DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called on Filipinos to remain “keepers” of the country’s freedom as the defense and military establishment joined the country’s observance of Andres Bonifacio Day.
Tuesday’s commemoration of the 158th birth anniversary of Bonifacio was led by President Duterte, who was joined by the Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Andres Centino during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Spirit of Pinaglabanan Monument in San Juan City.
“Like Bonifacio, may we all become faithful stewards of our nation’s freedom and dedicate ourselves in the service of our fellowmen,” Lorenzana said in a statement released through Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong.
Lorenzana paid tribute to the life and legacy of Bonifacio, whom he called ”a man of lowly beginnings who dared to dream of a free and independent Filipino nation.”
“Today, we take courage in facing our present-day challenges inspired by the patriotism and perseverance of the Great Plebeian. He laid the groundwork for the formation of our republic, and underscored the importance of fulfilling our individual duties and working together towards a common goal,” he said.
Centino, for his part, said Bonifacio, being the father of Philippine revolution, was known for his patriotism and heroism, and has left a “legacy of liberty, dignity and sovereignty” for the Filipinos.
“Today, 158 years after his birth, Gat Andres Bonifacio’s nationalistic spirit, which inspired the Katipunan and spurred our ancestors to unite and fight to establish our republic, still lives on among us. His love of country, bravery, and sacrifices serve as enduring ideals that every freedom-loving citizen strives to emulate and pursue,” Centino said.
In a message to the soldiers, the chief of staff called on the uniformed service to be inspired by Bonifacio.
“To the men and women of the Armed Forces, may the patriotism and heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio empower us to remain faithful and steadfast in our mandate of protecting the people and securing the state, which shall similarly inspire us into becoming more competent and dependable public servants that the Filipino people can truly rely on,” he said.