Honoring Bonifacio: A Call to Action for a Better Philippines
As the Philippines marks the 161st birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called upon Filipinos to embrace the revolutionary spirit of the national hero and play their part in building a better nation.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Resilience
In his message on Bonifacio Day, President Marcos highlighted the life and heroism of the revolutionary leader, who “organized and inspired fellow Filipinos to rise against tyranny and break the chains of oppression.” He celebrated Bonifacio’s courage and determination, which “lit the flames of the Philippine Revolution, which finally united our land and emboldened many to lay down their lives willingly for the cause of our motherland against the colonizers.”
A Shared Responsibility
“Let us honor his memory by finding a deeper meaning in his sacrifice and doing our part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other ills of society,” Marcos challenged his fellow Filipinos.
He reminded the nation of the enduring legacy of sacrifice demonstrated by Bonifacio and those who fought for Philippine independence. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for awakening our national consciousness, upholding our sense of identity, and rousing our spirit of self-determination,” Marcos said.
Carrying the Torch Forward
While acknowledging Bonifacio’s physical absence, President Marcos emphasized the enduring relevance of his struggle: “His fight carries on,” he asserted.
Marcos called on Filipinos to channel Bonifacio’s courage, selflessness, and determination to strive for greatness in the task of nation-building.
“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,” he urged.
A Day to Remember, A Day to Act
Marking the occasion, President Marcos declared November 30, 2024, as a regular holiday to commemorate Bonifacio Day. Born on November 30, 1863, Andres Bonifacio, widely recognized as “The Father of the Philippine Revolution,” holds a revered place in the nation’s history.
Bonifacio established and led the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement essential to securing the Philippines’ independence from Spanish colonial rule. This movement marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution.
How do Filipinos today embody Bonifacio’s “revolutionary spirit” in addressing modern challenges like inequality and corruption?
## Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez on Bonifacio Day
**(Introduction Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re marking the 161st birthday of Andres Bonifacio, a pivotal figure in Philippine history. Joining us to discuss the significance of Bonifacio Day and President Marcos’s message is Dr. Maria Lopez, a leading historian specializing in the Philippine Revolution. Dr. Lopez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Lopez:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** President Marcos called on Filipinos to embrace Bonifacio’s “revolutionary spirit” and actively work towards a better Philippines. What do you think he means by that, and how relevant is Bonifacio’s legacy in today’s world?
**Dr. Lopez:** I believe President Marcos is calling for Filipinos to embody the courage, determination, and commitment to justice that characterized Bonifacio’s life. Bonifacio didn’t just fight for independence, he fought for social justice and equality. He challenged the oppressive systems of his time and inspired countless Filipinos to rise up. Today, while the Philippines is an independent nation, we still face challenges like inequality, poverty, and corruption.
Bonifacio’s legacy reminds us that we have a responsibility to challenge those injustices and work towards a more equitable society. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrés_Bonifacio)]
**Host:** President Marcos also mentioned liberating the country from “shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality, and other ills of society.” Do you think Bonifacio would agree with those priorities?
**Dr. Lopez:** Absolutely. Bonifacio’s Katipunan, the revolutionary society he founded, wasn’t just about fighting for political independence. It addressed social issues and aimed to create a just and equitable society for all Filipinos. He recognized the interconnectedness of political freedom and social well-being. I think Bonifacio would strongly resonate with the President’s call to address these societal ills.
**Host:** What message do you think is most important for Filipinos to take away from Bonifacio Day?
**Dr. Lopez:** I believe Bonifacio’s life teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, ordinary individuals can make extraordinary contributions. He reminds us that we each have a role to play in shaping a better future for our nation. His legacy should inspire us to be courageous, to fight for what is right, and to work together for a more just and equitable Philippines.
**Host:** Powerful words, Dr. Lopez. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me.
**(Outro Music)**
