Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City
November 30, 2021

“The bravery and patriotism of Gat Andres Bonifacio and many of our forebears who fought against foreign dominators must serve as our guiding post in beating the odds that hinder our progress as a people and as a nation,” President Duterte underscored in his keynote message as he led the nation in commemorating the 158th Birth Anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, one of the country’s greatest heroes, in a ceremony at the Spirit of Pinaglabanan Monument in Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City.

The President offered a wreath during the solemn occasion that carried the theme, ‘Bonifacio 2021: Pagbubuklod para sa Kaligtasan at Kalusugan ng Bayan’ (Uniting for the Safety and Wellness of the Nation’).

“May this event be a constant reminder of [the] invaluable contribution and selfless sacrifice of our heroes, especially Gat Andres, in paving the way for the liberty and independence that we enjoy today,” President Duterte said in his message after conferring posthumously the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Magalong to Gat Andres Bonifacio. The said award was received by the hero’s great granddaughter, Buena Grace Distrito Casanova.

The Chief Executive congratulated the San Juan City Government for hosting this year’s commemoration at the Pinaglabanan Shrine that played an important role in the Katipunan’s quest for the nation’s independence.

Likewise, he lauded the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for undertaking the restoration and rehabilitation of two (2) historical and cultural landmarks, namely the El Deposito Underground Reservoir and the diorama exhibit at the Museo ng Katipunan which showcases the historical Battle of San Juan del Monte.

“As we commemorate these events, I invite every Filipino to become a hero like Bonifacio by participating actively in our nation-building efforts, especially in those challenging times when we have to secure our nation’s health, safety and wellness. In this light, I call on our kababayans to emulate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s strong sense of civic duty, courage and love of country in our daily lives, even in the simplest ways,” President Duterte concluded in his speech.

The historical event was attended by Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong Go, San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos.

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