Excerpts from the speech of Dr. Esmeralda A.

Bagaipo delivered during the

76th Foundation Week Celebration of Andres Bonifacio College
November 30, 2016

ANDRES BONIFACIO: A Life of Courage, Honor and Heroism

According to an American Philosopher and Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson and

I quote: Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide
upon there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are
always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To
map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the
same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes
brave men to win them.
Time has gone so fast; three decades have passed since I finished
my baccalaureate degree in this prestigious institution. Andres Bonifacio
College has produced many successful graduates and I am glad to tell you
that I am one of them.
What motivation and inspiration can I give to my fellows and students
of Andres Bonifacio College with the theme Andres Bonifacio: A Life of
Courage, Honor and Heroism? Andres Bonifacio y de Castro was born in
Tondo, Manila on November 30, 1863 and died on May 10, 1897. He grew
up in the slums and knew from practical experience the actual conditions of
the class struggle in his society. Orphaned early, his primary schooling was
interrupted in order to earn a living as a craftsman and then as clerkmessenger and agent of foreign commercial firms in Manila. Absorbing the
teachings of classic rationalism form the works of Jose Rizal, Victor Hugos
Les Miserables, Eugene Sues the Wandering Jew, books on the French
Revolution and the lives of the presidents of United States, Bonifacio
acquired an understanding of the dynamics of the socio historical process
which led him to join the La Liga Filipina in 1892. He decided that
Philippines the would only achieve independence through a revolution and

founded the KATIPUNAN, a secret society open to both peasant and

middle class that employed Masonic rituals. He was considered a de facto
national hero of the Philippines, was a Filipino revolutionary leader and the
President of the Tagalog Republic. He is often called The Great Plebeian
and The Father of the Philippine Revolution.
A man who never expected to be in the spotlight but out of love for his
country, he staged actions that changed the course of Philippine history.
His values that need to be internalized in our hearts are: one, Optimistic
Attitude and Strong Sense of Responsibility. The episodes of his life
were not uncommon being an orphan at a young age, but what was
uncommon about him was that he was an optimist and stood on his feet
and worked hard to raise his younger brothers and sisters after their
parents death. This proved that being responsible cannot be quantified by
ones age. It is a matter of learning how to act, rationalize and decide
correctly despite the overwhelming burdens and pressures. He showed
high regard for education, he engaged himself in reading books. We should
realize that even at present, a commendable reading habit is very important
in enriching minds and in making ourselves productive and competent.
Second, Social Responsiveness. He felt the social malaise as a result of
Spanish oppression, he sold revolutionary leaflets near UST, joined the La
Liga Filipina and founded the Katipunan on July 7, 1892. In an aim to gain
independence, Bonifacio actively responded to the call of the times to make
a change. Third, Patriotism.
The official organ of the Katipunan,
KALAYAAN revealed that Bonifacio encouraged the use of the vernacular
in the association and opted to write in Tagalog to show patriotism and love
for his native language. Lastly, is Humility. Though he was portrayed as
arrogant, this can be belied by anecdotes involving him and Emilio Jacinto.
He promptly withdrew the Decalogue and ordered the adoption of Jacintos
work, Mga Aral ng Katipunan.
Ladies and gentlemen, the life, works and ideals of Andres Bonifacio
brought a gigantic impact to Philippine history. He has shown the greater
meaning and purpose of his life. The virtuous deeds inspired many of us
today to continue the struggle to attain our aspirations with something
bigger than ourselves. Political, social, economic and emotional pressures

are not reasons for a person to engage himself/herself with corruption,

crimes, greed and violence just to satisfy ones wants and caprices. Recent
events have shown that there are some of us who seek to sow terror and
wreak havoc in our society bringing destruction of property and lives of our
countrymen. Why? Are they desperate or hopeless enough? Or dont have
the courage to be righteous?
Whether we recognized or not, many of our brothers and sisters are
like Bonifacio. They live and die with the ideals of a servant leader
exemplified by Jesus Christ. May I mention to you the life of a man whom I
considered my surrogate father who inspired and motivated me to be who I
am today. A man so simple, down to earth, humble, so generous and kind
to help the needy. I can still remember signed a promissory note allowing a
particular student to take an examination and arranged that the needed
amount be deducted from his salary. He was ready to help the oppressed
as a human rights advocate, and speak for democracy and justice as a
journalist. This caused the untimely death of a loving father leaving behind
two innocent kids and a widow. My overwhelming gratitude and honor to
my hero, the late JACOBO S. AMATONGSir Kubo, to my manay and
tatay, to Manong Dinsoy, Gingging and Auntie Helen.I am one of your
living legacies.
I took their advice and concerns positively when I was their working
student. I committed and promised myself to sacrifice for my education.
Along the way, being a student assistant, I learned many good things
specially the value of hard work, commitment and integrity. My great
gratitude goes to the people who influenced and molded me for who and
what I am now.
True education is concerned not only with earthly desires but with
eternal life. This will lead us to do moral actions leading to a fulfilling life,
and that is happiness. Everyone of us desires to be happy and to be happy
is to love others. To love our country, neighbors, family and yourself
selflessly, exemplify the unconditional love that God wants us to share.

I am appealing to you, especially the young minds of today, to live a

humble life. Offer every inch of your steps to God Almighty. Establish an
intimate relationship with God who is the Creator, Provider and make him
your BFF. In this manner, whatever malaise that will come your life, you will
be resilient because you live in the power of His daily sufficient grace.
Thank you and have a wonderful and gracious life ahead.