Bongbong on Bonifacio Day: Emulate national hero

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on Filipinos to become "dutiful and law-abiding" citizens and emulate the patriotism of Andres Bonifacio as he led the commemoration of the 159th birth anniversary of the revolutionary leader from Tondo, Manila.

In his message in commemoration of Bonifacio's birth anniversary, Marcos called on his fellow Filipinos to honor the hero's life of "extraordinary selflessness by becoming dutiful and law-abiding citizens who will contribute towards a brighter and freer future for all Filipinos."

He urged the Filipino nation to become the "best version" of themselves, whose loyalty to the country is undying.

"Let us do our best to become the best version of ourselves, to be a Filipino whose loyalty and love of country would equal those of our national heroes, like Andres Bonifacio," he said during the event at the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.

Marcos praised Bonifacio's valor in fighting for Philippine freedom and standing against Spanish oppressors.

"His name will forever be etched in history, not only because he led the revolution but also because of his bravery and patriotism," he said.

Dubbed the "Father of the Philippine Revolution", Bonifacio was born on 30 November 1863.

He was one of the founders of the "Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan" or KKK — a secret Philippine revolutionary movement against Spanish colonizers.

The President said through the "bold ideas of the Father of the Philippine Revolution that our heroic ancestors were able to muster the will and the courage to fight their oppressors, thereby paving the way to our motherland's eventual emancipation."

He is hopeful that with the help of "modern-day heroes", such as doctors, nurses, state forces, and overseas Filipino workers, the country would continue to grow vigorously.

"While we continue to face challenges in modern times, may Bonifacio and our past and present heroes inspire us to achieve our goals," he said.

Wednesday's event at the Bonifacio Monument was the first commemorative rite that Marcos attended as the country's leader.

Be inspired

Meanwhile, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte expressed hope that Bonifacio's love for the country will inspire more Filipinos to be strong in overcoming difficulties.

"May his extraordinary love of our country continue to inspire us to be constantly united in overcoming the difficulties we face as a nation and realize our shared aspirations of a better life for all," she said.

"And may the fire he started in the name of freedom rekindle a deep sense of patriotism among us as we usher in a future strongly forged by our unyielding solidarity and our own acts of selflessness, courage, and bravery for our country and our fellow Filipinos," she said.

The President, together with Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo 'Along' Malapitan, led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan Wednesday.

In his speech, Mayor Along highlighted Bonifacio's courage and undying love for the nation and its people

Likewise, he called on his fellow Filipinos to unite and help one another amid the crisis of modern times.

"Our city is historic because it served as a refuge for our countrymen who fought to achieve Independence, one of whom was Gat Andres Bonifacio who ignited a revolution against the foreign invaders," he said.

Also present during the event were Sen. Robin Padilla, Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Manuel Lapid, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, District 1 Representative Oscar G. Malapitan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Rene Escalante, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, representatives of foreign dignitaries and members of civic and non-governmental organizations.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation and its attached agencies joined the nation in the commemoration.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the day serves as a reminder for all of us to shape a progressive and hopeful tomorrow for the next generations, by relentlessly realizing all the needed reforms and advancements in the country — just as how Gat Andres Bonifacio delivered his vision to the Filipinos.

"Let us remember his patriotism, leadership, and bravery with utmost honor and reverence, as he led the revolution for our independence — making our nation proud and free," he said.