Phl needs everyday heroes – Noy

MANILA, Philippines - As the country reeled from natural and man-made disasters as well as controversies, President Aquino renewed his call yesterday for unity and urged the people to continue the revolution started by Andres Bonifacio by being everyday heroes.

Aquino made the appeal in a speech during the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, the father of the Philippine Revolution.

Also held yesterday were rites commemorating the 80th anniversary of the unveiling of one of the country’s most enduring landmarks, the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, designed and created by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino.

The President said the recent calamities had demonstrated the heroism of many ordinary Filipinos whose sacrifices had been a source of inspiration to countless people.

He said there can be no better occasion to remember the contributions of ordinary people in helping ease the sufferings of calamity victims and in bringing hope through volunteerism than the commemoration of the birth of Bonifacio and the sacrifices of his fellow revolutionaries.

“Isn’t this how we know Andres Bonifacio as a hero? He epitomizes the strength and courage of an ordinary Filipino facing or fighting challenges or obstacles,” Aquino said.

He said Bonifacio’s challenge to Filipinos is for them to continue the struggle – but this time against poverty, hunger and injustices.

“Continue the fight. We need not wait for our country to encounter a big problem or disaster before we act and unite,” he said.

Confronted by life’s challenges, Aquino said every Filipino must strive hard to uplift himself and others.

He said that just what the Katipunan had taught its followers, every good intention can bear fruit if nurtured with patience, perseverance, reason and hope.

The President said the government is doing its part in easing the sufferings of ordinary Filipinos, particularly the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

He said Filipinos were no strangers to calamities and other hardships but that they had proven their mettle in dealing with crises.

Aquino acknowledged the role of soldiers, policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses and the other nameless and faceless individuals who promptly joined relief efforts after the recent calamities.

“Indeed in this time of enormous challenge, many of us lived up to being true Filipinos,” Aquino said.

The President said Filipinos should draw inspiration from Bonifacio, who after being orphaned at a young age had to work hard to provide for his siblings – first by selling fans and canes and later by serving as warehouse man. Bonifacio joined the La Liga Filipina of national hero Jose Rizal before founding the Katipunan.

Cities honor Bonifacio

Quezon City officials held the rites commemorating Bonifacio’s 150th birth anniversary at the Bonifacio monument in Balintawak.

Rep. Kit Belmonte joined Mayor Herbert Bautista, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte in the commemoration rites.

The Katipunan’s declaration of open resistance to Spanish rule was believed to have been made in Pugadlawin or in Banlat, both of which are now part of Quezon City.

“Nowadays, we walk the path of our forefathers with ease as our rights have long been established, our freedoms protected,” Rep. Belmonte said.

“This does not mean though that there are no battles left for us to fight. The battles have just morphed into different forms. Perhaps, they have even become more complicated,” he said.

“We still fight against poverty, social injustice, oppression and even apathy. We fight for the safety and well-being of our families. We fight for the future generations. We fight for a life we can all be proud of,” said Belmonte.

In Manila, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada led the rites commemorating Bonifacio’s 150th birth anniversary.

Binay and Estrada jointly laid a wreath on Bonifacio’s shrine, near the Manila City Hall.

Binay said greater efforts should be made to make more Filipinos aware of the priceless contribution of Bonifacio to the country’s quest for freedom and independence.

For his part, Estrada said a separate subject about Bonifacio’s life, works, and writings should also be included in school curriculum.

Estrada even likened himself to Bonifacio, saying the latter was himself born in Tondo and a victim of a power grab involving a revolutionary officer surnamed Macapagal. He was apparently referring to Lazaro Macapagal, an officer in Emilio Aguinaldo’s Magdalo faction in the Katipunan, who led a band of men who executed Bonifacio and his brother Procopio in the mountains of Maragondon, Cavite in 1897.

Estrada singled out Macapagal apparently to highlight his being replaced after his ouster by another Macapagal – Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Quezon City and the cities of Muntinlupa, Taguig and Makati also held separate ceremonies to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the founder of the Katipunan.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the flag raising ceremony at the city hall compound attended by war veterans in the city.

Taguig City led by Mayor Lani Cayetano held several activities at the Bonifacio Global City as tribute to Bonifacio.

Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay led his constituents in commemorating the 150th birth anniversary also in Fort Bonifacio.

The Philippine Postal Corp. pitched in to honor Bonifacio by issuing stamps featuring the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.”

The new series of stamps was designed by Roderick Macutay of Pasig City, Julius Satparam of Legazpi City in Albay, John Mark Nathaniel Troncales of the Technical University of the Philippines, and Marrion Dabalos of Far Eastern University.

The commemorative stamps, each measuring 30 mm x 40 mm, were printed by Amstar Company Inc. The souvenir sheet that goes with the stamps measures 102.5 mm x 68 mm.

PhilPost produced 8,000 pieces of souvenir sheets to be sold for P150 each.

The stamps and other Bonifacio memorabilia will be available for sale at the Post Shop, Philately and Museum Division of the Manila Central Post Office at the Liwasang Bonifacio and at all regional post offices. – Aurea Calica, Janvic Mateo, Evelyn Macairan, Jose Rodel Clapano