<P> The first recorded visit by Europeans is the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan . He sighted Samar Island on March 16 , 1521 and landed the next day on Homonhon Island , now part of Guiuan , Eastern Samar . Spanish colonization began with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi 's expedition on February 13 , 1565 from Mexico . He established the first permanent settlement in Cebu . Much of the archipelago came under Spanish rule , creating the first unified political structure known as the Philippines . Spanish colonial rule saw the introduction of Christianity , the code of law and the oldest modern university in Asia . The Philippines was ruled under the Mexico - based Viceroyalty of New Spain until Mexican independence . After which , the colony was directly governed by Spain . </P>
<P> The first recorded visit by Europeans is the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan . He sighted Samar Island on March 16 , 1521 and landed the next day on Homonhon Island , now part of Guiuan , Eastern Samar . Spanish colonization began with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi 's expedition on February 13 , 1565 from Mexico . He established the first permanent settlement in Cebu . Much of the archipelago came under Spanish rule , creating the first unified political structure known as the Philippines . Spanish colonial rule saw the introduction of Christianity , the code of law and the oldest modern university in Asia . The Philippines was ruled under the Mexico - based Viceroyalty of New Spain until Mexican independence . After which , the colony was directly governed by Spain . </P>
who came first as permanent settlers in the philippines
who came first as permanent settlers in the philippines
Miguel López de Legazpi 's expedition
Miguel López de Legazpi 's expedition