PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has called on Filipinos to “never lose sight” of Andres Bonifacio’s vision for a better and more progressive Philippines—as the nation pays tribute today to the Great Plebian, whose armed revolt sparked the Philippine revolution which overthrew the Spanish colonial regime.
“As we strive to give a peaceful, orderly and comfortable life for all, may we never lose sight of our shared vision for a better and more progressive Philippines,” Duterte said in his message dated Nov. 30.
“Like Bonifacio, let us light the flames of change that will bring about real and meaningful transformation in our nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it would release starting tomorrow new P5 coins with Bonifacio’s image.
The new coin will be released to coincide with the 120th anniversary of Bonifacio’s death and the 154th anniversary of his birth, the central bank said in a statement.
Thursday is a public holiday to mark the birth anniversary of one of the founders of the Katipunan, which fought for the Philippines’ independence from Spain in the late 1800s.
“Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ greatest heroes, Bonifacio was a fearless leader who founded the Katipunan, the secret society that ignited the flames of the revolution which finally led to the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898,” the BSP said.
Bonifacio’s image is currently on the P10 coin alongside that of fellow Katipunan leader Apolinario Mabini.
Duterte lauded Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution, for igniting the fires of revolt “that led to the foundation of our nation and brought freedom to our people.”
“As the heirs of his revolution, it is our solemn obligation to bring life to his aspirations and usher in an era of civic consciousness and nationalism,” he said.
He also called on Filipinos to join the fight to rid this nation of its present ills.
“At a time when the future of our country is at stake, all of us are called to become actively involved in nation building,” Duterte said.
“Let us fight to free ourselves from the grasp of corruption, criminality and illegal drugs; to liberate our people from the clutches of terror and violence; and to preserve our ideals, values and way of life.”
Bonifacio, born Nov. 30, officially “founded” the “Kataastaasang Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan,” or simply the “Katipunan” on the night of July 7, 1892—which sought independence from Spain through armed revolution.