Dela, Paz John Jervin P.

GED0102 – SEC 98

“The Gap Between Illustrados, Local Public Intellectual, and the Masses”

The History of our country, the Philippines had a long journey of creating people with their intellectual
and leadership. These people made and produced contributions that are significant to the country in terms
of politics, social status, and cultural aspect. Going back to the time when Spanish period, there has been
a group of Filipinos that are educated and totally emerged, engaged, and active which is called the
“Illustrados”. Being said, these people gave a lot of contributions for the country specifically for the
independence of the Philippines from the Spanish colony. In the said assessment, there are modern
publich intellectuals or thought leaders which are also historians named: Xiao Chua, Ambeth Ocampo,
Randy David (which is also a sociologist), and Richard Heydarian also known as a political analyst.
These people are serving as the “Modern Illustrados” in our day. Upon doing this, it came up to a point
wherein they faced difficulties – by not being appreciated by the masses.

Now, focusing on the similarities that I think is true and a fact between the “Illustrados” and the Local
Public Intellectuals or Thought Leaders stated above:

Upon comparing their educational background, before, “Illustrados” were taught and educated in Europe
and as time goes by, they are being exposed and enlightened to the ideas, to the algorithm that has shaped
and sharped their mind in thinking about the freedom and independence that the Philippines and Filipino
badly needed from Spain itself. On the other hand, the local public intellectuals graduated and received
their education from the top universities in the Philippines and from other countries/abroad. Mr. Randy
David got his Ph.D. from the Cornell University, Mr Richard Heydrian graduated from University of
British Columbia pursuing his graduate studies. Upon mentioning this, the education illustrados and the
modern intellectuals had has allowed them to develop, deepen, and comprehend a lot the situation of the
Philippines wherein it allowed them to grow much more into fighting for the Philippines’ independence.

Moving forward with the changes they wanted for the Philippines and the people living thereSince then,
the "Ilustrados" have been part of the propaganda pathfinders whom the writing inspired the late-
nineteenth-century Philippine Revolution. The middle and working class and municipal elites of Manila
played an active role in the Philippine Revolution. It became their agenda that social change should be
their advocacy. Similarly, the local public intellectuals used their knowledge and deep understanding to
create, and challenge the status quo for reform in aspects such as culture, in politics, and also in justice.
Great example on this is Ms. Ambeth Ocampo, known as a historian, she has been open and vocal about
the vital role of accuracy when its about history. Upon knowing these things, she has written about the
country’s history and past. On the other hand, Richard Heydrian is now taking a step for the better
Dela, Paz John Jervin P.
GED0102 – SEC 98

governance while being transparent and being honest in the government. He is now making a voice
through his published books and statements.

On the other aspect of this activity, there are reasons that made appreciation a difficult one for them.
Despite all the contributions they have done and still doing for the Philippines and the Filipinos, both the
“Illustrados” and the local public intellectuals are facing difficulties in terms of appreciation by the
masses – the Filipinos.

The use of language is also a problem or challenge. Since both of the stated group of people had an elite
education, the use of technical language brought difficulty for the people who are listening to them. Not
all people have the same comprehension hence understanding. Even though “Illustrados” and Local
public intellectuals are fond of using their words (Such as jargons, language in academics and many
more), average audiences often do not understand things. Human interaction is a kind of social
interaction. It is a vital component of the way we live lives. It is the barter of idea from one person to
another, knowledge, opinion, facts, and experiences/phases from a sender to a receiver. Language barriers
result in numerous issues or obstacles in healthcare system, air transport, water transportation, business,
and education. It can lead in a lack of curiosity and interaction with discussion and debate, which further
broadens the disparity between individuals.

Drawing the conclusion, both local public intellectuals and “Illustrados” have their similarities in terms of
educational background and the awaiting change they want for the Philippines’ social status. On the other
hand, despite all the similarities they have and the contributions they have done for the country, they also
face difficulties in showing the country what they wanted to pursue – the advocacy for change and
independence. This is not just a simple difficulty but it is about not being appreciated by the masses. By
all means, language barrier is not just the reason but I think it is one of the main reasons why people have
lacked of appreciation. Importantly, we must not forget how much they have done for the country. It is
essential to recognize them and their doings to the country.
Dela, Paz John Jervin P.
GED0102 – SEC 98

Reference:

David, R. (2022, August 14). Education and the state of the Filipino family.
INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/156039/education-and-the-state-of-the-filipino-family

Alfonso Ralph Mendoza Manalo. (2022, February 7). Ilustrado, revolutionaries or accomplices of the
Spanish empire: The ContestedInfluence of Filipino Ilustrados on Philippine national independence
(1872-1898). Synergy: The Journal of Contemporary Asian
Studies. https://utsynergyjournal.org/2022/02/06/ilustrado-revolutionaries-or-accomplices-of-the-spanish-
empire-the-contestedinfluence-of-filipino-ilustrados-on-philippine-national-independence-1872-1898/

Caroline S. Hau. (n.d.). Elites and Ilustrados in Philippine culture. Filipino Food Crawl. Ateneo De
Manila Press. https://www.filipinofoodcrawl.com/merch/elites-and-ilustrados-in-philippine-culture

BUARQOUB, I. (2019). Language barriers to effective communication. Sistema de Información

Científica Redalyc, Red de Revistas Científicas. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27962177008/html/