alipin

Alipin refers to a historical social class system that existed in the Philippines, particularly during the Spanish colonial period (1565–1898). The term originates from the Spanish word *alguacil*, meaning "constable" or "officer," and was used to describe individuals who served as intermediaries between the Spanish colonial authorities and the indigenous population. Alipins were often indigenous Filipinos who were granted certain privileges in exchange for their loyalty and service to the Spanish crown, such as assisting in law enforcement, collecting taxes, or providing labor.

The role of an alipin was distinct from that of a slave (*alipin sa gigiló*), though the two terms were sometimes conflated in colonial records. Alipins were not slaves by definition but were bound by obligations to the Spanish authorities or local *haciendas* (estates). Their status was semi-free, allowing them to own property or engage in trade, though they remained subordinate to Spanish officials and landowners.

By the late 19th century, as Philippine society evolved and resistance to Spanish rule grew, the institution of alipinage declined. The Philippine Revolution (1896–1898) and subsequent reforms under American colonial rule (1898–1946) further dismantled the remnants of this system. Today, the term is primarily of historical significance, studied in the context of colonial-era social structures and the broader dynamics of power and labor in the Philippines.

The concept of alipin has also been referenced in modern discussions about indigenous rights, labor history, and the legacy of colonialism in the Philippines. Some scholars argue that the alipin system reflected a hierarchical social order that persisted long after Spanish rule, influencing contemporary labor and class divisions.