As the country celebrates the 157th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday reminded Filipinos that true courage can be exemplified in many ways.

Born on Nov. 30, 1863, Bonifacio is known as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.” He is one of the country’s foremost national heroes for founding the revolutionary group “Katipunan” which fought for the independence of the Philippines from Spain.

Robredo, in her message for this year’s celebration of the Bonifacio Day, asked everyone to emulate his life and reflect more on the true meaning of courage.

“What Bonifacio exemplifies is not the cosmetic courage of bluster, or power, or brute strength; it is the courage of compassion,” she said.

Bonifacio, Robredo said, is best known for his courage when he revolted against the Spaniards. She noted that his courage was not “superficial” - noting how he did not cower in fear amid all the challenges that came his way.

“Nakaugat ito sa pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino; sa paninindigan na wala dapat naaapi o napapabayaan sa lipunan; sa paniniwalang lahat tayo, may karapatang mangarap at kakayahang magpanday ng mas magandang buhay sa bayang mas patas, mas malaya, at mas makatao (It is rooted in love for fellow Filipinos; in the belief that no one should be oppressed or neglected in society; in the belief that we all have the right to dream and the ability to forge a better life in a country that is more equitable, more free, and more humane),” Robredo said.

Just like how Bonifacio showed courage during those trying times, Robredo urged fellow Filipinos to find other ways to show courage and compassion - especially at a time when the country is facing difficulties brought by the COVID-19 and the recent string of disasters.

“Sa araw na ito, tinatawag tayong isadiwa ang tapang ni Bonifacio sa anumang paraan, sa bawat pagkakataon, sa maliit o malaki mang bagay—sa paghahatid man ng tulong sa kababayang nasalanta, sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran para mapanatiling ligtas ang kapwa ngayong may pandemya, o sa paninindigan laban sa anumang kapabayaan o pang-aapi (“On this day, we are called upon to realize Bonifacio's courage in any way, at any time, in small or large things — whether in delivering aid to the afflicted countrymen, in following the rules to keep others safe now with the pandemic, or in the stand against any neglect or oppression),” Robredo added.