PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday encouraged the Filipino nation to reflect on the life and sacrifice of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, as the country commemorated the 161st Bonifacio Day.
In his message, Marcos urged Filipinos to honor Bonifacio’s memory by finding deeper meaning in his sacrifice and contributing to the nation’s progress by fighting hunger, corruption, criminality, and other societal issues.
“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,” the President said.
Marcos also highlighted Bonifacio’s humble beginnings, noting that despite his modest roots, Bonifacio was undeterred in pursuing a better future for the country.
“Today, we honor the life and heroism of the Supremo of the Katipunan and Hero of the Masses, who organized and inspired Filipinos to rise against tyranny and break the chains of oppression,” the President added.
The President reflected on how Bonifacio’s courage ignited the Philippine Revolution, uniting the nation and inspiring many to sacrifice their lives for the cause of independence.
Marcos called on Filipinos to remember the legacy of Bonifacio’s sacrifice and the nationalist spirit he and other heroes awakened in the Filipino people.
“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.
“Gat Andres 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.”
The President concluded by wishing Filipinos a “meaningful and inspiring remembrance” of Bonifacio’s life and legacy.