"Benevolent Assimilation":American Neocolonialism And Philippine Pensionado Program (1903-1941)

On 26 August 1903,Philippine Pensionado Program was formally enforcement by Insular Government of the Philippine Islands,this program is important in the history of the Philippines.The first batch of Filipino students arrived in San Francisco by ship from Manila,led by William Sutherland,head of the Pensionado Program,and were properly accommodated in the United States.After a break,the Bureau of Insular Affairs assigned them to all schools.Filipino students in the United States in addition to their basic academic tasks,they were also widely involved in other social affairs.It is an important daily work for those students to set up progressive publications and propagate national consciousness and independent thought.They also actively participate in local associations to integrate into local society;during the period,they also coordinate the participation of the Philippines in the World□s Fair,independent missions to the United States and so on.Most of the students have a strong "enthusiasm for serving the country".In 1907,the first Filipino students returned to the Philippines,and after the qualification examination,they all entered the America Philippines colonial bureaucracy smoothly.After several years of experience as government employees,some pensionados choose to continue in politics,while others "display their talents".Politically,they accelerated the process of "Filipinization" and national independence;economically,they actively established national industry and popularized modern agricultural technology,improved infrastructure construction;and in the field of science and education,the introduction of American modern scientific concepts and advanced medical technology,the Philippines’ modern science and technology ushered in the dawn.Pensionados set up education,add Philippine elements,and promote the education sector "nationalization".The Pensionado Program opened the first step for Filipino women to study abroad.Although their number is small,it is of great significance.Pensionada in gynecology,education,women’s rights and other fields have made remarkable achievements.The successful implementation of this program had trained nearly 1,000 talents for the Philippines.In the field of education,the nationalistic education advocated by pensionados has promoted the enhancement of Filipinos □ national consciousness and national identity.This program has more or less shaped the virtuous path of social class jump,a useful supplement to the size of the new ilustrado class in the Philippines.However,it also caused the deepening of the degree of "Americanization" in Philippine society,and the local culture was facing a serious recession crisis.The Philippine Pensionado Program is one of the "Benevolent Assimilation"policies of the United States.It is set up by the United States based on the need of rule.Its primary purpose is to maintain the stability of the Philippine order and thus to"exploit" the Philippines to a greater extent,pursue America□s own interests.Objectively,the program is beneficial to the national construction of the Philippines and promotes its modernization.