President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to rediscover the courage, patriotism, and fierce sense of justice embodied by Gat Andres Bonifacio, as the nation commemorated the 162nd anniversary of the revolutionary hero’s birth.
In his message, Marcos reflected on Bonifacio’s pivotal role in awakening the Filipino spirit, describing him as a figure who ignited unity and emboldened the people to stand against oppression. The President said Bonifacio’s legacy remains a guiding force, especially in a time when the country continues to face complex social and political challenges.
Marcos reminded the public that Bonifacio’s values are not relics of history but enduring lessons that shape the nation’s character. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding dignity, acting for the common good, and nurturing genuine love of country — virtues that defined the Supremo’s life and struggle.
He noted that Bonifacio’s courage during an era of widespread injustice continues to spark inspiration today, urging Filipinos to rise above adversity and uphold the freedoms that generations before them fought to secure. The President highlighted how Bonifacio’s unwavering resistance to tyranny, even in the face of overwhelming odds, remains a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
Marcos also pointed to Bonifacio’s personal journey — marked by hardship yet fueled by an unshakeable desire for equality — as the foundation of his vision for a just and sovereign nation. It was this conviction, he said, that led to the formation of the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, a movement that guided Filipinos toward self-determination.
The President underscored that true heroism, as exemplified by Bonifacio, springs not from privilege but from sincerity, courage, and an enduring love for the nation. From his humble beginnings to his rise as the Supremo of the Katipunan, Bonifacio demonstrated that the strength of a people lies in their collective will to fight for freedom.
As the country reflects on Bonifacio’s contributions, Marcos urged Filipinos to let the hero’s ideals — and the hope he carried under his codename Maypagasa — illuminate the nation’s pursuit of a peaceful, free, and prosperous future.
He encouraged the public to honor Bonifacio not only in memory but through action, by embodying the same spirit of solidarity and patriotism that fueled the revolution more than a century ago.