President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to be "dutiful and law-abiding" citizens as the nation celebrates the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.
"I call on my fellow Filipinos to honor Bonifacio’s life of extraordinary selflessness by becoming dutiful and law-abiding citizens who will contribute towards a brighter and freer future for all Filipinos," Marcos said in a statement Wednesday, Nov. 30.
He also told the citizenry to remain vigilant in protecting the country from "social ills and other elements that threaten our liberties."
Marcos paid tribute to the father of the Philippine revolution, saying it was through his bold idea that our ancestors were able to muster the will and the courage to fight their oppressors, "paving the way to our motherland’s eventual emancipation."
"Indeed, it was his deeds that provided the impetus for our collective liberation, which we are challenged to preserve and protect amidst these trying times," he said.
On Bonifacio Day, President Marcos tells the nation to "remain vigilant in protecting our country from social ills and other elements that threaten our liberties." @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/76qiPYG8oz
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) November 30, 2022
The President led the commemoration of Bonifacio Day in Caloocan City, where he encouraged the nation to emulate Bonifacio's courage in overcoming the challenges of modern times.
"Habang patuloy tayong nakikibaka sa mga hamon ng modernong panahon, nawa’y maging halimbawa si Bonifacio at ang ating mga bayani, noon at ngayon, upang mag-tagumpay tayo sa ating mga hangarin (While we go through the challenges of modern times, may the example of Bonifacio and other heroes then and now to succeed in our dreams)," Marcos said.
The chief executive also urged Filipinos to be better version of themselves and be a Filipino whose loyalty and love for the country is like that of Bonifacio.
He also encouraged the nation to continue honoring Bonifacio and all other Filipino heroes, "known or not", to ensure the country's freedom and identity.
"Ang kanyang pangalan ay mananatiling naka-ukit sa ating kasaysayan kailanman, hindi lamang dahil sa kanyang pamumuno sa rebolusyon kundi sa kanyang ‘di matatawarang tapang at pagmamahal sa bayan (His name will remain engraved in our history, not only for leading the revolution but for his unconditional bravery and love for the country)," Marcos said.
"Bilang mga tagapagmana ng kalayaang kanilang ipinaglaban, tungkulin natin bilang mga Pilipino na panatilihing buhay ang diwa ng kanilang mga layunin at siguruhing mapayapa, malaya, at masagana ang ating sambayanan (As inheritors of the freedom they fought for, it is our duty as Filipinos to keep the spirit of their objectives alive and ensure a peaceful, free, and abundant nation)," Marcos added.