‘Emulate Bonifacio’s patriotism’

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno commemorated yesterday the 158th birth anniversary of Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio, urging the public to emulate his patriotism.

In a speech during the ceremony at Liwasang Bonifacio, Moreno called medical frontliners the country’s modern-day heroes.

“We recognize them today because some of them paid the ultimate price serving our people,” Moreno, who is running for president in 2022, said.

Bonifacio was born in Tondo, Manila on Nov. 30, 1863.

Moreno also recognized the work of the city’s frontliners such as the police.

He urged the public to learn from history and be more discerning in the coming elections.

“We hope that someday, somehow, the lessons of the past will serve as a reminder to our youth today not to be deceived by words and stories being fed to them,” Moreno said in Filipino, as he also called for citizens to be united.

“Come together. Let’s work hand-in-hand,” he added.

Duterte: Emulate Bonifacio

President Duterte called on Filipinos yesterday to emulate Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty and love of country as the nation continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

In commemorating the 158th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, Duterte said the bravery and patriotism of Filipinos who fought for the country’s independence from foreign colonizers “must serve as our guiding post in beating the odds that hinder our progress as a people and as a nation.”

“I invite every Filipino to become a hero like Bonifacio by participating actively in our nation-building efforts, especially during these challenging times when we have to secure our nation’s health, safety and wellness,” Duterte said during a ceremony at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City.

“In this light, I call on our kababayans to emulate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty, courage and love of country in our daily lives even in the simplest ways. May we be challenged to give our very best for the benefit of our people and nation,” he added.

The President offered a wreath and posthumously conferred on Bonifacio the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Magalong.

Bonifacio’s great granddaughter received the award, which is conferred on officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

It was the second and last time that Duterte led the Bonifacio Day rites during his term. He attended the ceremony for the first time in 2019.

Duterte and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora also led the opening of “Ang Katipunan” and “Ang Pinaglabanan” murals in San Juan.

The murals aim to pay homage to the heroes of the Philippine revolution led by Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, Zamora said.

The murals were opened to the public yesterday, followed by a tour of the El Deposito reservoir, which served as the main water source of Manila and armory during the American and Japanese occupation.

Stand vs abuses

Vice President Leni Robredo said Bonifacio’s fight against injustice should inspire Filipinos to stand against abuses and powerful interests.

“Bonifacio’s acts remain relevant today, with his leadership that led to unity of Filipinos wanting change,” Robredo said. “He remains an inspiration and should be looked up to in the pursuit of justice and a humane society.”

Robredo said the sacrifice and heroism of Bonifacio should inspire and guide Filipinos against abuses of those in power.

House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza exhorted Filipinos to emulate the heroism of Bonifacio, who fought foreign powers to free Filipinos from colonization.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined the observance of Bonifacio Day.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino expressed hope that Bonifacio’s heroism would continue to inspire members of the military.

Centino attended the wreath-laying rites at the Pinaglabanan Shrine.

“To the men and women of the Armed Forces, may the patriotism and heroism of Andres Bonifacio empower us to remain faithful and steadfast in our mandate of protecting the people and securing the state,” Centino said. – Helen Flores, Pia Lee-Brago, Jose Rodel Clapano, Michael Punongbayan, Delon Porcalla