in parades and processions. iii
The villa is midway in importance and population between a city and a town. The first villas in Spain were organized in part to attract more residents to a selected place from the surrounding as well as distant areas. Like a city, they were entitled to an ayuntamiento or autonomous council though a city council is addressed as “Excelentísimo” (Most Excellent) whereas that of a villa, merely as “Ilustre” or “Muy Ilustre” (Very illustrious). In the Philippines, this privilege was dispensed with evidently due to financial constraints in the colony. In secular and religious functions, the villa’s representatives occupy a place of honor, which is towards the end of the line in parades and processions. iii