MANILA, Philippines —On the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on every Filipino to live up to the hero’s legacy and show patriotism through honesty and love for their country.
In his address, Marcos highlighted the need for Filipinos to learn from the examples of their heroes, as this would lead to a more prosperous future.
He praised the courage and determination Bonifacio showed in the fight for the country, despite the risks and dangers he faced.
“Hinikayat ko ang aking mga kapwang Pilipino na patuloy na parangalan si Bonifacio at ang lahat ng mga bayaning Pilipino kilala man o hindi na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay upang matiyak ang kalayaan at pagkakakilanlan na siyang pinagmamalaki natin ngayon,” the President said.
(I urge my fellow Filipinos to continue honoring Bonifacio and all other Filipino heroes — known or not — who laid their lives for the peace and the identity we enjoy today.)
“Bilang mga tagapamana ng kalayaang kanilang pinaglaban, tungkulin natin bilang mga Pilipino na panatilihing buhay ang diwa ng kanilang mga layunin at siguruhing mapayapa , malaya at masagana ang ating sambayanan,” he added.
(As heirs of the freedom that they fought for, it is our duty as Filipinos to ensure that the spirit of their aspirations remains alive and that our nation remains peaceful, free, and prosperous.)
He encouraged Filipinos to embody the values of patriotism, honesty, and excellence like the country’s heroes.
“Sikapin natin na maging pinakamahusay na uri ng ating mga sarili, na maging Pilipino na ang katapatan at pagmamahal sa bayan ay kaparis ng ating mga bayani tulad ni Gat Andres,” the President said.
(Let us strive to be the best versions of ourselves and be honest Filipinos who love our nation like heroes such as Gat Andres.)
Marcos highlighted that modern heroes, such as medical frontliners, police, military, overseas Filipino workers, and Filipinos who continue to serve their country exemplify what it means to be an admirable Filipino.
“Pinapakita nila na ang bawat isa sa atin ay may angking kakayahan na makagawa ng kabutihan sa ating lipunan at pamayanan. Ito ay isa sa mahahalagang pamanang iniwan ni gat Andres sa atin na ang bawat isa ay maaaring maging bayani s ating sariling pamamaraan,” he said.
(They show us that each of us can do good to others, society, and nation. This is one of the most important lessons Bonifacio imparted to us — that every one of us can be heroes in our own way.)
The President also called on Filipinos to face adversaries and the challenges of the times with love for the nation, determination, bravery, and honor.
/abc
READ: Bonifacio: A short life dedicated to the Filipino
Marcos led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City on Wednesday morning.
READ: Marcos tells Filipinos on Bonifacio Day: Be vigilant vs social ills, other threats to liberties