Video 48: BEN PEREZ, ERLINDA CORTES, BABY ZOBEL IN GERARDO DE LEON'S "ANG BAGONG MAESTRA" (1953)/ A SOCIAL COMMENTARY

Released in 1953, Gerardo de Leon’s “Ang Bagong Maestra” shows the harsh realities and images, the sad truth of the plights of our impoverished people, the poor of the poorest living in the remote barrios and the government’s inaction and neglect on their basic needs. This still holds true today. The movie is a social commentary and indictment on government insensitivity. But it also shows how the people rise by working side by side, in the spirit of bayanihan and unity.

After 10 years in Manila, Herman (Ben Perez) returned to his home town, a very big disappointment to his ailing father, a barangay captain, who pinned his hope on him for a better life not only to his family but to their barrio mates as well. With him was his articulate, young daughter, Ofelia (Baby Zobel).

The old man’s dream of his son to become a lawyer was doomed when the latter instead of finishing his studies, went to a good-time spree wastefully spending the money intended for his schooling. On his father’s death bed, Herman asked for forgiveness.

Herman also had to settle his differences with his former girlfriend, Nita (Erlinda Cortes), now a barrio school teacher in a run-down, dilapidated school house.

Herman and Nita met and both were still in love with each other after years of separation and no communication.

The duty of a barangay captain was passed on Herman and with a herculean task on his shoulder, he had no idea what his duties were. He was told and advised that he had to first call a council meeting among his town mates to find out the immediate problem. The barrio, located in a remotest part was in dire need of a good road to transport their goods and a refurbished school house for the children.

The council headed by Herman went to the mayor’s office for a dialogue. Regretfully, their requests were not acted upon. When Herman insisted on their demands, he was stripped of his post.

Herman, at this point in time, was in quandary. Her daughter didn't like the idea of staying a little longer in the barrio saying the place was dirty and the school house smelly and filthy. She’s not also comfortable with her teacher.

Ofelia wanted to go back to Manila. She became ill. Nita, all this time, was in her side taking good care of her.

With no help coming from the local government, Herman tried to talk to their barrio mates that they can do the jobs all by themselves. Spare portions of their lands for the use of the road and help in the building of the pathways and the school building. However, most of the people were reluctant and adamant saying that it’s not their duty but of the government. The government should pay them for the portion of the land.

With no help from most of his town mates, Herman and few of his trusted men started working, with four of them, it was impossible. Their effort was doomed from the beginning without support from the majority of the populace. Herman got ill due to severe exhaustion.

Nita, in desperation, called an emergency meeting. She told her barrio mates that she will be quitting her post as a school teacher. She also told them that what Herman was doing was for the good and betterment of all, to uplift their lives. What they need was their all-out support, for everybody to participate and lend a helping hand. Her call for unity was finally heeded by his town mates and soon all were working.

With Ofelia making amends with her father and saying sorry to her teacher, the movie ends with Herman and Nita realizing their dreams.