Bonifacio statue to rise at Plaza

CEBU, Philippines - On his 150th birth anniversary, Philippine National Hero Andres Bonifacio will have a five-foot statue at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City.

No amount will be spent by the Cebu City government as the National Historical Commission (NHC) is the one spending for the monument, which would be unveiled on November 30, when the country observes Andres Bonifacio Day.

Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) officer Trifon Sode said what is only required of City Hall is the passage of an “ordinance of acceptance”.

He said the monument would be erected near the Veterans marker facing the National Telecommunication  building, which is just a stone’s throw away from City Hall.

Sode said CHAC and NHC decided to erect the monument near the Veterans marker because of its historical significance.

“Dinhi nga area niagi ang mga Spaniards during the Tres de Abril battle human sila mi-surrender as they embarked sa galleon that was shipped to Manila,” he explained.

He said unveiling would be held during Bonifacio’s birthday on November 30.  CHAC is responsible in the naming of all historical sites within Cebu City.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, CHAC chairman, said the monument would be important in the lives of the Cebuanos, as it would remind them of the nobleness in offering one’s life for a greater cause.

“Ang atong mga katawhan labi na ang atong mga kabatan-onan importante nga di gyod makalimot ug mawala sa ilang panumduman ang bayanihong gibuhat ni (It is important that our people, especially the young, should not forget and erase from their memories the heroic deeds of) Andres Bonifacio in fighting for freedom, democracy, and against foreign subjugation,” he said.

Labella said the monument is a fitting tribute because Bonifacio fought for independence and it would be erected at Plaza Independencia.

Unlike Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Bonifacio was for waging war with the Spaniards, and even led the tearing of cedulas in what history books refer to as Cry of Pugadlawin, which signify their rejection of foreign rule.

Bonifacio, however, was ordered killed by the newly-created revolutionary government headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, after Bonifacio rejected the election of the officers. (FREEMAN)