Andres Bonifacio and other heroes
Ang laban ni Bonifacio napakahabang laban. Hindi matapos-tapos; tayo ang tutuloy. (Marching song taught by a feminist)
With young people, we share the experiences of heroes in their youth, we had been taught. In the case of Andres Bonifacio, so much of value can be shared. He was orphaned at 14. Through an ABS-CBN video of the Bayani Series, we view him urging his parents to make an effort to survive tuberculosis. When they died, he neither approached relatives for support nor did he bring his younger siblings to an orphanage. Instead he decided to stop schooling and support them himself. Such a strong sense of self-reliance at 14 makes us understand his demand for independence from Spain, later in life.
When he chose to make canes and fans, he would not sell fans lacking in finish. He was only willing to sell well-made canes and fans. How beautiful to find the insistence on quality control from someone who needed to earn money fast. And he chased after a customer to return the extra money she had paid for his product!
Although he stopped schooling, he took responsibility for his education by reading Rizal’s two novels, the Bible, the history of the United States, the French Revolution, Les Miserables and others. He was more well-read than certain elite reformists who could easily buy books.
Perhaps, reading prevented him from leading a life with a narrow perspective, concerned only with the survival of his family. And he had a colorful life, which included experience as an actor. Although he gave way to the writing skills of Emilio Jacinto, Bonifacio gave us the very beautiful and moving, Pag-Ibig sa Lupang Tinubuan.
So it was not surprising to find him among the founding members of the Katipunan. The group was aiming not only for independence but for three major changes in the country: political change, the shift from a colony to an independent country; social change, the shift from individualism to mutual help, and defense of the oppressed; personal change towards strong moral character. I have admired the wisdom of believing that political change is not sufficient for the authentic liberation of our country and the realization that we needed to transform our relationships as well as ourselves.
With supertyphoon Yolanda and its storm surges, many Filipinos experienced great losses: loved ones; employment and financial security; good health and warm and comfortable homes. People were even losing their minds. Acts of heroism great and small are demanded from all of us. How can we respond to their need for mending and their search for wholeness and healing?
Tinago barangay captain Joel Garganera had just taken his oath. An hour later, he was called to a meeting where he was told that the barangay’s newly completed sports complex near the port area would be used as an evacuation center for typhoon victims from Leyte and Samar. He gave up the celebration for his return as barangay captain.
In a visit to the Tinago Sports Complex with Sr. Vincent and other Alay Kapwa members, I found out Joel’s response to the challenge. At the entrance on one side was a row of washing machines and a large water tank. On the other side were a row of cooking equipment. On the stage was a well-equipped clinic. There were eight comfort rooms aside from portalets. Joel had instructed everyone to maintain cleanliness and with more than enough water it was not difficult to comply with the instruction. Joel provided physical comfort by making arrangements with friends and contacts to bring in those provisions.
In the CCTN Program “Partners in Law” we find out that because of the generosity of many Cebuano groups, evacuees never lacked food. In the beginning there was even an oversupply. Joel remedied this organizing the entry of donors.
To help evacuees reconnect with family members, Joel called friends and associates to provide free tickets for boat rides or plane trips. A couple had left Leyte without their two children. The frail mother refused to eat ever since she was separated from them. Rosemarie Holganza Borromeo worked to track the location of the little ones. With the assistance of Isolde Amante and Singapore Save the Children Foundation, she found them. Rose invited Sr. Vincent and me to be with her to announce the good news to the couple and to assist in their decision whether to go to the children or to bring the children to Cebu. The father said he could not make the trip to fetch the children because of a wound on his back. Fortunately, there was a niece, a teacher who wanted to fetch the children, hoping to bring in her grandmother too. Joel helped in the return of the children to the great joy and relief of the entire family.
When “Partners in Law” moderator, Atty. Melina Almase-Martinez asked Joel what other forms of assistance were needed for the evacuation center, Joel first thanked Cebuanos profusely for their generosity. Then, he reminded us that there were many skilled persons among the evacuees. They are open for employment. That was such a beautiful gesture, this support for their self-reliance.
Ang gubat ni Leon Kilat taas nga pakigbisog. Dugay siyang matapos; kita ang motiwas.
