Juan Dela Cruz History ((exclusive)) -

Throughout the American period, the portrayal of Juan Dela Cruz evolved from a simple name to a powerful political tool.

Initially, the name was used by Spanish authorities and the Catholic Church as a generic placeholder in legal documents or census records when an individual’s specific name was unknown or deemed unimportant. In its earliest form, Juan dela Cruz was a mark of anonymity—the "Average Joe" of a colonized archipelago. The American Influence: Giving the Name a Face juan dela cruz history