President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday encouraged all Filipinos to continue the revolution started by Gat Andres Bonifacio by fighting corruption, illegal drugs and other social ills that beset the country.
“Today 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.
“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,” he added.
The country yesterday marked the 156th anniversary of Bonifacio, who was born in 1863 in Tondo and fought for independence from Spanish colonial rule.
Even in death, the President said Bonifacio’s great sacrifice “persists to ignite the spark of meaningful change” that can bring the country to greater heights.
“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. I urge everyone to emulate his love for country in our endeavors as we bring to life the strong and progressive Philippines that he had envisioned for us all,” Duterte said.
Bonifacio was one of the founders of the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), and later became the organization’s supreme leader.
“I urge everyone to emulate his love for the country in our endeavors as we bring to life the strong and progressive Philippines that he had envisioned for us all,” Duterte added.
The hero was executed on May 10, 1897 at the age of 33 under the orders of Emilio Aguinaldo for alleged treason. Vito Barcelo and PNA