Duterte on Bonifacio Day: Light the flames of change for the nation

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Filipinos to emulate the Father of the Philippine Revolution, Andres Bonifacio, and to become more active in nation-building.

“It was Andres Bonifacio who ignited the fires of revolt that led to the foundation of our nation and brought freedom to our people," he said in his Bonifacio Day message.

"As the heirs of his revolution, it is our solemn obligation to bring life to his aspirations and usher in an era of civic consciousness and nationalism,” he added.

Duterte said Filipinos today should fight corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs as well as terror and violence.

“Like Bonifacio, let us light the flames of change that will bring about real and meaningful transformation in our nation,” he said.

Read his Bonifacio Day message in both English and Filipino:

President Rodrigo Duterte's Bonifacio Day 2017 message in Filipino

President Rodrigo Duterte's Bonifacio Day 2017 message in English

According to Malacañang, Duterte will not have any official schedule on Bonifacio Day.

Every November 30th of the year is considered a regular holiday to commemorate Bonifacio's birth anniversary.

This year is Andres Bonifacio's 154th birth anniversary. He was born on November 30, 1863 at Calle Azcarraga, presently known as Claro M. Recto Avenue in Tondo, Manila. — BAP, GMA News