THE Davao City Government commemorated the 161st birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Andres Bonifacio Circle.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain, representing Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, highlighted in his speech that the city joins the nation in celebrating Bonifacio Day, not only to honor Bonifacio's birth but also to remember the sacrifices of the revolutionaries who shaped the country.
“Our history laid down the foundation of what our country has become in the present thus, it is our shared duty to ensure that such foundation remains unyielding and that the legacy of our heroes lives on to our prosperity,” he said.
Colonel Yusok Hasan, deputy commander of Task Force-Davao, representing Lieutenant General Luis Rey Bergante of the Eastern Mindanao Command, lauded Bonifacio’s patriotism as an enduring inspiration for all generations.
He described Bonifacio as an ordinary Filipino with an extraordinary sense of duty, reminding soldiers that heroism stems from courage and a commitment to the greater good.
Hasan also emphasized that Bonifacio Day is a time to honor the efforts of safety and security forces, government agencies, non-government organizations, and the resilient people of Davao.
“Through our efforts, the entire Davao Region is now insurgency this achievement is a testament to the unwavering spirit of unity and determination that has brought us to this point,” he said.
He stated that by uniting as one people and one nation, the Philippines can achieve lasting peace. He emphasized the need for the country to move forward with enthusiasm and commitment to sustain and build on its progress.
Hasan also highlighted the importance of investing in education, mentorship, and programs that would offer young Dabawenyos a better, safer, and more successful future, protecting them from radicalization and violent extremism.
This year’s theme, “Pagkakaisang Pilipino: Pundasyon ng Malaya at Maunlad na Bayan” (Filipino Unity: Foundation of a Free and Prosperous Nation), underscores the importance of solidarity in building a better Philippines.
Bonifacio Day, observed annually on November 30, was established by Act No. 2946, enacted by the Philippine Congress on February 6, 1921, to commemorate the revolutionary hero’s birth. RGP