ON THE 145th birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio, President Rodrigo Duterte called on his fellow countrymen to emulate Bonifacio by seeking "real and meaningful" progress in the nation.
Duterte, in his message on Bonifacio Day, said each Filipino should unite to rid the nation of unabated proliferation of corruption, criminality, narcotics trade, and hostilities of armed groups.
He urged the public to envision a "peaceful, orderly and comfortable life for all" to make the country "better and more progressive."
"Let us fight to free ourselves from the grasp of corruption, criminality and illegal drugs; to liberate our people from the clutches of terror and violence; and to preserve our ideals, values and way of life," Duterte said.
The President paid tribute Wednesday, November 30, to Bonifacio "who ignited the fires of revolt that led to the foundation of our nation and brought freedom to our people. "
He said Filipinos are duty-bound to reinvigorate Bonifacio's ultimate goal to promote "civic consciousness and nationalism."
"On this day, we pay tribute to Andres Bonifacio, the 'Father of the Philippine Revolution,'" the President said. "As the heirs of his revolution, it is our solemn obligation to bring life to his aspirations and usher in an era of civic consciousness and nationalism."
Branded as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution," Bonifacio led the revolutionary secret society Katipunan in 1896 to fight Spanish colonial rulers.
Duterte cited Katipunan heroes' gallantry as a good precedent to encourage Filipino people to actively participate in nation-building, especially when the country's future "is at stake."
"As we strive to give a peaceful, orderly and comfortable life for all, may we never lose sight of our shared vision for a better and more progressive Philippines. Like Bonifacio, let us light the flames of change that will bring about real and meaningful transformation in our nation," he added. (SunStar Philippines)