About: Cabeza de barangay

A cabeza de barangay (literally "head of [the] barangay), also known as teniente del barrio, was the leader or chief of a barangay or barrio in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The post was inherited from the first datus who became cabezas de barangay when the many independent barangays became tributary vassals of the Spanish Empire. King Philip II of Spain, after whom the Philippines were named, decreed that the native nobility of the country should retain the honors and privileges they had before their conversion and subjection to the Spanish Crown.