PRESIDENT Duterte, leading his last Bonifacio Day celebration as the country’s chief executive, yesterday told Filipinos to emulate Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio, one of the country’s heroes, for his love of country, bravery, and patriotism.
After leading the wreath-laying rites at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City, Duterte said each Filipino can be a hero by doing even the simplest thing in their daily lives. He said Filipinos can be like Bonifacio by participating actively in the government’s nation-building efforts, “especially those challenging times when we have to secure our nation’s health, safety and wellness.”
“In this light, I call on our kababayans to emulate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty, courage, and love of country in our daily lives, even in the simplest ways. May we be challenged to give our very best for the benefit of our people and nation,” he said.
Vice President Leni Robredo hailed Bonifacio as an icon of social justice as the country commemorated his 158th birth anniversary.
“Bonifacio stood up and served as an inspiration that many others followed. He served as an inspiration then and now: We look back at his example whenever we’re ready to risk all in the name of justice and in the pursuit of a humane society,” Robredo said in a statement.
Robredo, the opposition’s presidential aspirant, said Bonifacio embodies the masses that stand up against “powerful interests.”
“This is love that is ready to sacrifice and give everything. Let us put this into practice every day; in this way, we can forge a nation that our heroes have longed for),” she said.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Andres Centino expressed hopes the patriotism and heroism of Bonifacio will continue to inspire soldiers in performing their mandate of protecting the people and securing the state.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines joins the Filipino people in celebrating Andres Bonifacio Day as we pay tribute to the Father of the Philippine Revolution, whose patriotism and heroism left a legacy of liberty, dignity and sovereignty for our country and people,” said Centino.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described Bonfacio as “a man of lowly beginning who dared to dream of a free and independent Filipino nation.” — With Wendell Vigilia and Victor Reyes
