By the close of the 19th century, the political, economic and even the physical structure of Malinao conform to the classical colonial and feudal set-up existing throughout Christian Philippines. The layout of the Poblacion follows the classical Spanish town plan of the church facing the "municipio" with the plaza in between and streets laid out in grid pattern. The "principalia" partook of choice residential lots around the plaza. Their importance and influence reflected in the proximity of their lots to the center of power.