Finally, Cebu has place for Bonifacio

IN commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, a monument in his honor that features a six-foot bronze statue was unveiled at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City yesterday.

The Cebu City government, through the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led the ceremony. The bronze statue was made by sculptor Juan Sajid Imao.

“Everyone who helped during the Zamboanga conflict, Supertyphoon Yolanda and the earthquake are modern-day Bonifacios. It is in times like these na lumalabas ang pagkabayani ng mga tao (man’s heroism come out),” said NHCP executive director III Ludovico Badoy during the ceremony.

He said they chose Cebu, as one of the sites where life-sized images of the Katipunan Supremo will rise because it is the “sentro ng Kabisayaan.”

In his speech, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama urged everyone to be heroes as “heroism can also come in small things like just performing your duties with a good heart and mind.” A mass officiated by Msgr. Roberto Alesna preceded the rites./Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita