Marcos to youth: Emulate Mabini

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday urged the youth to be like Apolinario Mabini, who despite his physical disability and poverty made sacrifices for the country.

In his speech during the commemoration of the 160th birthday anniversary of Mabini in Tanauan, Batangas, Marcos said Mabini’s disability did not stop him from using his wisdom to fight the injustices and abuses committed by the Spaniards against Filipinos.

Aside from being called the Sublime Paralytic, Mabini is also known as the Brains of the Revolution.

“I call on the Filipino youth today to make Apolinario Mabini’s life an inspiration and example to strive in life,” Marcos said.

“Mabini (affirms) the thought that each of us has the ability to make a difference and take our own path to success, despite our circumstances and trials,” he said.

Marcos hailed Mabini for strengthening the country’s international relations by serving as the Philippines’ first prime minister and foreign affairs secretary.

“And when our First Republic was established, he served as the first prime minister and minister of foreign affairs wherein he displayed his vast knowledge, intellect and ability to strengthen our newly founded nation,” he said.

In honor of Mabini’s contribution to the foundation of the First Republic, a building was named after him at Malacañang.

In his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos mentioned Mabini and the measures being carried out by his administration to address the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Since he assumed office, Marcos said the government has been implementing various livelihood programs for PWDs. He said the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. would expand the benefits for children with disabilities by next year.

Despite his poverty, Mabini was able to finish law at the University of Santo Tomas in 1894. To survive, he taught Latin and served as a copyist in the Court of First Instance in Manila, according to the website of the National Council on Disability Affairs.

In 1896, Mabini contracted polio that paralyzed his legs.