Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso called on the public to rekindle their sense of patriotism, the same as how our national heroes did as they fought for the freedom of the country and Filipinos.

Domagoso made the statement during the commemoration of Bonifacio Day on Sunday, Nov. 30.

He stressed that the freedoms enjoyed today were secured by Gat Andres Bonifacio and countless others who risked—and in many cases, gave—their lives so that future generations could live with dignity. 

“Kaya ‘wag sana nating limutin, hindi lang sa loob ng silid-aralan, hindi lamang sa mga asignatura ng ating eskwela, kundi bilang mamamayan din na ‘We the people today’—tayo na mga tao ngayon—ay utang natin sa kanila ang ating tinatamasang kalayaan sa ngayon (So let us not forget that ‘We the people today’—we who are the people today—owe to them the freedom we enjoy today)," Domagoso said as he reflected on how the Katipunan leader used not only intelligence but also skill and performance to awaken patriotism. 

He said Bonifacio’s ability to inspire ordinary Filipinos remains a powerful reminder that nation-building is possible even without privilege or status. 

He also urged the public to look beyond the statues and monuments scattered across the Capital City, saying these should not be treated as ordinary structures but as daily reminders of sacrifice and responsibility, stressing that genuine patriotism must be lived out in everyday decisions, not just remembered during holidays. 

“Ang mga bayani, rebulto na ’yan. Maaaring makita ninyo ’yung bakal, semento, pintura, maaaring walang buhay; ngunit habang sila ay dinadaanan natin, dapat nating isabuhay lagi ang mga paalala ng mga rebultong ’yan: na ang pagmamahal sa bayan, minsan sukdulang kahit buhay mo ialay mo. Love your country and the people will immortalize you (Our heroes before have been immortalized by those statues you see today. Their statues made of steel, cement, and paint may appear to be lifeless, but as we pass by them, we must always live the reminders of those statues: that their love for our country goes even beyond to the point of sacrificing their lives. Love your country and the people will immortalize you)," the mayor noted.

Do not lose hope

Despite the various allegations of corruption and political divide currently hounding the country, Domagoso reminded the public to remain hopeful and to continue demanding accountability from those who misuse public funds, but to do so within the rule of law and through the institutions that exist to protect citizens’ rights. 

“Huwag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Alam kong malungkot ang ating sitwasyon bilang bansa sa hinaharap na insidente sa mga nagdaang buwan. 'Ngunit alam ninyo, sabi nga sa salitang Ingles: 'After the rain, there is a rainbow' (Don't lose hope. I know our current situation as a country is sad due to the incidents that have occurred in recent months. But as the old English saying goes, 'There is always a rainbow after the rain')," Domagoso said.

He also reminded families, especially during the Christmas season, that compassion, giving, and love are values that strengthen the nation far more than political labels ever could.