Aquino disappointed at students unfamiliar with Apolinario Mabini
He might not have watched the popular historical film “Heneral Luna” but President Benigno Aquino III was disappointed nonetheless upon hearing stories of students not familiar with Filipino hero Apolinario Mabini.
The President, who was the guest of honor at the 2015 Apolinario Mabini Awards, said he has read news and heard stories being circulated in social media about the film.
“Aaminin ko po. Hindi ko pa napanuod ito,” he told about 200 people in the audience, some of them persons with disabilities (PWDs).
(I must admit. I haven’t watched it.)
Aquino, who is a known history buff, recalled the story relayed to him that Epy Quizon, the actor who played Mabini, was asked by a group of college students why his character remained seated the whole time.
READ:‘Why is Mabini just seated?’ Epy Quizon stands up to the confused
“Ang komento po ng ilang netizens baka pagod lang daw,” Aquino told his amused audience. “Talagang napailing lang po ako nung nakwento sa akin ito.”
(Some netizens commented that he was probably just tired. I couldn’t help but shake my head when the story was shared to me.)
Mabini has been dubbed the “Sublime Paralytic” because of his intelligence and service to the country despite suffering polio and losing his ability to walk.
“Sabihin man na iilang estudyante lang ang nagpahayag nito, masasabing isa rin itong repleksyonsa pagkukulang sa kaalaman sa kasaysayan ng ilang kabataan sa kasalukuyan,” Aquino said.
(Even if only a few students said this, we can say that it is a reflection of a deficiency in the historical knowledge of some young people at present.)
Calling DepEd
Aquino said he’ll call Education Secretary Armin Luistro in a while “para maiwasto ang ganitong pagtingin (to correct this belief).”
Taking on a serious tone, he said it is timely to recall why Mabini, who is among the lead characters in the popular film “Heneral Luna,” was considered a hero in the first place.
“Hindi po matatawaran ang laki at lawak ng ambang sa ating bansa ng tinaguriang dakilang paralitiko at utak ng rebolusyon,” the President said.
(The contribution of one known as the Sublime Paralytic and Brains of the Revolution to our country is unquestionable.) TVJ
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