The Department of National Defense (DND) commemorated the 158th birth anniversary of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio on Tuesday, November 30, with a challenge to Filipinos to be "faithful stewards of freedom."
"The Department of National Defense joins the nation in commemorating the life and legacy of Andres Bonifacio. He was a man of lowly beginning who dared to dream of a free and independent Filipino nation," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
"Like Bonifacio, may we all become faithful stewards of our nation’s freedom and dedicate ourselves in the service of our fellowmen," he added.
Bonifacio, known as the Father of the Philippine Revolution, was born on Nov. 30, 1863 in Manila.
He was one of the founders of the "Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan" or KKK, a secret revolutionary movement that sought to free the Philippines from the colonization of Spain in the 1890s.
He became the organization's "Supremo" or supreme leader and went on to inspire many ordinary Filipinos who joined the revolution against the oppressive rule of the Spaniards.
On May 10, 1897, he was executed in Cavite after being accused of treason by soldiers loyal to President Emilio Aguinaldo.
Lorenzana said Filipinos should honor Bonifacio by exemplifying the same tenacity he had in fighting against the country's social ills.
"Today, we take courage in facing our present-day challenges inspired by the patriotism and perseverance of the Great Plebeian. He laid the groundwork for the formation of our republic, and underscored the importance of fulfilling our individual duties and working together towards a common goal," the Defense Chief stated.