‘Welfare of others above self’: Emulate Bonifacio - Hontiveros

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros yesterday challenged his fellow public servants and the rest of us to emulate Andres Bonifacio by working with integrity, upholding justice, and placing the welfare of others above oneself.

Hontiveros, chairman of the city’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), led the 161st birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio at Plaza Independencia, Cebu City along with North District Congresswoman Rachel del Mar, City Councilor Francis Esparis and CHAC Commissioner and former city councilor Arsenio Pacan?a.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia was unavailable to join the event for unknown reasons.

Hontiveros shared that for several times he had attended Bonifacio Day, it was only yesterday that he noticed that Bonifacio’s monument had his finger pointing out, like challenging him and the rest of the Filipinos.

 It could only be just an artist rendition of Bonifacio, but for Hontiveros, it was something else.

 "As I stayed there in front, I felt that in a way, he (Bonifacio) is challenging us…In way, he is reminding us, ‘I’ve done my part…Unsa man man puy inyong buhaton?’,” he said.

In their respective speeches during the ceremony, Esparis and Hontiveros look back on the humble beginnings of Andres Bonifacio, the "Father of the Philippine Revolution", he being a symbol of unyielding patriotism and courage.

“Bonifacio's humble beginnings in Tondo, Manila, and his rise to lead the revolutionary Katipunan, remind us that greatness is not defined by one's circumstances but by their actions and dedication,” Hontiveros said.

He said that Bonifacio’s life is a testament to resilience and determination to fight for our nation's freedom.

“On this Bonifacio Day, we are called to reflect on the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and to honor their legacy by continuing their work for a just and prosperous nation,” the vice mayor said.

 “His love for learning and his passion for the arts were as much a part of his revolutionary spirit as his leadership,” he added.

 “He wielded the power of words and ideas to awaken his countrymen's desire for freedom, translating powerful works like Ultimo Adios into Tagalog and penning essays that inspired action….He believed in the strength of an educated and empowered people, a belief that remains crucial in our pursuit of nation-building today,” he further said.

 Esparis, in his speech, said that the people’s enemy right now includes laziness and lack of concern for others and for the country.

With this, Hontiveros said, Bonifacio should serve as an inspiration “by nurturing our minds and hearts to better serve our communities.”

“As we celebrate Bonifacio Day, we are reminded of his deep sense of justice and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good…His example urges us to rise above divisions and challenges, to strive for unity and to work tirelessly for the collective progress of our nation. ..His story teaches us that true heroism lies in selfless service and an unrelenting commitment to what is right,” Hontiveros said.

He also called his fellow Cebu City Hall workers to reflect on Bonifacio's life.

 “His humility, sacrifice, and determination serve as a guide for how we can contribute meaningfully to our beloved city.... As public servants, we can emulate Bonifacio by working with integrity, upholding justice, and placing the welfare of others above our own.”