Marcos urges Filipinos to show patriotism, love of country on Bonifacio Day

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to uphold patriotism and love of country as the nation marked the 162nd birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio on Sunday.

In a statement, Marcos encouraged the public to follow Bonifacio’s example in defending the nation’s honor and upholding its virtues through their actions.

“Buong-lugod nating isapuso ang tungkuling wala nang hinihigit pa sa pag-ibig sa ating Inang Bayan,” he said.

(Let us wholeheartedly embrace the duty that asks for nothing more than our love for our Motherland.)

He highlighted Bonifacio’s role in Philippine history as a revolutionary hero who awakened Filipinos to the fight for freedom.

“Bagaman higit isang siglo na ang nakalipas, patuloy siyang nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa bawat isa sa atin, at pinangingas rin ng kanyang alaala ang ating determinasyong pangalagaan ang kasarinlang kanyang ipinaglaban noon at ating pinahahalagahan ngayon,” the President said.

(Even if more than a century has passed, he continues to inspire each of us, and his memory fuels our determination to defend the independence he fought for and that we value today.)

“Mula sa kanyang payak na pinagmulan hanggang sa kanyang pagkahirang bilang Supremo, ipinamalas ni Bonifacio na ang tunay na kabayanihan ay nagmumula sa puso—sa tapang, sa dalisay na hangarin, at sa wagas na pag-ibig para sa bayan,” he added.

(From his humble beginnings to his rise as Supremo of the Katipunan, Bonifacio’s life showed that true heroism springs from the heart, defined by courage, sincerity, and genuine love for the nation.)

He expressed hope that Bonifacio’s example and leadership would continue to inspire Filipinos to work toward a peaceful, free, and progressive Philippines.—MCG, GMA Integrated News