Vice President Leni Robredo (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo called on Filipinos to emulate the courage shown by revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio as the country commemorates his birth anniversary on Monday.
In a statement issued on Bonifacio Day, Robredo noted that “what Bonifacio exemplifies is not the cosmetic courage of bluster, or power, or brute strength” but rather the “courage of compassion.”
“Sa araw na ito, tinatawag tayong isadiwa ang tapang ni Bonifacio sa anumang paraan, sa bawat pagkakataon, sa maliit o malaki mang bagay—sa paghahatid man ng tulong sa kababayang nasalanta, sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran para mapanatiling ligtas ang kapwa ngayong may pandemya, o sa paninindigan laban sa anumang kapabayaan o pang-aapi,” she said.
(Today, we are called to emulate the courage of Bonifacio in any way and opportunity, whether in a big or small way—through delivering help to fellow countrymen, or following rules to let others be safe in this pandemic, or against any form of negligence or oppression.)
Andres Bonifacio monument in the City of Manila (INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA)
Robredo noted that Bonifacio displayed his courage not for show, but that his bravery is rooted from love for his countrymen.
“Hindi pakitang-tao ang tapang na ito. Ito ang tapang na hindi basta-basta tumitiklop dahil mahirap ang landas na hinaharap.
(The courage he portrayed was not meant for show. This is the kind of courage that does not back off amid adversities.)
“Nakaugat ito sa pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino; sa paninindigan na wala dapat naaapi o napapabayaan sa lipunan; sa paniniwalang lahat tayo may karapatang mangarap at kakayahang magpanday ng mas magandang buhay sa bayang mas patas, mas malaya, at mas makatao,” she added.
(It is rooted in love for his fellow Filipinos, in his stance that no one in society must be oppressed or neglected, in his belief that all of us have the right to dream and work for a better life in a country that is fair, free and humane.)
The vice president urged Filipinos to make Bonifacio’s life a guide as the country faces the present challenges.
“Sa pagsalubong natin sa mga hamon ng ating panahon at sa pagsulong natin sa hinaharap, patuloy sanang maging gabay at huwaran ang buhay at tapang ni Andres Bonifacio,” she said.
(As we face the challenges of our times and march ahead, may we have as our guide and example the life and courage of Andres Bonifacio.)
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