Duterte to Filipinos: ‘Emulate Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty’

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday called on Filipinos to emulate Andres Bonifacio’s “strong sense of civic duty, courage, love of country.”

During the commemoration of the 158th birth anniversary of the Philippine hero, the President offered a wreath at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City.

Duterte awarded Bonifacio the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong rank, which was received by the hero’s kin, Buena Grace Casanova.

“As we commemorate these events, I invite every Filipino to become a hero like Bonifacio by participating actively in our nation-building efforts, especially those challenging times when we have to secure our nation’s health, safety and wellness,” Duterte said.

“In this light, I call on our kababayans to emulate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty, courage, love of country in our daily lives even in the simplest ways,” he added.

Duterte said that Bonifacio and other ancestors’ bravery and patriotism “must serve as our guiding post in beating the odds that hinder our progress as a people and as a nation.”

“Indeed, remembering historical events such as these are vital to enriching our understanding and appreciation for our nation’s culture,” said the president. “I believe that by revisiting and honoring our past we will be able to impart a stronger sense of nationhood to the present and future generations of Filipinos.”

Bonifacio is the founder and leader of the Kataastaasang Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) which sparked the revolt of August 1896 against the Spaniards.

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