Wreath-laying, 21-gun salute done for Andres Bonifacio’s 152nd birthday

Published November 30, 2015 11:54am
Updated November 30, 2015 12:11pm

A 21-gun salute was done at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig in celebration of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s 152nd birthday, a report by Jay Sabale on GMA News TV’s News to Go said Monday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin led government officials in offering flowers at the venue.

Paying tribute to Bonifacio's heroism, Gazmin recalled that poverty was never an issue for Bonifacio to study, learn and express his love for the country.

Gazmin added that while Bonifacio did not live to enjoy the freedom he fought for, the Filipinos should always remember and live by the example of the late hero.

In Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bonifacio Shrine also to commemorate the Supremo’s birthday, reported GMA News' Lia Mañalac-del Castillo.

Representatives from the Department of Education- Manila, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and National Historical Institute (NHI) were also present.

Bonifacio descendants Atty. Gregorio Bonifacio and Emiliano Distrito as well as relatives of Juan Luna also offered flowers at the shrine.

In preparation for Bonifacio Day celebrations, representatives from non-government organizations, the Bureau of Fire Protection, policemen, and the Philippine army parked along EDSA near Monumento. Bonifacio’s grandchildren Roman Paolo and Maria Elizia Bonifacio also arrived.

Officials from Caloocan City, including Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Emerson Carlos, offered flowers at Monumento.

This evening, there will be a turning on of ceremonial Christmas lights, a fireworks display, and a concert.

Gat Andres Bonifacio was born in Tondo, Manila. Though Bonifacio was unable attend college and was forced to sell canes and fans to support his siblings after their parents’ death, he was still able to educate himself by reading influential novels like the works of Jose Rizal.

Bonifacio then went on to found the Katipunan and became the first leader of the revolution against the Spaniards. He was removed from the position during the Tejeros Convention in Cavite and was sentenced to death by his fellow Katipuneros. The execution was done by Emilio Aguinaldo’s men on 10 May 1897 in Marogondon, Cavite. — Bea Montenegro/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: bonifacioday, andresbonifacio