CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Government of San Fernando through its City Tourism Office joined the nation in commemorating the 155th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio by laying a wreath and conducting a short program at Heroes Park and Mini Convention Center of Heroes Hall here.
Mayor Edwin Santiago led the wreath laying ceremony and program together with City Councilor Angie Hizon, the descendants of Procopio and Andres Bonifacio Marcelina Bonifacio, and May Andrea Bonifacio, Mason Benevolent Worshipful Masters Abel Lingat, and Edgar Dale, and Erning Dumas.
It is unknown to many that Andres Bonifacio has Kapampangan roots, as his father was a boatman born in Masantol, Pampanga.
The hero grew up in Tondo, Manila which was part of Pampanga during the Spanish colonial era.
Bonifacio was a poet and a writer, which proved that Bonifacio was actually one of the members of the Masantol community, since Masantol was known for its people gifted with poetry and writing skills.
South Cotabato Police Chief Inspector May Andrea Bonifacio stated in her message that Andres Bonifacio faced a lot of obstacles but was able to achieve his purpose---to fight for the country and show his love for it.
"We are all facing problems right now, but what's important is that we use our hearts in loving and serving our country like Andres Bonifacio. Even though the status of our country right now is economically and internally problematic, we should be united and do good to one another," Bonifacio said.
Bonifacio also expressed gratitude for the undying annual celebration of Andres Bonifacio’s birthday.
"I'm so happy that City of San Fernando and its tourism office maintain a yearly celebration for Andres Bonifacio. I really hope that the youth would continue looking up to him and keep everything in mind the historic contributions and sacrifices of the hero who was killed by his own countrymen," the South Cotabato police chief inspector added.
It could be recalled that Andres Bonifacio was executed upon Emilio Aguinaldo's orders which are to arrest, and charge him with treason and sedition. Bonifacio was meted the capital punishment in Maragondon, Cavite on May 10, 1897.
For his part, Santiago explained that Bonifacio is a good role model for the youth and society, as he showed Filipinos that fighting for one's rights and freedom is nothing to be ashamed of, but to be proud of.
"If we work hard enough, we will be able to get what we want. That's what Andres Bonifacio did--he really strived to get it," Santiago said.