 Professor Reynaldo C. Ileto has consistently
played a leading role in historical research with his focus on the Philippine
Revolution from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th
century. Professor Ileto has paid particular attention to the grass-root
masses and marginalized people of the society. This has enabled him to
provide a fresh perspective with a new view of the revolution that concentrates
on the ordinary people rather than the elites by gaining a deep understanding
of the spirit of those people who resisted colonial rule. He has also
actively expanded the scope of interdisciplinary study, linking his historical
research with research into literature, religion, and culture.
In his epoch-making
book, "Pasyon and Revolution: Popular Movements in the Philippines, 1840-1910"
(1979), Professor Ileto makes clear that the
Catholic teaching of the suzerain Spain was the reason behind why the
first anti-colonial and popular liberation movements and revolution in
Southeast Asia were able to obtain the widespread support and participation
of the people. The general public used the story of the tribulations
of Jesus Christ as a model of the righteous life to be followed. Drawing
inferences from that story, they could perceive the 300 years of Spanish
rule as evil and find the cause to stand up against it. Professor Ileto
vividly describes with sympathy the succession of popular movements under
charismatic leaders, which preceded the outbreak of the revolution.
In recent years, Professor
Ileto has harshly criticized the Orientalism of American researchers,
which is characterized by an approach and thinking
focused through the lens of their own Western culture. He has done this
by highlighting the role of the revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio
and taking issue with American scholars' tacit justification of the U.S.
intervention to and colonization of the Philippines. He has made immense
contributions by advancing the movement of anti-colonialism in knowledge,
thought, and spirit. Professor Ileto has successfully presented a self-portrait
of the history and culture of the Philippines which enables fellow Filipinos
to take pride in their own heritage without falling into a trap of narrow-minded
exclusionary nationalism. His sincere effort to eliminate still continuing
influences of the American colonial rule and domination has provided
a great stimulus and encouragement to researchers throughout Asia, including
Japan.
Aware of the duties and responsibilities of the critical intellectual,
Professor Ileto teaches the younger generation and pursues his stimulating
research through educational and research activities at many universities
and research institutes in Japan and the countries in the Asia-Pacific
region. His activities make him truly worthy of being recognized with
the Academic Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes. |
Lecture Archive
