Like the challenges that the plebeian Andres Bonifacio fought during his time, the nation must overcome present-day oppressors such as illegal drugs, corruption, and poverty to become progressive, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Saturday.

President Duterte led the national celebration commemorating the 156th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, the Supremo of the Katipunan and Hero of the Masses.

“In this day and age, we look again to the Supremo for the inspiration to face the many adversities that befall us,” the President said in his address during the event held at the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.

“Now, we are challenged to overcome the oppressors of the present day, time: illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism, poverty, environmental degradation and other societal ills that continue to hinder our progress.”

Bonifacio, who at an early age experienced hardships before leading the revolution against the colonizers, gives inspiration for the country, the President said.

“Truly, his courage to face insurmountable odds continues to inspire us in the pursuit of a truly independent Philippines,” he said.

“We owe Bonifacio today and other unsung Filipinos heroes the awakening of the Filipino nationalism, conscious to fight for our rights, to build an entire nation and to enjoy the various freedoms that we enjoy today.”

The President expressed his gratitude to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and its partners for spearheading the annual day of remembrance to honor Bonifacio’s life and works.

Joining the President were Social Welfare Sec. Rolando Bautista, NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Noel Clement and Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan and other Cabinet members.

This year’s commemoration has a theme, “Bonifacio 2019: Pagpupugay at Pag-alala sa Kagitingang Ipinamalas.” PND