MANILA — The relatives of Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Philippine Revolution and his wife, Gregoria de Jesus urged Filipinos to unite and stop bickering for the nation to be prosperous.
At the sidelines of the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Bonifacio Shrine in Taft Avenue, Manila in commemoration of the hero’s 154th birth anniversary on Thursday, Dominic Faustino, a relative of De Jesus and Susan Eslabon Distrito, a relative of Bonifacio are convinced that citizens of this country must act as one for the good of the nation.
“Katulad doon sa speech kanina, sana magkaroon ng unity ang (mga) Pilipino, huwag watak-watak para umunlad ang ating bansa (Like what was mentioned in the speech earlier, Filipinos must have unity. We must avoid division in order to achieve development,” Faustino said.
He was referring to the speech of Manila City Administrator Erickson Alcovendaz, who read the message of Mayor Joseph Estrada, who was not able to join the event due to health reasons.
The local government official noted that commemorating the birth anniversary of the ‘Great Plebeian’ is the best time or opportunity for the people to work as one nation.
“Ngayon marahil ang magandang pagkakataon na makita natin yung kasaysayan at magsilbing aral sa atin upang sa gayon magkaisa na tayo bilang isang bansa, (Probably, the best time to look back at history and remember its lessons in order for us to unite as one nation.)” he added.
For her part, Distrito said, “Dapat ganoon ang mangyari para gumanda ang ating bansa. Magsama-sama, magtulungan, (That is what must happen for the development of the country. Let’s join hands and help each other.)”
On the other hand, Estrada, in his message, is hoping that the people will not forget the lessons of the past or the heroes of the country.
“Ang pagmamahal sa bayang sinilangan, pagiging tapat sa mga kasamahan at kaibigan, pagtaguyod sa mga tungkulin, at kahandaan sa pagsikap upang mabuo ang mga pangarap sa ating bansa. Ang lahat ng ito ay pamana ni Gat. Andres sa ating lahat. Sana’y wag nating kalimutan ang mga aral na kanyang iniwan sa atin (The love for country, loyalty to our colleagues and friends, fulfillment of our duties and the readiness to work hard for the realization of our dreams. These are Gat Andres’ legacy to us. Let us not forget the lessons that he imparted to us),” he said.
Aside from the event in Manila, ceremonial activities were simultaneously held in Caloocan City at the Bonifacio National Monument; Bonifacio monuments in Cloverleaf, Balintawak, Quezon City and Tutuban, Manila, respectively to commemorate the hero’s birthday.