PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to continue honoring the country’s heroes by being the best version of themselves amid the commemoration of the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, who has been named the father of the Philippine revolution.
Marcos said every Filipino can be a hero in his or her own way, thus he urged them to imitate the loyalty and love for the country of Bonifacio, who led the Katipunan movement to free the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule.
“Magagawa po natin ito sapagkat katuwang natin ang ating mga makabagong bayani -- ang ating mga doktor, mga nars, mga sundalo, mga pulis, OFWs, at ang bawat Juan at Juana -- na buong pusong naglilingkod para sa kapwa,” he said during the wreath laying ceremony at the Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City.
(We can do this because we are with our modern heroes -- our doctors, nurses, soldiers, police, overseas Filipino workers, and every Juan and Juana -- who wholeheartedly serve for others.)
“Those modern-day heroes have shown that every Filipino has the ability to do good to others and society,” he added.
Marcos said Filipinos are obliged to ensure that what Bonifacio fought for during his time will remain alive by ensuring peace, freedom and prosperity in the country.
As the country faces the challenges of modern times, Marcos expressed belief that Bonifacio, other Filipino heroes and the country’s modern heroes serve as examples for the nation to attain its goals.
“Sama-sama nating harapin ang mga hamon ng panahon ngayon nang may pagmamahal sa bayan, determinasyon, tapang, [at] karangalan upang maitaguyod natin ang isang Pilipinas na tunay na nais natin ipagmalaki,” Marcos said.
(Let us together face the challenges of today with love for the country, determination, courage, [and] honor so that we can establish a Philippines that we truly want to be proud of.)
Marcos also highlighted the importance of remembering the lives of the country’s heroes, as well as the history in order to develop national consciousness, which will guide the nation toward a better future. (SunStar Philippines)