National and local government officials, security forces, and diplomatic guests gathered on Saturday, November 30, 2024, to commemorate the 161st Bonifacio Day at the Bonifacio Rotunda.
This year’s theme is “Pagkakaisang Pilipino: Pundasyon ng Malaya at Maunlad na Bayan.”
Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain led the wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In a speech, delivered by Vice Mayor Quitain on his behalf, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte encouraged the people of Davao to draw inspiration from the stories of heroism and to embody the spirit of unity and patriotism. He emphasized that this spirit is a driving force in overcoming challenges.
“Indeed, our profound love and care for our homeland have endured through the years. May we continue to instill Filipino values in the younger generation and work together to lead our country to greater heights in the future,” the mayor’s speech reads.
Col. Yusop Hassan, Deputy Commander of Task Force Davao, also read the speech of Eastern Mindanao Commander MGen. Luis Rex Bergante.
In his message, MGen. Bergante highlighted Andres Bonifacio’s legacy as a hero with an extraordinary sense of duty, which continues to serve as an example for all Filipinos.
“Our ancestors demonstrated this sense of duty in their struggle for freedom to ensure a prosperous and harmonious future for our country, especially for the generations to come. Above all, let us continue to fulfill our sacred responsibility to the Filipino people,” Bergante stated.
During the event, consular offices, the security cluster, national agencies, invited organizations, and various groups also laid wreaths at the Bonifacio Monument. CIO
