Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna called on the Filipino people to become significant instruments to nation-building during the commemoration of the 159th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio held at the Bonifacio monument in Tondo, Manila.

The Manila mayor also appealed for unity behind duly-elected officials of the land in order to ensure success in governance that would redound to the benefit of everyone.

Present in the said event were Vice Mayor John Marvin Yul Servo Nieto, city councilors, relatives of Gat Andres Bonifacio, Alvin Alcid of the Pambansang Komisyong Pangkasaysayan ng Pilipinas, Division of City Schools Superintendent Dr. Magdalena Lim, Jessica Santos of Tutuban Properties Inc. and representatives from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines and the Order of the Knights of Rizal.

The lady mayor enjoined everyone to emulate Bonifacio, who put love of country above all, setting aside his personal interests and welfare to the point of losing his life.

She added that Filipinos showed strength and resilience during the height of the pandemic for the past two and a half years and should continue to face the challenges on a day-to-day basis not only for themselves but for their families.

Lacuna said that the only certain source of hope and assistance is the government
— both local and national — and officials who continuously strive to help and deliver services and programs to alleviate the problems brought about by the pandemic.

She also stressed the importance of cooperation, involvement and support of the public and in the case of Manila, its residents.

Servo, for his part, cited the sacrifices made by Bonifacio for the country and went on to also cite that as a lady doctor, Lacuna could live comfortably but chose a more complicated path just to be of service to others.

Meantime, various militant groups held a rally at Arroceros Street and Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church.

According to the Manila Police District, the simultaneous rally were held at 9 a.m. and the Quiapo assembly was attended by members of ACT Alliance of Concerned Teacher, KADAMAY, NNARA YOUTH, KMP-Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas, ANAKBAYAN led by Obet de Castro.

The Arroceros rally, on the other hand, was led by Atty. Luke Espiritu.

The MPD estimated that around 1,000 attended the Arroceros rally while 800 people attended the Plaza Miranda assembly.