AS THE nation marks the 161st birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio on Saturday, November 30, 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to contribute to freeing the country from “the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other societal ills.”
Bonifacio born on November 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, is regarded as the father of the Philippine Revolution. Bonifacio’s leadership and courage led to several uprisings, most notably the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896.
Marcos said that the life and heroism of the Supremo of the Katipunan continue to inspire Filipinos to stand up against tyranny and break free from the chains of oppression.
“Coming from humble beginnings, it did not deter him from realizing his dreams and goals for our country,” Marcos said.
“With his courage, he lit the flames of the Philippine Revolution, which finally united our land and emboldened many to lay down their lives willingly for the cause of our motherland against the colonizers,” he added.
Bonifacio’s leadership of the Katipunan, a revolutionary society that fought for Philippine independence from Spanish rule, was highlighted by the President as a powerful example of the Filipino spirit of resistance and sacrifice.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us remember the legacy of sacrifice that he and our forebears have demonstrated. We owe them a debt of gratitude for awakening our nationalist consciousness, upholding our sense of identity, and rousing our spirit of self-determination,” Marcos said.
Marcos said that Bonifacio may have been long gone, but his fight carries on.
“His courage, selflessness, and determination continue to inspire us all to strive for greatness in our shared task of nation-building. Let us honor his memory by finding a deeper meaning in his sacrifice and doing our part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other ills of society,” the President said.
“With patriotism, discipline, and love for one another as our guide, let us build a better Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino lives in genuine peace, progress, and harmony,” Marcos added.
Several progressive groups staged protests on Saturday, demanding that the government address key issues such as rising wages, widespread corruption, and other pressing socio-economic concerns under the Marcos administration.
Activists said these issues must be prioritized to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos and ensure a more just and equitable society. (JGS/SunStar Philippines)
