The Spanish period in the Philippines began in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan arrived and colonization expanded in the following centuries. The Spanish contributed Christianity, elections, charities, taxation systems, fiestas, and introduced European education with the missionaries as teachers. They also attempted to convert natives and establish Spanish rule. The culture of the indigenous Subanen tribe is threatened by loss of biodiversity and genetic resources from environmental damage and displacement from their ancestral lands, complicating efforts to preserve their culture, traditions, and knowledge of herbal medicine. Supporting the language, cultural festivals, handicrafts like weaving, and partnerships with communities could help maintain Subanen culture.