Bonifacio Monument to get makeover

MANILA, Philippines - The Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City will undergo renovation next year, Mayor Oscar Malapitan said yesterday.

Speaking during the observance of Bonifacio Day, Malapitan said he supports the proposal of Second District Rep. Edgar Erice in Congress to declare Andres Bonifacio as national hero. 

“The city council had declared Bonifacio an adopted son of Caloocan. It is only fitting to pass a law that will cement his legacy to the country by declaring him a national hero,” he said.

 Erice, for his part, expressed hope that his colleagues in the House will support his bill.

“We owe our independence and freedom to Bonifacio,” he said.

Erice wanted the historic landmark transformed into a shrine and museum.

The plan also involves converting the Bonifacio Monument into a sky park.

 Erice said at least P400 million will be spent for the renovation, which will take at least two years to finish.

He said if Congress would approve the budget, the project will takeoff in 2015 and could be finished before the term of President Aquino ends.

The monument was designed in 1933 by Guillermo Tolentino, National Artist for Sculpture, in honor of Bonifacio, dubbed as the Father of the Philippine revolution.

 Others who attended yesterday’s event were the grandchildren of Bonifacio and action star Robin Padilla, who plays the role of the Katipunan’s leader in his Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Ang Unang Pangulo” this month.