Up to this day, we are challenged to continue his revolution.

Hero jumps out With a major revamp done by city government, the Bonifacio Shrine near Manila has come to life. ROMAN PROSPERO

The fervor for nationalism that the revolution against Spain instilled in Filipinos should persist to lead the nation to the path of progress, President Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday to mark the 156th birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.

At the Bonifacio shrine in Caloocan, the President extolled the hero’s courage in facing insurmountable odds that continue to inspire in the pursuit of a truly independent Philippines.

“Up to this day, we are challenged to continue his revolution as we liberate ourselves from corruption, criminality, terrorism, illegal drugs and other social ills that continue to plague our society,” the President added in a statement.

Filipinos were urged to emulate Bonifacio’s love for country as the President vowed his government will bring to life the strong and progressive Philippines that he had envisioned.

“It is an auspicious occasion to reflect on Andres Bonifacio’s legacy of awakening the Filipino consciousness to fight for our freedom and build an entire nation. The Father of the Philippine Revolution has taught us to embody patriotism and take a stand against our oppressors through the civic duties we fulfill as citizens of this great country,” the President said.

The President said even in death, Bonifacio’s great sacrifice persisted to spark meaningful change.

“It is through Andres Bonifacio’s courage and selflessness that we have become an independent and vibrant nation that advances ever forward to the future,” the President said.

“Long live Gat Andres Bonifacio and the mother country!” the Chief Executive noted.

For his part, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo encouraged the people to become “the new heroes of this generation in Bonifacio’s mold to pave the way for love of country that will propel this nation and country to progress and prosperity, under a regime of peace, security and a life of comfort for all Filipinos,” he noted.

“Our identity as a people is rooted in the revolution the Great Plebeian started in his younger years. As heirs to this worthy cause, it is but fitting that we emulate his revolutionary fervor and continue with the struggle he pursued, together with the other heroes, for the emancipation of our countrymen from foreign dominion,” Panelo said.

“As we pay tribute to the Father of Philippine Revolution, let us be inspired of his life and his bravery as the remnants of society’s ills in his time continue to haunt us, even as they remain an obstacle to unchain us from the bondage of poverty and corruption plus the evolved modern twin evil of illegal drugs and terrorism,” he said.

“God bless the Philippines. God bless the Filipinos. Let us love one another,” he added.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano equated Bonifacio’s heroism to the effort of Filipino athletes in the ongoing Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

“Today, we celebrate the birth of one of our greatest national heroes, Gat Andres Bonifacio, who was known for his courage and love for the Philippines. Coincidentally, we also celebrate the heroic feats of our Filipino athletes who continue to raise the country’s flag through sports,” Cayetano said.

“These national athletes embody the virtues of Bonifacio. They exude courage every time they fight in their respective sports events. And they do so with the goal of bringing honor to the Philippines,” he expressed.

“Our athletes are heroes in their own way because of the tremendous pride they bring to our nation. They deserve all the praise they can get from their fellow Filipinos, especially now that the 30th SEA Games is officially starting today,” he added.