Principalía
![Typical costume of a Principalía family of the late 18h century. Exhibit in the Villa Escudero Museum, San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines.](/Images/godic/202502/04/A_family_belonging_to_the_Principalia4332.JPG")
![Portrait of a pre‑conquest Visayan (Panay) noble couple depicted in Boxer Codex.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Visayans_34332.png")
![A golden belt worn by the Datu Class, found in Butuan Archeological Digs, which is now in display at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, Metro Manila.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Golden_Belt_usually_worn_by_the_Hindu,_Brahmi_Caste,_found_in_Butuan_Archeological_Digs4333.jpg")
![Portrait of a pre‑conquest Tagalog noble couple depicted in Boxer Codex.](/Images/godic/202502/04/Naturales_54333.png")
The Principalía or noble class was the ruling and usually educated upper class in the towns of Spanish Philippines, comprising the gobernadorcillo (who had functions similar to a town mayor), and the cabezas de barangay (heads of the barangays) who governed the districts. The distinction or status of being part of the principalía was a hereditary right. However, it could also be acquired, as attested by the royal decree of 20 December 1863 (signed in the name of Queen Isabella II by the Minister of the Colonies, José de la Concha).