May 10 is a date that binds two lives across centuries—Andres Bonifacio’s death in 1897 and my birth in 1978. The numbers dance in a different order, yet they whisper of continuity: a life that ended for freedom, and a life that began to seek meaning in service and truth.
Bonifacio was a man of the masses, a warehouse clerk who rose to lead a revolution. He fought not for privilege but for dignity, not for power but for equality. His ideals were simple yet profound: love for country, respect for humanity, and courage to act when silence meant slavery.
I ask myself: Are my ideals the same? In my ministry, I strive to heal bodies and spirits, to restore indigenous wisdom, and to weave peace where division thrives. Bonifacio wielded a bolo; I wield knowledge and compassion. He fought colonial chains; I fight cultural erasure and moral decay. Different battles, same spirit—the spirit of May 10.
If Bonifacio had lived, perhaps the Philippines would be a nation of shared power, not concentrated wealth; a country where leadership springs from service, not greed. That dream remains unfinished. And so, the question is not whether we are the same, but whether we will continue what he began.
A Modern Manifesto Inspired by Bonifacio
We, the children of the archipelago, declare:
- Pag-ibig sa Bayan – We love the Philippines not as a commodity but as our sacred home.
- Pagkakapantay-pantay – Every Filipino, regardless of class, deserves dignity and opportunity.
- Katotohanan at Katarungan – Truth and justice shall be the pillars of governance.
- Paggalang sa Kalikasan at Lahi – We honor our environment and indigenous heritage as foundations of national identity.
- Panagutan at Pagkakaisa – Leaders are servants, not masters; citizens are partners, not subjects.
We reject corruption, greed, and foreign domination disguised as progress. We embrace education, cultural integrity, and moral governance.
Call to Action: Molding the Reality of Our Country
The Philippines we dream of will not rise by wishful thinking. It demands participation, courage, and unity. Here’s how we begin:
- Educate and Empower – Share knowledge of our history and indigenous wisdom.
- Engage in Civic Life – Vote wisely, speak boldly, and hold leaders accountable.
- Practice Ethical Living – Reject greed in our own choices; live with integrity.
- Build Communities of Care – Support local initiatives, heal divisions, and foster solidarity.
Bonifacio’s revolution was not just against Spain—it was against apathy. Today, our revolution is against corruption, ignorance, and indifference. The spirit of May 10 lives in us when we act.
Final Note
As we honor Andres Bonifacio today, let us remember that his dream was not for a country ruled by greed but for a nation built on justice, equality, and love for the motherland. May his courage inspire us to rise above complacency and shape the Philippines we deserve.
Happy Bonifacio Day! Mabuhay ang ating Bayan!
Dambana ng Luntiang Aghama 