Learn more about the history of the Baybayin script, an ancient writing system in pre-colonial Philippines
Baybayin, with the root word baybay meaning "to spell", is an ancient writing system. Based on written accounts and research gathered over the years, it is suggested that the Baybayin script was being used by the residents of the archipelago during the pre-colonial period.
The use of Baybayin
Long before the Spanish colonisation, Baybayin was believed to be used across the Philippines, particularly in Luzon. Although scholars had difficulty in tracing the date when the script was first used, many would claim that the Baybayin script was most likely derived from one source, considering that most of the scripts that were found in Luzon, Palawan, and Visayas had similar features.