Mandaue marks Bonifacio Day with mass, flowers, dances

“WE can be heroes by serving our brothers and sisters who are in need like the victims of the recent calamities in the country.”

This was Msgr. Dan Sanico’s message to Mandauehanons who attended yesterday’s Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City to mark the 150th birthday of the father of the Philippine revolution, Andres Bonifacio.

A floral offering at the Bonifacio monument was followed by a program of  songs, dance and drama.

Sanico, in his homily, said everyone can be a freedom fighter and show their love for the country by following  Bonifacio’s idealism.

Mandaue City Mayor Cortes  said that everyone has benefited from the sacrifice of Bonifacio and other heroes.

“Let us all be counted as one in nation-building,” said Cortes. He said that by just following proper waste disposal, one can already make  the community better.

The Cebu City government will unveil on Monday a statue of   Bonifacio at the Plaza Independencia.  Mayor Michael Rama will accept the donation of a life-size bronze monument from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines which has been distributing Bonifacio statues to towns and cities as part of the celebration of the hero’s 150th birth anniversary. The statue was made by   renowned sculptor Sajid Imao. Another statue was given to Davao City in Mindanao.

Under the deed of donation, a parcel of land inside Plaza Independencia will be provided to display the statue.The Cebu City government will maintain, repair and restore the statue as needed. /Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza with Correspondent Edison A. Delos Angeles