MANILA. Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. called on the youth to emulate the life of Apolinario Mabini and contribute to the betterment of the country.
Marcos made the pronouncement at the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, Batangas to commemorate the hero’s 160th birth anniversary.
“Tinatawagan ko ang mga kabataang Pilipino ngayon na gawing inspirasyon at halimbawa ang buhay ni Apolinario Mabini upang magpunyagi sa buhay,” said Marcos in a speech.
(I call on the Filipino youth today to use Apolinario Mabini’s life as an inspiration and example of their efforts and struggles.)
“Nawa’y higit [na] maunawaan ng mga [nakababatang] henerasyon ang kaniyang mga pilosopiyang pampulitika at panlipunan upang sila ay mahikayat na mag-ambag sa pagsulong ng ating bansa,” he further added.
(May the [younger] generation better understand his political and social philosophies so that they can be encouraged to contribute to the advancement of our country.)
Marcos also recalled the life of the “Ang Dakilang Paralitiko” (the sublime paralytic) from his early years and his efforts in studies to become the brains of the Katipunan.
According to Marcos, Mabini believed that each Filipino can change and succeed, despite any circumstances or trials.
Mabini, who had polio, was a key figure in the revolution against Spanish and American colonial rule.
Born on July 23, 1864, he died on May 13, 1903, in Manila at 38, shortly after returning from exile in Guam.