MANILA, Philippines (Updated 12:44 p.m.) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. commemorated the 159th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Andres Bonifacio, hoping the public will be inspired by his service for the country.
Bonifacio founded the Katipunan, who led the rebellion against former colonizer, Spain. He is called the “Father of the Philippine revolution.”
Related Stories
“May his life serve as a reminder that each one of us may be a hero in our own ways,” Marcos said in a speech on Wednesday.
In a separate statement, Marcos also reminded the public of the challenge the nation faces in ensuring that the freedom Bonifacio and his people fought for remains intact. The chief executive called on the public to “remain vigilant in protecting our country from the social ills and other elements that threaten our liberties.”
President Marcos urges Filipinos to remain vigilant in protecting the country from social ills and other threats to liberty in his message for the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio | via @alexisbromero pic.twitter.com/IpncB6As5y
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) November 30, 2022
Romualdez to Pinoys: Contribute to nation-building
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez also called on Filipinos to play a part in nation-building by being law-abiding citizens and ensuring that they fulfill their duties to their communities and their respective families.
“We honor the sacrifices of our heroes by performing our respective civic duties and each contribute to nation-building and in doing so, we become heroes of our time,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.
Duterte: Bonifacio as inspiration to work on a ‘better life for all’
Vice President Sara Duterte also hoped that Bonifacio’s love for country would also inspire Filipinos in working together to achieve a “better life for all” and bring a “deep sense of patriotism” as individuals work together to shape the country’s future, with selfessness and bravery.
"May the fire he [Bonifacio] started in the name of freedom rekindle a deep sense of patriotism among us as we usher in a future strongly forged by our unyielding solidarity and our own acts of selflessness, courage, and bravery for our country and our fellow Filipinos," she added.