Nov. 30 marked the day to remember Andres Bonifacio, and more importantly, the fiesta of the municipality of Amlan.
Then comes December, the cool days ahead in anticipation of Christmas, the thrill of gift-giving and receiving, the passing of 2012, and new beginnings for 2013.
But back to Andres Bonifacio Day. People may have asked: “Bonifacio who? Why? What did he do?”
Do you remember anything about him from history lessons? Andres Bonifacio is one of our national heroes, founder of the Katipunan, a true leader of the revolution against the colonial master Spain.
Andres Bonifacio espoused the values of independence, patriotism, and nationhood.
Inspite of his humble beginnings and elementary education, he was able to lead the armed faction of revolutionaries who took every chance to attack and defeat the Spanish civil guards. He employed guerilla tactics, sabotage, and other covert activities to drive away the foreign conquerors.
Folklore has it that by the time the Americans came in the 1890’s, the Spaniards were ready to leave, and in a smart move, dealt with the Americans to frustrate the quest of Filipinos for independence. And that after the Americans came, there was consensus to promote the image of Jose P. Rizal as national hero. Rizal was a pacifist, holding the view that “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Jose Rizal was the intellectual, thinker, writer, physician who believed that the Filipinos were not yet ready for independence, if they didn’t yet know the essence of their rights and duties as citizens.
In contrast, Andres Bonifacio was the fiery revolutionary, who was felled by the betrayal of his own flock, and had he survived, he would still have pursued his quest for independence against the Americans by armed struggle.
Andres Bonifacio had the image of a folk hero leading his men in armed confrontations. This is one of the reasons why his image is downplayed in our nation’s psyche.
We know now that Rizal was correct, given our present political situation where political dynasties prevail, and a willing citizenry that tolerates it.
Some people say that Manuel L. Quezon got his wish when he said: “I would rather have the Philippines be run like hell by Filipinos, than be run like heaven by the Americans!”
Be careful what you wish for!
And had Andres Bonifacio prevailed, and the Philippines achieved independence by armed struggle, can you imagine what would have happened by now?
