They disagree on many issues but the two top officials of the country agreed on the relevance of Bonifacio Day on the lives of the Filipinos.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Filipinos owe Andres Bonifacio, the father of the Philippine Revolutionary group KKK, a debt of gratitude for awakening our national consciousness, upholding our sense of identity and rousing our spirit of self-determination.
Marcos stressed that ” people can honor Bonifacio by finding deeper meaning in his sacrifice and doing part in liberating our country from the shackles of hunger, corruption, criminality and other ills of society”.
On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte reminded the Filipinos to keep the spirit of Bonifacio alive in their hearts.
” Tiyakin sana lagi natin na manatiling buhay ang diwa ni Bonifacio sa ating mga puso. Ipalaganap natin ang mensahe ng kanyang kabayanihan sa isat isa at sana ay maging apoy itong mag alab para tayo ay maging mas matatag, matapang at naninindigan’. Duterte said.
Government officials commemorate the 161st Bonifacio Day with wreath-laying activities while militant groups do it with protest actions calling for pro-poor programs and reforms in government systems.
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.